Explore Spain’s Secret Olive Routes with the Oleotourism Spain Project

Vineyard visits and wine tasting have long formed a favourite part of Spanish holidays, but now Spain  is inviting tourists to discover the rich world of its olive oil through the launch of Oleoturismo España (Oleotourism Spain). This new network features over 100 curated experiences across nine provinces, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the traditions, landscapes, and flavours of Spanish olive oil – a product internationally recognised for its exceptional quality and ranked among the finest in the world.

Backed by €1.5 million in EU recovery funds and coordinated by the Spanish Association of Olive Oil Municipalities (AEMO), this initiative aims to position olive oil not just as a symbol of national identity, but also as a central pillar of sustainable rural tourism. It invites travellers to experience Spain through an alternative lens, supporting the country´s efforts to encourage deeper discovery of its towns, villages and countryside away from the crowds and outside of high season.

Outlined below are three exceptional, lesser known oleotourism routes where travellers can experience Spain’s olive growing heritage firsthand.

1. Pulpí (Almería, Andalusia)

Tucked between the desert landscapes of eastern Andalusia and the Almerían coast, Pulpí offers enriching oleotourism experiences through OleoAlmanzora, one of the region’s most dynamic olive estates. Visitors can begin their journey with a guided walk through carefully cultivated olive groves, learning about the region’s distinctive dryland farming practices and the local varieties of both Picual and Arbequina olives. From there, they will tour the mill and learn how the oil is cold-pressed and bottled, with an emphasis on sustainability and innovation. The highlight is the tasting session, where visitors sample a range of extra virgin olive oils ranging from pure to flavoured infusions like garlic, chili, or lemon, paired with fresh bread, tomatoes, and local charcuterie. OleoAlmanzora even offers special olive oil focused breakfasts for guests looking for a healthy Mediterranean style start to their day.

2. Riudecanyes (Tarragona, Catalonia)

Just 30 minutes inland from the Costa Daurada, Riudecanyes is a charming Catalan mountain village with rich olive oil production heritage. Here, visitors can experience olive culture through Escornalbou Gourmet, a boutique family-run initiative focused on eco-friendly production and cultural preservation. The journey begins with a guided stroll among century-old olive trees that have shaped the landscape for generations. Hosts explain how the local microclimate and traditional cultivation techniques produce oil with a balanced, fruity character. Visitors then head to the on-site interpretation centre for hands-on experiences, including tastings of olive oil with traditional pan con tomate, olive pâtés, and chocolate made with olive oil. Escornalbou also offers interactive workshops where guests can infuse their own olive oil, create olive-based cosmetics, or participate in seasonal harvest events.

3. Serra Calderona (Valencian Community)

Northwest of Valencia city lies the Serra Calderona Natural Park, an unspoilt area rich in biodiversity, and a long-standing olive oil tradition. The surrounding villages, such as Olocau, Gàtova, and Segorbe, form part of a movement to preserve heritage olive varieties, many of which are listed on the Slow Food Ark of Taste for their endangered status and exceptional quality. Visitors here can hike or cycle along scenic trails that wind through terraced olive groves, many of which are still hand-harvested using ancestral methods. Local cooperatives and family producers offer tastings of rare oils from trees that are hundreds of years old, including varieties like Serrana de Espadán and Villalonga. The focus here is on education, nature, and environmental preservation. The proximity to hiking routes, medieval towns, and artisan producers makes Serra Calderona a perfect spot for travellers who value eco-tourism and cultural authenticity.

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