Contributor's Corner

Far ranging topics from this corner of Cadiz

This page is completely designed for people (not from Olvera Properties) who have something to say or who have pictures to show about the region. It is our hope that this page will become a very rich area of ideas and a possible resource for those looking to explore the area. Olvera Properties cannot be held responsible for the veracity of the information provided.

Contributors:

Frank Hair runs Buitre Birding Tours which offers an exciting range of safaris to different locations to see flamingos or Griffin vultures, fish-eagles or bee-eaters. These journeys are tailor made for the client and whether one is a professional or a novice, Frank who can supply all the equipment needed, makes the time fly by.

Mick Walker has been living in Spain, and more specifically in Andalucia, on and off for 30 years. He is very passionate about the area and is a point of reference when it comes to discovering unique places, people and things. He is currently resident in Olvera and writes personal articles for The Olive Press.

Mari Rowllands came to Olvera to look after Rustic Route Holidays in 2006 and has contributed many articles to Local Connections Magazine.

(2008.07.19 Frank Hair) Kestrels' Castle; observing Olvera's ornothology

When spring comes to Andalucia there is a seemly common bird that circles the Olvera church towers and the castle ramparts, not in ones and twos but in small flocks. Their movements are typical of raptors, they hover and stoop, their wings flutter and then suddenly fold and this smallish bird performs a graceful, fast moving dive. When one looks closely at these birds they are not what you may think, you will notice small details, the tail has a protruding wedge of central feathers, a whiter body and, with a closer sighting you may see a grey-blue hood, no “moustache” and a diagnostic grey-blue bar on the trailing edge of the wing visible only on the top of the wing.

The I will let you off the hook and tell you that these are lesser kestrels and not the common kestrel. They have been wintering in Tanzania and on their return from Africa they form large flocks, sometimes of several thousand individuals, to fly over the straits of Gibraltar. Once in Spain they form smaller flocks to re-establish traditional colonies, one of which is here in Olvera and around the church and castle you can see these delicate falcons floating on up-currents of air from June to August. The lightness of their flight makes them very agile in close surroundings.

I once stayed in a house, behind the church, when these charismatic birds returned to their Olvera colony. We stayed there while the chicks fledged. There were five nests that I spotted in the holes and ledges of the old church, high above the houses. Over one weekend I tried to take some photos from the terrace of a house next to the one we were staying in, but the birds were just too fast for me with my digi-scoping kit, a digital camera attached to a high magnification spotting scope. I had it trained on the entrance of the nest hole and typically nothing happened, then, as soon as it pointed the kit away, the birds were in and back out again before I could get the scope back on the nest hole.
I will have to have another go this year.

It is now mid August and I notice that all the kestrels have gone from around the castle and that the pidgeons are flying around more freely. (Antony)

(2007.12.20 - Mick Walker) In search of Christopher Columbus and R2-D2

Estate Agents in the UK have a saying, that the three most important factors influencing a property are:- Location, location, location. I think Olvera scores pretty high on all three. A quick look at a map of Andalucia will show you that, from Olvera, you can enjoy a day out in some of the most beautiful and historic cities in Spain; or enjoy some of its most spectacular scenery.

A personal favourite of mine, is the Andalucian capital Seville. Being without a car at the moment I travel there by bus. It is true that the departure time, from Olvera , of this air-conditioned coach with reclining seats is early, 6.30, but the price is reasonable (6.80€ single or 13.60€ return), and I usually doze off for the comfortable journey, to awake 2 hours later as the city comes to life.

The bus from Olvera/Pruna arrives at the Bus Station at el Prado de San Sebastián, near the heart of the city. As you exit the station, one of the first things you notice is the unusual tower of the Plaza de España. This unique building was built in 1929, for the Ibero-American exhibition. To describe this huge complex I have used the words unusual and unique, but from a purely personal aspect, I believe another word beginning with 'U' is more appropriate. I think this is best summed up by stating that when Hollywood director George Lucas was scouring the world in search of an appropriate location for a Palace on a strange planet at the other end of the universe, this place won hands down. "Star Wars" fans will instantly recognise the city of Theed on the planet Naboo, from "Star Wars II - Attack of the Clones", where Anakin (Hayden Christensen) and Padme (Natalie Portman) strolled with R2-D2. The older among us may recollect the colonnades as a hotel in Cairo from the classic film "Lawrence of Arabia". In fact, because of its magnificent Moorish/Arabic buildings director David Lean chose four other buildings in Sevilla as middle eastern locations in the film.

