Have you ever wondered how Olive Oil is made or how many varieties there are? Have you ever wanted to taste Olive Oil straight from the press? Then ‘Olive Oil tourism’ is for you. Olive Oil tourism aims to teach those who are interested in this healthy oil about its history, characteristics and production. Spain is the main destination for this type of tourism because it’s the largest olive grove in the world!
Many people have already taken advantage of such tourism. About 60 per cent of Olive Oil tourists are Spaniards, though the British and French are also very interested in Olive Oils from Spain. According to a study from the Faculty of Economic and Business Sciences in Cordoba, the average profile of an Olive Oil tourist is a man who is 45 years of age or older and lives in the city with a medium-high income, even though this type of tourism is fairly common.
For the most part, Olive Oil tourism takes place in Andalusia, a region in the south of the Iberian Peninsula, and in the areas along the Mediterranean coast, where a large part of Spain’s Olive Oil production is concentrated. During these visits, guests can learn about the history of the product as well as discover the area’s olive groves, where the fruit is grown, olive mills, where the oil is extracted, and local restaurants, where Olive Oil rules the menu.
The visits conclude with tastings of different varieties of Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Spain (you’ll be surprised at how much the flavours of one variety differ from the next!) or with massages and beauty treatments, such as a honey and Olive Oil mask to improve your complexion, a mask made of egg and Olive Oil that boosts your hair’s shine, or a skin-hydrating massage with olive oil. What better way to relax after spending the day learning about the stuff?
The historic Kingdom of Granada route, the Sierra de Cazorla, and Molino de Zafra are only a few of the Olive Oil-producing areas in Spain worth a visit, not only to learn about the history and production of Olive Oil, but also to see the natural beauty that surrounds these charming locales.
Additionally, the prices are very affordable, ranging from two to 40 or 50 euros, depending on the number of people and the different activities included, such as a guided tours, breakfasts, lunches, snacks, or olive picking. If you fancy doing some olive picking, it is best to plan your visit during the months of December and January so that it coincides with olive harvest.
What are you waiting for?
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