Combining the best of rural

and gastronomic tourism!

Olive oil tasting and tourism in Andalusia is an innovative initiative that combines the best of rural and gastronomic tourism. The fact that the region has become a pioneer for this type of experience is no coincidence: it has everything for those who wish to discover and enjoy the benefits of olive oil.

Olive oil; The liquid gold

In Spain, olive oil is often called liquid gold. Spain is a world leader in production and foreign trade thanks to the country’s olive-growing tradition and a technologically advanced industry capable of obtaining high-quality oils. Spanish olive oil production accounts for 70% of EU production and 45% of world production. More than 80% of this production comes from Andalusian olive groves, which in the province of Jaén form such a homogeneous mass that they are called the ‘sea of olive trees’.

What is olive oil tourism?

Olive oil tourism is a term that refers to all those tourist activities organised around olive oil, one of the key gastronomic products in the Mediterranean diet, declared Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. It is widely recognised throughout the world for its health benefits, its excellent flavour and its versatility in the kitchen.

Unique experiences on the Costa del Sol

Olive oil tourism is an increasingly popular activity in the province of Malaga. Many olive oil mills open their doors to anyone who wishes to learn all the secrets of the so-called “liquid gold”. In addition to visiting their facilities, many of these companies show visitors their unique olive trees and olive groves and organise tastings of different varieties of olive oil or miller’s breakfasts.

Olive oil tourism tasting and experiences in Andalusia

Guided visits to olive oil mills and olive oil tastings are not the only olive oil tourism experiences in Andalusia. There are many others. The most numerous are those that combine different gastronomic proposals, like olive oil tastings integrated into other more extensive tastings. Including wines, desserts, hams, bread or other local products. Many of these visits are organised between November and February when the olives are harvested. However, the oil mills also host themed visits at other times of the year.

Tasting olive oil: a feast for the palate

Of course, guided visits to olive oil mills usually include an oil tasting, allowing tourists to savour the final product and distinguish between the different varieties, either according to their extraction processes (extra virgin and virgin), their degree of acidity or the type of olive used (arbequina, cornicabra, picual and hojiblanca).

The tasting can also focus on the organoleptic characteristics of a particular Protected Designation of Origin. Although many users may not be aware of it. Some quality labels depend on the production area, as with wine.