[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Header Section” _builder_version=”3.0.98″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(251,251,251,0.67)” background_color_gradient_end=”#fbfbfb” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/www.destinosubbetica.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/hospederia-la-era-4.jpg” custom_padding=”7em||9em|” next_background_color=”#fbfbfb”][et_pb_row admin_label=”Header Row” custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding_phone=”3vw|||” custom_margin=”|||” custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” _builder_version=”3.0.92″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”T\u00edtulo” _builder_version=”3.0.98″ text_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” text_font_size=”40″ background_layout=”light” text_font_size_phone=”35″ text_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” text_line_height_last_edited=”on|desktop” text_line_height_phone=”1em” header_2_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_font_size=”40px” header_2_font_size_phone=”35px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”||1%|-1px” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”40px” header_font_size_phone=”35px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_line_height=”0.3em” header_3_text_align=”center” header_3_font=”Poppins||||||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” header_3_text_color=”#ac1617″ header_2_line_height=”0.3em”]<\/p>\n
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Sweet Montilla-Moriles wines<\/strong>, delectable artisan goat\u2019s cheese<\/strong>, wonderful seasonal vegetables<\/strong> and Spain\u2019s best olive oil<\/strong> are just a few of the gastronomic delights of the Subb\u00e9tica region. In this olive-studded pocket of southern C\u00f3rdoba province, visit multi-generation olive-oil makers, wander around central Andaluc\u00eda\u2019s wineries and feast on fresh-as-it-gets meals packed with local produce<\/strong>, before hitting the thrilling walking trails, cycling routes and other adventure activities.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.1.1″ src=”https:\/\/www.destinosubbetica.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/gastronom\u00eda-de-la-subb\u00e9tica-turrolate.jpg” \/][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.1.1″ text_font=”Poppins|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#ac1617″ text_font_size=”30px” text_orientation=”center”]<\/p>\n The world\u2019s best olive oil<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”TEXTO LARGO” _builder_version=”3.1.1″ text_font_size=”16px” text_orientation=”justified”]<\/p>\n Carpeted by a sea of olive trees, this beautiful corner of rural Andaluc\u00eda produces some of the best olive oil in Spain (and the world), with a long tradition stretching back to Roman times. Priego de C\u00f3rdoba\u2019s endlessly awarded extra virgin olive oil revolves around small-scale producers of the picual<\/em>, hojiblanca<\/em> and picuda<\/em> varieties, many of which are part of the celebrated Priego de <\/a>C\u00f3rdoba <\/a>Denominaci\u00f3n de Origen Protegida (DOP)<\/a>. The neighbouring Denominaci\u00f3n de Origen Baena<\/a> is another famed C\u00f3rdoba olive oil region (known especially for its picuda<\/em> olives), as is the Denominaci\u00f3n de Origen Protegida Aceite de Lucena<\/a>, whose speciality is the hojiblanca<\/em>.<\/p>\n Visitors can join in-depth olive oil tours at some of the Subb\u00e9tica\u2019s almazaras<\/em> (oil presses), where you\u2019ll meet local producers and savour Andalucian olive oil tastings. Don\u2019t miss an active trip through Andaluc\u00eda\u2019s olive oil history by going cycling or walking along the 128km V\u00eda Verde del Aceite, a much-loved greenway made from a disused railway line across C\u00f3rdoba and Ja\u00e9n provinces.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.1.1″ src=”https:\/\/www.destinosubbetica.