Olive Groves on rolling hills

Olive groves near Ubeda, Jaen, Andalucia. © Michelle Chaplow

Driving through Andalucìa, you will notice that the most abundant crop throughout the Andalucia - in particular, Jaen province, though also Seville, Cordoba and Almeria - is the olive. Line after line of olive trees, often on rolling hills, stretch for as far as the eye can see.

The olive landscapes of Andalucía are among the most iconic and captivating in Spain, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and agricultural heritage. Stretching across vast areas of southern Spain, Andalucía is home to some of the world’s most extensive olive groves, which cover rolling hills, valleys, and plains with silvery-green trees that appear almost timeless. This region is the heartland of olive oil production in Spain, with provinces such as Jaén, Córdoba, and Granada leading the way.

A road trip through Andalucía reveals olive groves dotted with scarlet poppies and stunning landscapes © Michelle Chaplow

In Jaén more than 4.500 square kilometres is devoted to olive groves containing around 40 million olive trees. This province alone produces more olive oil annually than the whole of Italy.

The landscape itself is defined by meticulously planted rows of olive trees, their twisted trunks and gnarled branches testament to generations of cultivation. Many of these trees are hundreds of years old, with some even reaching a thousand years or more, adding a profound sense of history to the scene. As the seasons change, so too does the beauty of these groves. In spring, delicate white blossoms cover the trees, while autumn sees the olives ripen to shades of green, purple, and black, ready for the harvest.

You will see picture postcard olive groves in Andalucia

This landscape is not only visually striking but also plays a crucial role in Andalucía’s culture and economy. Olive oil is a way of life here, and locals have refined its production into an art form, resulting in some of the highest-quality olive oils in the world. Traditional olive mills, or almazaras, dot the countryside, where age-old techniques blend with modern methods to produce liquid gold.

Visitors to Andalucía can explore this enchanting landscape by hiking, cycling, or simply taking a scenic drive through the olive groves. Many estates offer tastings and tours, providing a deeper understanding of the region's connection to olive cultivation and the dedication involved in producing such a prized product. Andalucía’s olive landscapes are a blend of nature, tradition, and artistry—a true emblem of the Spanish south.