Crikey we have been to Cairo and the far-off planet Naboo, and we have hardly left the bus station ! Outside the station, we immediately notice two brand new public transport initiatives, both only introduced this year. The first is the new tram or 'tranvía'. This is the first working section of a network that will eventually cover the city. Lucky for us that this first section, connects our terminus with the Plaza Nueva in the city centre at the start of the shopping area, stopping half-way at the stunning Cathedral and Royal Palaces. A ticket purchased from tobacco kiosks, for less than 5€, allows you 10 journeys.

The second initiative, is a bank of bicycles for hire. This system, at the moment has 300 bikes at 30 locations in the City. The scheme is being gradually unrolled, and will eventually extend to 5,000 bikes at over 160 locations. , and once again, we are grateful for the City Fathers for giving priority to bus passengers from Olvera and Pruna. As the system is in its infancy I still have not figured out fully how you pay. Watch this space! But it is the cheapest, and most convenient, of the four cycle-hire options in Sevilla. Information, in Spanish only at the moment, is available at - www.sevici.es .

If it is your first visit to the city, simply hop on the tram to the stop called "Arcivo de Indias". The "General Archive of the Indias" is a free museum of artefacts from Mexico, tracing the history of the conquistadors and Spanish rule in Mexico. Not the greatest period in Spanish History.

But this museum is between the two major attractions of the city, the "Reales Alcázares" (the Royal Palaces) and the Cathedral.

The Reales Alcázares is a magnificent complex of buildings and gardens dating back to Moorish times. When the Christians captured Sevilla, they were so impressed with the style of Architecture, that when extending the palaces they employed Moorish craftsmen and even still included Arabic writing in the stonework and decorative tiles. This became known as "Mudéjar". The complex has many beautiful rooms including the chapel where the Catholic Monarchs, Fernando and Isabel, met Christopher Columbus. There are also many patios, including the "Patio de las Doncellas". The English name for this space is "The Courtyard of the Maidens"; this comes from the legend that the Moors demanded 100 virgins every year, from the Christians Kings as tribute. This patio was one of several here that were used as sets for the film "Kingdom of Heaven" starring Orlando Bloom. The sets acted as parts of a Royal Palace in Jerusalem; but I have to say that the Reales Alcázares are far more magnificent than any genuine Palace of a 1000 years ago. These Royal Palaces are still in use as Royal residences, when the Royal Family are in Sevilla. In 1995 the eldest child of the current King and Queen of Spain, Infanta Elena, had simply to walk across the Plaza for her wedding in the Cathedral of Sevilla.

The Cathedral is the third largest church in the world, after St. Peter's in Rome and St. Paul's in London. The Cathedral houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus. For many years there has been argument between Sevilla and the City of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, as to the true resting place of the great explorer's remains. Luckily Sevilla is also the resting place of the remains of Columbus's brother, and last year due to advances in DNA technology; the University of Granada seems to have proved the case for Sevilla.

The Cathedral was originally a mosque. A part of this was the tower of the "Giralda". An unusual feature of its design is that it was created without stairs. A series of ramps was built to allow the muezzin to ride a horse to the top of the tower, in order to call the faithful Moors to prayer. These ramps, no steeper than many streets in Olvera, are a very pleasant surprise for people with limited mobility. On my first visit, I thought that I had discovered the only ancient tower in the world with full wheelchair access. BUT. A small step at the base is no hindrance. The problem comes when, full of pride, you reach the top of ramp number 34. Only to discover that the final push to the stop, is a flight of stairs, with no handrail. The views from the top, however, are everything you would expect. The only disappointment is due to the fact that Sevilla is the hottest city in Europe, the heat haze mars the distant view of the mountains. But legend has it that, on a clear day, you can even see the City of Theed on the far-off planet of Naboo.

(2007.11.24 - Mari Rowlands) Olvera at Christmas

So Christmas is coming and, out here in rural Spain, getting a suitable present for loved ones can be a real trial. This month I would like to draw your attention to 3 local businesses that could help you to get the perfect present.

