Olvera

Approximately forty minutes north-east of Ronda in a verdant, agricultural region famed for its olive oil , lies one of Spain’s most beautiful “Pueblo Blancos” (white villages), Olvera.  There has been a settlement on this site for over two thousand years and the town is still dominated by the imposing 12th century Arabic castle and the twin-spired 18th century Iglesia de la Encarnacion church.

Olvera and the surrounding countryside have much to offer the traveller who is looking for a taste of the real Spain.  Life here is unhurried, relaxed and you can be sure of a warm welcome.  You can take your pick from the many excellent restaurants and bars, including the newly opened Tartan Bar.  There are independent shops as well as supermarkets and a weekly market. A town square with gardens and a waterfall provides an attractive meeting place.  There is also a public swimming pool and tennis courts.

One of the biggest attractions of the area is the Via Verde or Green Way.  This is a former unused railway line which runs through 38 kilometres of breathtaking countryside with over twenty tunnels and six viaducts to be walked, cycled or ridden.  A great way to see rural Spain!

Within easy driving distance of Olvera are the historic towns of Granada, Ronda and Seville plus many more small villages each with their own unique charm.

The region offers many nature reserves with opportunities for, amongst other things, bird watching at the salt water lakes of Fuente de la Piedra where you can see flamingos.  At El Torcal there are eagles and ibex to be spotted amongst the almost Luna landscape.