Rural tourism has become the favorite vacation choice for many Andalusians, Spaniards, and international tourists. At Andalucía Exclusiva, we are firmly committed to it, offering proposals in every province (Huelva, Seville, Córdoba, Cádiz, Jaén, Málaga, Granada, and Almería), as well as charming properties in unique locations. For this reason, we had to dedicate a post to the town chosen as the ‘capital of rural tourism’ in 2021: Olvera, as it is located in our region. Here we tell you where it is and why it has been distinguished with this honor.
Where is Olvera, the capital of rural tourism in 2021
Olvera is a village of about 8,000 inhabitants located in the province of Cádiz, specifically in the Sierra de Cádiz region. However, it is actually closer to other provincial capitals, such as Seville (about 90 km) and Málaga (about 100 km), than to the city of Cádiz itself (about 115 km). Additionally, it is approximately 135 km from the city of Córdoba. This has a positive side: it will be just a stone’s throw away if you are coming on vacation to any of those destinations.
4 reasons why it has been awarded
The winner of the ‘Capital of Rural Tourism in Spain’ title is chosen by internet users through anonymous votes, so each voter will have their own reasons for choosing Olvera. However, they surely took the following 4 attractions into account.
A very Gaditan white
Olvera is considered by many as the gateway to the white villages of Cádiz, one of the hallmarks of tourism in the province. You will understand this as soon as you catch a glimpse of the village upon arrival and from the various rocky outcrops (viewpoints): its whitewashed houses take on a special glow under the sun’s rays.
Impressive historical architecture
There are two major monumental attractions in Olvera that have contributed to its selection as the capital of rural tourism. One is its spectacular Neoclassical Parish of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación. The other is its 12th-century Moorish castle. Both structures sit at the top of the town, acting as sentinels over the village.
Charming traditional architecture
But if you stroll through its narrow streets, Olvera will win you over even more: every corner, often steep and picturesque, shines with a special charm, thanks in large part to the flower pots that residents hang from the walls.
Captivating gastronomy
And of course, one of the great attractions of rural tourism is traditional gastronomy, the kind that evokes the times of our grandparents… but is enjoyed in the present in all its splendor. If you visit, you must try their ‘sopas pegás’ (with asparagus, bread, and garlic) or their ‘patatas zapateras’, all drizzled with the protected local olive oil, as you will see that the landscape is covered with olive trees.
If these four attractions have sparked a special curiosity in you, we encourage you to organize your next vacation in Olvera. Or, at the very least, a getaway to discover with your own eyes why it has been chosen as the capital of rural tourism in Spain. Andalucía Exclusiva will take care of all the details so that you can enjoy the experience to the fullest.