Firstly Andalucian Rugs who specialise in the sale of traditional rugs. These rugs come in all sorts of colours, sizes and types. They are made from recycled cotton and cotton-chenille. Because these rugs are produced by hand on traditional wooden looms from recycled materials, each one is an original and unique. Although they can be ordered in a particular colour scheme. The technique used to make these rugs can be dated back to the 8th century Moorish inhabitants of Andalucia and little in their production has changed. Traditionally they were used as blankets, although Ian and Sandrine of Andalucian Rugs have provided rugs for a variety of uses, including wall hangings, place mats, hall runners and floor coverings.

The rugs are incredibly adaptable, resilient, hard-wearing and are machine-washable. They are ideal for traditional Andalucian properties. They have a large stock of rugs to choose from. Sandrine says ‘We [also] supply hotels and B&Bs, because they are perfect for hotel use as they are extremely hardwearing and machine washable. The Jarapa rugs are ideal accessories to enhance Andalucian and Moorish interior designs, while complementing equally well modern and country hotels, adding warmth and style to any hotel room’.

Visit Andalucian Rugs online or at a variety of Christmas markets including Mercadillo Artesanía at Hotel Molino del Puente near Ronda.

Artesanía del Prado are located just outside Olvera, producing stoneware pottery and fused glass, at their craft workshops. All of their pottery is hand thrown on the wheel and includes a range of table and cookware, as well as individual pieces. The studio glass is kiln fired and includes dishes, platters, coasters and jewellery. Glass tiles can be made to order and they can undertake special commissions. Liz and Jenny are happy to welcome visitors to their workshops; however it is essential to telephone first.
Call them on 956 234 060/ 677 099 086 or eMail them . They can also be found at some of the Christmas markets, including Mercadillo Artesanía, please contact them for further details.

For those of you wanting to get something a little different, try Anne-Marie Kingsnorth. Based here in Olvera, Anne-Marie is a seamstress who not only makes funky cushion covers, bag bags and hot-water bottle covers (alongside the usual alterations side of things). Her area of expertise covers the most beautiful corsetry, they can be made to order or you can choose one (or maybe 2!) of her current stock. Anne-Marie can also make outfits to order, either to match your chosen corset or stand-alone pieces. Contact her by eMail or call her on 686 131 908 for more details and photos of her work.

Please do contact me if you would like your event publicised in the ‘What’s on in Olvera’. It remains only for me to say ¡Feliz Navidad mis amigos!

(2007.10.17 - Mari Rowlands) Olvera and Surrounding Area

Life in Olvera continues into autumn. The mornings are the best time of day to be out and about if you can get up early enough! The tops of the Sierras poke their rocky heads out of the fog; the sun rises and slowly burns off the cloudy mists to reveal the valleys below.

That’s if it isn’t raining anyway! Here in Olvera we seem to have missed most of the bad rainstorms that have accosted Sevilla and other places. However, not to be outdone, some of the storms this week have been incredibly heavy, leading to mad dashes round the village bailing out flooded properties and erecting (or inventing!) temporary flood defences.

For our guests it all adds to the experience of staying in a traditional Spanish village property. Depending how far up (or down) the hill you are staying, dictates the amount of invented flood defences required! Not to mention the likelihood of flooding in the first place. One benefit for our guests is the amazing lightening shows that flash across the sky during these autumn storms. Because of our elevated position here, and the views in all directions, these storms can be absolutely breathtaking.

Anyway that’s about enough wittering about the weather – anyone would think we were from the weather-obsessed UK!

Local events seem to be on the back-burner at the moment. However there are 2 provincial events that may appeal. Throughout November in Cadiz city there is a festival of Spanish music, in a variety of locations. Please see Cadiz tourist information for further details. While in Jerez de la Frontera, from the 8th to the 31st of December the Navidad Jerezana takes place. Please see www.andalucia.org for more details.

Closer to home there are a variety of plays and films being shown at the Casa de la Cultura in Olvera during November:
º 6th – La Última Nota, 9pm, film
º 8th – Pasos y Entremeses (Estudio 21), 9pm, theatre
º 13th – El Violín, 9pm, film
º 15th – El Pelo de la Dehesa (Producciones GL), 9pm, theatre
º 16th – Mujeres de carne y verso (Paco Damas), 7pm, music
º 22nd – Miles Gloriosus (Balbo Teatro), 9pm, theatre
º 30th – El Traspunte, 9pm, theatre

Also during November ‘El Proceso del Aqua’ is the focus in the castle exhibition hall (La Cilla). The subject of the process of water is particularly pertinent to this area. This area is primarily agricultural, with local olive growers dependent on a certain amount of rainfall. This, alongside the well documented problems of the planned golf macro-projects in nearby Ronda and other large scale rural development, makes water a prime concern for each and every resident in Andalucia. The Olvera Town Hall has more information and contact details for the Olvera Casa de la Cultura.

