The Best Things to do in Zuheros, Spain
This post is about the best things to do in Zuheros in Spain. Zuheros is a small town located in Andalusia. It is in the foothills of the Sierra Subbética mountain range, about 76 kilometers south of the city of Córdoba.
Zuheros is one of the famous white villages, or ‘pueblos blancos’, of Andalusia. These villages have a rich cultural heritage, with a unique blend of Moorish and Spanish influences. With its picturesque old town, charming narrow streets, and beautiful natural surroundings there are plenty of things to do in Zuheros.
Why visit Zuheros Spain
I visited several white villages in Andalusia, including the more famous pueblos blancos in the Alpujarras. Zuheros was one of my favorite places to visit. The town’s historic center is particularly beautiful, with its narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and stunning views of the countryside.
Zuheros is located in the foothills of the Sierra Subbética mountain range. The town is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including olive groves, oak forests, and limestone cliffs. The nearby natural park is home to a variety of wildlife, including ibex, eagles, and vultures.
In addition to its natural and cultural attractions, Zuheros is also famous for its delicious local cuisine. Local specialities include dishes like salmorejo (a type of gazpacho), flamenquines (breaded pork rolls), and migas (a traditional dish made with breadcrumbs and pork).
Zuheros is a small town off the beaten path that has managed to maintain its traditional Andalusian way of life. It is a great destination if you are looking for a quiet and peaceful place away from the crowds of the more touristy cities like Seville, Granada and Cordoba.
The best things to do in Zuheros Spain
Zuheros castle
The Castle of Zuheros is a medieval fortress. It is located on a hill with spectacular views over the town of Zuheros and the surrounding olive groves. The castle probably dates back to the 9th century. It was built by the Moors during their occupation of the Iberian Peninsula.
The castle was an important strategic stronghold during the medieval period. During that time, it played a key role in the conflicts between the Christian and Muslim kingdoms. It was eventually conquered by the Christian forces of Ferdinand III of Castile in the 13th century. For the next centuries it was an important Christian stronghold in the region.
Over the years, the castle was renovated and expanded several times. You can visit the castle inside and the Ticket also allows you to visit the nearby archeological museum.
The Church of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios
Next to the castle is the small church of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios. It was built in the 16th century and is considered a fine example of the Andalusian Baroque style of architecture.
The church interior is simple, but there is a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Most impressive is the main altar that is dedicated to the Virgen de los Remedios, the patron saint of Zuheros.
Cycle the Olive Oil Greenway
Cycling the Via Verde del Aceite or the Olive Oil Greenway in Zuheros is an excellent way to experience the stunning Andalusian landscape and the region’s rich cultural heritage. It is a 128-kilometer (80-mile) route that follows the old railway line that used to transport olive oil from the region to the coast. The route passes through beautiful countryside, olive groves, and historic towns, offering stunning views.
The Olive Oil Greenway refers to the region’s most famous product, olive oil. Along the way, you can visit olive oil mills, learn about the process, and taste some of the best olive oils in the world. Despite running through the Subbetica mountains, it is a relatively easy and flat trail perfect for cycling.
Hike the Cañon del Rio Bailón
One of the most beautiful hiking trails near Zuheros is the Cañon del Rio Bailón hike. It makes for a perfect half day hike and starts right outside the town.
The canyon has unique geological formations, including caves and sinkholes. The area is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including wildflowers, eagles, vultures and ibex. Hiking the Cañon del Rio Bailón is an excellent opportunity to observe these animals in their natural habitat. When I hiked inside the canyon I saw a group of ibex mountain goats.
The 6 kilometer trail is well-marked and accessible for hikers of all levels, making it a great option for families. There is also a longer 16 kilometer trail that brings you deeper into the canyon. This is a more challenging trail and requires a permit.
Zuheros cave
The Cueva de los Murciélagos, or the Zuheros cave, is one of the most beautiful caves in Andalusia. It features stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique cave formations.
The cave is home to a variety of bat species. Among them is the greater horseshoe bat, which is one of the largest bat species in Europe. It is also home to other wildlife, such as cave crickets and spiders.
The cave has a rich history. Archaeological evidence shows that humans used the cave during the Upper Paleolithic period. People also used the cave as a hiding during the Spanish Civil War.
How to get there: It is a 5 kilometer walk up on the car road to get to the cave. You might want to consider taking a taxi.
Zuheros travel tips
Where to sleep
In Zuheros I can recommend Hotel Zuhayra. The hotel has very friendly owners with lots of information about the hiking and cycling opportunities in the Subbeticas.
Where to eat
Andalucia is famous for its cuisine, which includes local ingredients such as olive oil, cured meats, and cheeses.
In Zuheros you can eat at the restaurant of hotel Zuhayra where you can also try some local specialities. Dishes that are from the Cordoba region include Salmorejo (a cold and creamy tomato soup), Mazamorra ( a cold almond soup) and the Flamenquin (a deep fried roll of pork with ham and cheese).
Do take into account the Spanish opening times. In Spain, restaurants typically open for lunch between 1 and 3 pm and for dinner from 8 pm to 11 pm. You will find many restaurants are closed in between.
How to get to Zuheros
The best way to reach Zuheros is from Cordoba, which also has the nearest train station. There is a daily bus by Carrera from Cordoba to Zuheros. The journey takes 1.5 hours. You can check the timetables on the Carrera bus website.
Alternatively, you could travel by bus from Granada. However, this is a slightly longer journey and you might have to change buses in the town of Baena.
If you want more flexibility and freedom to explore the countryside you might consider renting a car. There are several car rental companies in nearby cities like Cordoba and Granada
How to get around Zuheros
The best way to get around Zuheros is either by hiking or cycling. Walking is the most common way to get around and it’s a great way to explore the town’s narrow streets, historic buildings, and natural surroundings. The town is on a hill, so be prepared for some uphill walking if you plan to explore the castle.
To see more of the countryside and the olive groves, you can easily rent a bicycle. I recommend cycling the beautiful via Verde del Aceite.
While a car is not necessary, it can be useful if you plan to explore the surrounding area.
When to visit Zuheros
Zuheros is a year round destination. Here is some information about the different seasons in Zuheros to help you make your decision:
Spring (March to May): Spring is a beautiful time to visit Zuheros. The weather is mild and the countryside is in full bloom. This is a great time to go hiking or explore the natural park around the town.
Summer (June to August): Summer is the peak tourist season in Zuheros, and the town can get quite busy with visitors. The weather is hot and sunny, which is great for outdoor activities, but be prepared for high temperatures and crowds.
Fall (September to November): Fall is another great time to visit Zuheros. The weather is still pleasant, and the colors of the landscape begin to change. This is also the time when the olive harvest takes place.
Winter (December to February): Winter in Zuheros can be cold and rainy. But it’s also a quiet time to visit the town and experience its authentic Andalusian atmosphere.
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