Oleoturism is a new way which allows tourist to discover the olive oil
routes, enjoying nature, gastronomy and cultural heritage, perfect for those
olive oil lovers who want to live a new experience with a strong Spanish
identity.
Besides, oleoturism has become a good resource for farmers. In some
cases it has allowed farmers who hardly found profitability in their crops, to
maintain the tradition with this economic activity.
What is oleoturism?
Oleotourism is a new term to refer to Tourism activities related to Olive
Oil. It is an alternative to traditional tourism in which activities, visits,
accommodation, catering, shopping, routes, hiking, and relaxation revolves
around a consumer product, in this case, the Olive Oil.
A single day of oleotourism makes visitors become unconditional Olive
Oil, which before in many cases, either due to ignorance or wrong beliefs did
not consume Olive Oil or know its benefits or its uses. Oleotourism is such a
pleasant experience for the senses that one concludes it with the feeling of
having received a lesson in the wisdom of nature. It is a versatile type of
tourism that unites gastronomy with sport, beauty, and health, and that
proposes adopting an alternative lifestyle.
It is mainly developed in Andalusia, in the southern part of the Iberian
Peninsula and in the coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea.
Jaén, a province that produces more than 20% of all olive oil worldwide
and 50% of the Spanish olive oil, is a good place to enjoy it: in the Sierras
de Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas or in the other natural areas of the
Province: Sierra Mágina, Sierra de Andújar, and Despeñaperros. Also with the
cultural tourism of the World Heritage cities: Úbeda and Baeza, the routes of
the Southern Renaissance, and the routes of the Castles and Battles.
A proposal for
Oleoturism: Vía Verde del Aceite
In the mentioned province it should be noted the Vía Verde del Aceite or its English translation "The Green
Road of Oil" that runs on an old disused railway track and goes through
the southwest sector of the Province of Jaén for 55 kilometers. This route also
continues into the Province of Córdoba to complete the 112 kilometers of the route.
It is a destination for hiking or cycling lovers where you can delve
into the immense landscapes of olive trees dotted with historic towers. The
itinerary begins in Jaén city and ends in the Navas de Sepillar, in the
province of Córdoba. Through this green route, you can discover rural towns
like Torredelcampo, Torredonjimeno, Martos, Vado Jaén, Alcaudete Station,
Luque, Zuheros, Doña Mencía, Cabra or Lucena.
The most advisable thing is to make such tours in the months of December
and January, just in the olive harvest season.