Oleotourism. The "slow travel" gastronomic trend to enjoy the best EVOOs

Oleotourism has become the new "slow travel" trend in Spain, the leading country in this activity, according to a study by The Market AU.
 

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is an essential pillar within the Mediterranean diet, whose nutritional value and health benefits are recognised worldwide. EVOO is a basic ingredient in many dishes and has been a symbol of Mediterranean culture for centuries. Whether as a dressing in cold dishes and salads, or when cooking stews, meats and fish, this ingredient significantly enhances the flavour of any food.
 

EVOO production is centred in Mediterranean regions, with Spain leading ahead of Italy and Greece, accounting for over 40% of global production (around 5,965,080 metric tonnes). Spain's producing regions are mainly concentrated in the south. Andalucía represents 80% of the total olive oil production, with Jaén being the main province, followed by Castilla La Mancha and Extremadura.
 

More and more people are seeking to enjoy a tasting of the precious liquid gold and the world around it. Various mills offer, in addition to selling their products, very attractive oleotourism activities to discover how EVOO is made, from the olive harvest to the bottling of the oil. They also combine the tour of the entire process with exquisite oil tastings paired with local products, even with walks through century-old olive groves and visits to ancient mills. In this way, one experiences direct contact with local culture and nature, living a complete responsible tourism experience.
 

Here we suggest some of the main mills where you can enjoy oleotourism activities, perfect for a slow getaway this season.

Aceites Oro Bailén, in Villanueva de la Reina (Jaén)

Aceites Oro Bailén is a mill belonging to the Gálvez-González family, where they produce highly recognized high-quality oils worldwide, under the Oro Bailén brand. During the visit to the Oro Bailén Mill with EVOO Tasting a complete tour is undertaken: from its Picual olive grove, through all the production phases (harvest, extraction, and packaging), ending with a tasting.

Tierras de Tavara, in La Puerta de Segura (Jaén)

Tierras de Tavara is a family business with more than 50 years dedicated to Extra Virgin Olive Oil. A tradition the Fernández Hidalgo family has inherited from their grandparents. In 1993, they created the Oleofer S.L. mill where they produce and market the “Tierras de Tavara” EVOO. In 2014, this company became the first mill specializing in oleotourism in the Sierra de Segura. Thus, in this area of Jaén, the visit to this mill with tasting of “Tierra de Tavara” oils is indispensable. Attendees are taught the entire production process of this EVOO, from when the olives arrive at the factory to the bottling of the produced oil. In the tasting of their EVOOs, you learn to differentiate and savour the different varieties.

Notaliv Oleotourism, in Villacarrillo (Jaén)

Notaliv is a company that manufactures and sells natural cosmetics based on local Extra Virgin Olive Oil. It is located in Villacarillo, a town that serves as the gateway to the Sierra de las Villas, known for its traditional olive culture and excellent EVOO. In their shop, located in the historic centre of the town, you can enjoy different oleotourism activities. From an EVOO Tasting Workshop with a specialised guide, to a more complete experience like the Wine and local products of Jaén Tasting and Pairing Workshop, or the Artisanal beers and local products Tasting and Pairing Workshop. You can even participate in a Natural Cosmetics Workshop with EVOO. In addition, by booking any of these activities, you get a 15% discount on purchases in the shop.

Señorío de Camarasa, in Torres (Jaén)

Señorío de Camarasa has a long olive-growing tradition since 1971. Their olive groves are located in the heart of the Mágina region. Señorío de Camarasa is synonymous with tradition and innovation in the production of the highest quality EVOO. During the Visit to the Señorío de Camarasa Mill + Oil Tasting, you tour the olive groves and their olive varieties, witnessing first-hand how olive harvesting is done, visiting the Mill and learning about its production and storage. A guided oil tasting is conducted, and you can purchase some of their products in the Mill shop. A more complete option for this oleotourism activity is the Visit to the Señorío de Camarasa Mill + Oil Tasting with local products.

Museum of Olive Culture, in Puente del Obispo – Baeza (Jaén)

Visitors can experience complete oleotourism at the Museum of Olive Culture, Hacienda La Laguna. The guide shows its monumental building and history linked to the olive in Jaén. Inside the museum, you learn all about the history and production of olive oil from ancient times. You visit the “Cathedral of Oil,” a 19th-century cellar, a Cultural Interest Site. The visit continues with an introductory oil tasting workshop, sampling its varieties. There will also be a visit to the Aceites La Labor mill and a bottle of EVOO as a gift.

Alcalá Oliva Oil Museum, in Alcalá la Real (Jaén)

Another museum to discover the world of Jaén EVOO and its flavour is that of Alcalá Oliva. Situated in a century-old building, surrounded by a sea of olives in Alcalá la Real and with the Fortaleza de la Mota as a backdrop. It belongs to a family business with over 20 years in the olive oil world. In the visit to the Alcalá Oliva Oil Museum , you explore its ecological olive grove, cultivation and production phases, and history in the museum. The tour ends with an EVOO tasting. 

OleoAlmanzora, in Pulpí (Almería)

OleoAlmanzora is a young company with a strong passion for the Extra Virgin Olive Oil world, the result of José Sánchez Parra's initiative, with a long trajectory in olive growing. Since 2017, it has offered oleotourism experiences that have made it a benchmark in the province of Almería. Its proposals—available even during harvest—allow not only the discovery of EVOO in all its phases—from harvest to bottling—but also the cultural and natural attractions of Pulpí. Besides enjoying a guided tour of OleoAlmanzora with EVOO tasting, you can complement the experience with a visit to the Giant Geode of Pulpí in the "Jewels of Pulpí" tour, an itinerary that combines gastronomy, culture, and nature of the municipality. You can also choose a guided tour with healthy breakfast or snack with EVOO pairing, or for the most passionate foodies, an authentic EVOO Sensory Tasting Masterclass and Tasting.

In recent years, the company has taken its Oleotourism project a step further through its Oleoescuela, an educational initiative aimed at educational and training centres. Through a wide programme of activities and workshops, they promote the knowledge of olive growing and EVOO, its benefits, legacy, and its primary role as the fundamental pillar of the Mediterranean diet.