Finally I would like to bring your attention to Mercadillo Artesanía (Arts and Crafts Market) held at Hotel Molino del Puente, just off the A 374 (Ronda to Sevilla). Turn off at the Hotel Don Benito (km26) and follow the road to Hotel Molino. Markets are held on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month, from 11am until 2.30pm. On the 9th of December they will be holding a Christmas market.

For further details about these markets, contact Elaine (952 874 164 or 667 433 877) or Judith (951 166 146 or 690 061 928).

(2007.06.06 - Mari Rowlands) Olvera is one of the 14 recognised ‘White Villages’ of Andalucia

and is part of the Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos. This is one of 4 tourist routes in Cadiz province. The Parque Natural Sierra de Grazalema is located to the south , within half an hours drive; Olvera is the perfect base for exploring th area and this wonderful, beautiful National Park. Visit http://www.cadizturismo.com for more information on the activities available in the Sierra.

Now that we are well into the fiesta season, I find myself wondering how many readers have visited local the Romeria’s or Corpus Christi events identified in the last issue? Please do contact me to share your experiences of these fascinating fiestas. The season is not yet over and there are fiestas to come during July and August.

Alcalá Del Valle – another Pueblo Blanco celebrates Fiesta Mayor from the 16th-19th of August. This feria is a celebration for San Roque. La Fiesta del Emigrante y la Noche Flamenca is also part of the celebrations.

Algodonales – Feria y Fiestas de Santiago y Santa Ana, Patrones de Algodonales takes place on the 26th of July

Benaocaz – A Pueblo Blanco within the Sierra de Grazalema hosts the Feria y Fiestas Mayores on from the 12th-15th August, including the Suelta del Toro de Cuerda (releasing of the bull).

El Bosque – located within the Sierra and a Pueblo Blanco. The Velada en Honor a María Auxiliadora takes place on the 15th of August.

El Gastor – hosts the Ferias y Fiesta Mayores on the 4th and 5th of August and is another Pueblo Blanco. This fiesta involves the releasing of a fighting bull. It starts in the early morning with the release of the bull of fire (suelta del toro de fuego) and involves masking the bull and the launching of fire-crackers and fire-works. I suspect that this particular fiesta is not for the faint-hearted or easily offended where the treatment of animals is concerned!

Grazalema – Velada de Nuestra de Señora del Carmen y Lunes del Toro de Grazalema from the 12th-16th of July. Also from the 17th of August is the Fiesta Mayores, again this village is located in the Sierra and is a Pueblo Blanco.

Olvera – Open-air dancing, music and activities from the locale (including flamenco in the Plaza de Iglesia) every Saturday evening throughout July and August. The Festividad de la Patrona Nuestra Señora de los Remedios takes place on the 15th of August and the Noche Flamenco on the 27th of August. This is followed by the Feria y Fiesta de San Agustín from the 28th-31st of August. This is one of the oldest and traditional fiestas in Andalucia and has been celebrated since 1770.

Puerto Serrano – Romería en Honor de Santa Maria Magdalena, Patrona de Puerto Serrano takes place on the 22nd of July. The XVII Noche Flamenca Villa de Puerta Serrano takes place on the 15th of August with the Feria de Agosto form the 15th-19th of August.
Setenil de las Bodegas – Fiestas de la Patrona, Virgen del Carmen from the 13th-16th July. The Feria de Agosto from the 8th-11th of August.

Torre Alháquime – another Pueblo Blanco hosts the Feria de San Roque from the 15th-19th of August. A particularly important part being the procession of the image of the Saint on the 16th, a very popular part of the celebrations.

Zahara de la Sierra – Ferias y Fiestas 17th-20th of August

Please do eMail me to share your experiences of any events in Olvera or the surrounding area; or if you would like me to add an event you are planning. ¡Viva Fiesta!

Dates for your diary:

Grazalema - XVI Tardes Literarias de Grazalema takes place throughout June, July and into August.

Olvera - Every Tuesday and Wednesday from 8.30pm Flamenco lessons with Raquel. 30 euros for the month throughout July and August. Please contact me for further information, as it was not available when going to press.
Every Tuesday at 6pm in the Public Library conversation English/Spanish Spanish/English – continuing throughout June.
Throughout July and August, every Saturday evening open-air dances, music and activities take place.

Ronda - Mercado La Huerta held weekly on Saturdays in the Parque de San Raphael from 5pm. This is an ecological market specialising in natural agricultural products. Producers from across Andalucia will be participating, with the main focus on those from the Ronda area. Information on ecological agriculture and food-tasting sessions are available.

(2007.05.21 - Mari Rowlands)
Why I love Olvera – King of the Pueblos Blancos

Our first visit to Olvera was during Christmas in 2004, visiting my sister, her husband and children. While officially a White Village, it is now more of a town with a population of around 10,000. The friendliness of the local population was one of the first things that attracted us to this bustling little town; particularly when we tried out our Spanish! During the summer of 2006 my husband Sean and I decided to move to Olvera from Leamington Spa in the UK. We finally arrived in late October and started working with my sister, in the family holiday-let business.

Olvera is situated in the far North-East corner of Cadiz Province. It is close to the meeting-point of Cadiz, Sevilla and Malaga provinces. Located then, in the Heart of Andalucia, with access to a wide variety of more famous neighbours; such as Ronda, Cadiz, Jerez de la Frontera, Sevilla, Cordóba and Granada to name but a few. The town is surrounded by some of the most stunning Sierras and national parks. We have found Olvera to be a superb location for exploring the rural and rustic charms of the area.

The ferias and fiestas, as in the rest of Spain, are breathtaking, exciting and above all fascinating. National fiestas, such as the Fiesta de Los Reyes (3 Kings), Carnaval and the Semana Santa processions are as popular here as they are elsewhere. However it is the local fiestas that are the most interesting to us.

The Romería del Lunes de Quasimodo takes place on the first Monday after Easter and is particular to Olvera. The entire town empties and reconvenes on the hillsides circling the stunning church - Santuario Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios - located 2 km outside of Olvera. It is here that thanks are given for the winter’s rain.

This fiesta is a riot of colour, music and noise. Families dot the hillsides with make-shift tents and barbeques, often bringing a dining table (or two) and chairs! Flamenco dancing, horse displays and food are the order of the day. As visitors roaming around we were invited into family tents for impromptu flamenco lessons, food and drink. This is a perfect way to improve your Spanish, as we were frequently told. Above all the people were friendly and welcoming. This local fiesta sums up all that we love about Olvera.

In particular we love the history that surrounds this area. Renovations to the Castillo Arabé (Moorish Castle) have enabled visitors to climb to the highest point, revealing the strategic importance of its location. For those able to brave the winding, ever narrowing staircases in the castle the reward is panoramic views across the surrounding mountains.

While the views may be stunning in all directions, it is the mountain slopes supporting flawlessly aligned olive trees that provide most of the agricultural income. These are a sight in themselves, as far as the eye can see in many directions. Not only is excellent olive oil produced here, a town co-operative makes beauty products containing locally produced oil - from soaps and shampoo to perfume.

This co-operative approach - to life in general - is one of the main attractions for us and the family. Mutual co-operation goes a long way here. Being able to contribute to the local economy plays an important role in our lives both personally and within our business, in this typically Spanish town.

Olvera is the perfect location from which to experience the rural, rustic side of Andalucian life, and to develop your own rural, rustic side!

(2007.05.14 - Mari Rowlands)
Olvera es una calle, una iglesia y un Castillo. Pero ¡Qué Calle! ¡Qué Iglesia! ¡Qué Castillo!

Olvera is one street, one church and one castle. But what a street, what a church, what a castle!

This proclamation on the Olvera website serves to sum up our lovely town. However there is much more to Olvera and the surrounding area than just a street, church and castle – beautiful as they are. A wide range of activities are available; from water-sports to hang-gliding; hiking and climbing to cycling; horse-riding to paragliding and bird-watching to fishing, to name but a few. This is aside from the national parks; sites of natural interest and wildlife and sites of historical and architectural interest.

However, following on from the last writing and inspired by my second visit to a local fiesta (Pruna Romería in early May) I have discovered a number of other fiestas in the area that may be worth a visit.

Corpus Christi – celebrated on the 10th June. This fiesta is recognised nationally across Spain. Each town and village has its own event. Local Corpus Christi events take place in Torre Alháquime, Setenil de las Bodegas, El Gastor and Olvera. However it is the celebrations in Zahara de la Sierra and El Bosque that have prompted the Diputación de Cádiz to name them ‘Declarado de Interés Turístico Nacional’ – to be of particular interest to tourists and visitors. Please see www.cadizturismo.com for further information relating to this.

And now onto other ferias and fiestas within easy reach of Olvera:

Algodonales – Feria y Fiestas de Santiago y Santa Ana, Patrones de Algodonales takes place on the 26th of July.
Bornos – Fiestas Patronales de San Laurean takes place on the 30th of June and 1st of July.
El Bosque – Fiestas Patronales en Honor a San Antonio de Padua from the 13th-17th June.
Grazalema – Velada de Nuestra de Señora del Carmen y Lunes del Toro de Grazalema from the 12th-16th July.
Puerto Serrano – Romería en Honor de Santa Maria Magdalena, Patrona de Puerto Serrano takes place on the 22nd of July.
Setenil de las Bodegas – Fiestas de la Patrona, Virgen del Carmen from the 13th-16th July.
Torre Alháquime – Romería de San Juan from the 22nd-24th June.
Zahara de la Sierra – Romería de San Juan on the 24th of June.

Each of the above ferias and fiestas will be influenced by the locale in which they take place. As with the events in both Olvera and Pruna, visitors will be made welcome. The perfect opportunity to try out your Spanish; to try local foods and wines; and to listen to local musicians while attempting a few steps of Flamenco! Enjoy the fiestas and watch out for the famed Andalucian horses!

Dates for your diary:

Grazalema - XVI Tardes Literarias de Grazalema takes place throughout June, July and into August.

Olvera - Every Tuesday at 6pm in the Public Library conversation English/Spanish Spanish/English – continuing throughout June.
Throughout July and August, every Saturday evening open-air dances, music and activities take place.

Ronda - Mercado La Huerta held weekly on Saturdays in the Parque de San Raphael from 5pm. This is an ecological market specialising in natural agricultural products. Producers from across Andalucia will be participating, with the main focus on those from the Ronda area. Information on ecological agriculture and food-tasting sessions are available.

(2007.04.10 - Mari Rowlands) Olvera – King of the Pueblos Blancos

Warmth is finally returning to the streets of Olvera. The citrus trees lining the streets are in bloom; providing a heady, fragrant atmosphere, for both locals and visitors alike.

Olvera is situated in the far Northeast corner of Cadiz Province. It is close to the meeting-point of Cadiz, Sevilla and Malaga provinces. Located then, in the Heart of Andalusia, with access to a wide variety of more famous neighbours; such as Ronda, Cadiz, Jerez de la Frontera, Sevilla, Cordóba and Granada to name but a few. The town is surrounded by some of the most stunning Sierras and national parks. This is a superb location for exploring the rural and rustic charms of the area.

The ferias and fiestas, as in the rest of Spain, are breathtaking, exciting and above all fascinating. National fiestas, such as the Fiesta de Los Reyes (3 Kings), Carnival and the Semana Santa processions are as popular here as they are elsewhere. However it is the local fiestas that are the most interesting for this author.

The Romería del Lunes de Quasimodo has just taken place and is particular to Olvera. The entire town empties and reconvenes on the hillsides circling the stunning church - Santuario Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios - located 2 km outside of Olvera. It is here that thanks are given for the winter’s rain.

This fiesta is a riot of colour, music and noise. Families dot the hillsides with make-shift tents and barbeques, often bringing a dining table and chairs! Flamenco dancing, horse displays and food are the order of the day. As a visitor roaming around you can expect to be invited into family groups for impromptu flamenco lessons, food and drink. This is a perfect way to improve your Spanish. Above all the people are friendly and welcoming.

Olvera is steeped in history. Recent renovations to the Moorish Castle have enabled visitors to climb to the highest point, revealing the strategic importance of its location. For those able to brave the winding, ever narrowing staircases in the castle the reward is panoramic views across the surrounding mountains. It is well worth the climb and with an entrance fee of 2€ (including entrance to the excellent museum) provides incredibly good value for money.

While the views may be stunning in all directions, it is the mountain slopes supporting perfectly aligned olive trees that provide most of the agricultural income, that are a sight in themselves, as far as the eye can see in many directions. Not only is excellent olive oil produced here, a town co-operative makes beauty products containing locally produced oil - from soaps and shampoo to perfume.

This sleepy town is typically Spanish, and is the perfect location from which to experience the rural, rustic side of Andalucian life, and to develop your own rural, rustic side!