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/uva.jpg” \/][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.1.1″ text_font=”Poppins|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#ac1617″ text_font_size=”30px” text_orientation=”center”]<\/p>\n Montilla-Moriles wines<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”TEXTO LARGO” _builder_version=”3.1.1″ text_font_size=”16px” text_orientation=”justified”]<\/p>\n The little-touristed Montilla-Moriles wine region, south of C\u00f3rdoba city and bordering the Subb\u00e9tica, is celebrated across Spain for its range of excellent, sweet \u2018sherry wines\u2019. Although similar to Jerez sherries, C\u00f3rdoba wines have their own distinctive character and are produced only from the sun-toasted Pedro Xim\u00e9nez grape. Plus, unlike the Jerez wines, these are not fortified wines, as they naturally reach the desired grade of alcohol. You\u2019ll sample Montilla-Moriles wines all over the Subb\u00e9tica \u2013 a chilled fino<\/em> is perfect with some olives or the local goat\u2019s cheese after a hike through the Parque Natural Sierras Subb\u00e9ticas, while a glass of smokey oloroso<\/em> pairs beautifully with a plate of ham and a syrupy-sweet Pedro Xim\u00e9nez (PX) makes an ideal night-cap.<\/p>\n And you can also of course visit some of these terrific wineries near C\u00f3rdoba for wine tastings, winery tours and other exciting wine tourism events, often in atmospheric centuries-old buildings laden with history. The main towns in the Montilla-Moriles <\/a>Denominaci\u00f3n de Origen <\/a>(DO)<\/a> include Montilla, Moriles, Lucena, Cabra and Do\u00f1a Menc\u00eda, all with respected bodegas that showcase some of the finest winery tours in Andaluc\u00eda.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.1.1″ src=”https:\/\/www.destinosubbetica.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Ganado-pastando-en-el-entorno-de-Zuheros.jpg” \/][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.1.1″ text_font=”Poppins|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#ac1617″ text_font_size=”30px” text_orientation=”center”]<\/p>\n Zuheros goat\u2019s cheese<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”TEXTO LARGO” _builder_version=”3.1.1″ text_font_size=”16px” text_orientation=”justified”]<\/p>\n The prize-winning goat\u2019s cheeses made around the white village of Zuheros are lauded as some of the best artisan cheeses in Spain. Most are produced from the milk of goats that roam the mountains and valleys of the Parque Natural Sierras Subb\u00e9ticas, working with local farmers who put organic practices first. Many C\u00f3rdoba cheesemakers carry on traditions that have been in the family for generations, and you can learn all about their creations (and taste them!) at small-scale cheese factories such as Los Balanchares<\/a> in Zuheros and Cortijo La Calzada<\/a> in Almedinilla. Some Sierra de Zuheros cheeses are dusted with fine herbs or paprika, others are served dipped in olive oil from Priego de C\u00f3rdoba \u2013 you\u2019ll inevitably find a favourite.<\/p>\n And if you\u2019re visiting in mid-September, don\u2019t miss the annual Feria del Queso (Artisan Cheese Fair) in Zuheros, where you can sample artisanal cheeses from all over Spain, washed down with a glass of two of the local fino<\/em>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.1.1″ src=”https:\/\/www.destinosubbetica.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Where-to-eat-Subbetica-Ecologica-organic-produce_Casa-Olea.jpg” \/][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.1.1″ text_font=”Poppins|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#ac1617″ text_font_size=”30px” text_orientation=”center”]<\/p>\n Fabulous fresh produce<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”TEXTO LARGO” _builder_version=”3.1.1″ text_font_size=”16px” text_orientation=”justified”]<\/p>\n Andaluc\u00eda\u2019s delectable fresh produce fires the Subb\u00e9tica\u2019s kitchens, from Huelva\u2019s zingy spring strawberries and Alcal\u00e1 la Real\u2019s tasty cherries (May\/June), to the Subbetica\u00b4s incredible range of summer fruits and vegetables and autumn pomegranates and winter avocados from Granada. Typical local gastronomy revolves firmly around what\u2019s in season and grown on the doorstep, with flavours often influenced by the region\u2019s Moorish history, so no matter what time of year you visit the Subb\u00e9tica there\u2019ll be a signature C\u00f3rdoba dish on the table.<\/p>\n Many of the region\u2019s best restaurants and B&Bs (such as Casa Olea<\/a> and Hospeder<\/a>\u00ed<\/a>a La Era<\/a>) buy much of their produce from the local organic farmers association, Subb\u00e9tica Ecol<\/a>\u00f3<\/a>gica<\/a>. The association links up small, organic family growers with eco-minded local businesses, all focused on artisanal products and techniques.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.1.1″ src=”https:\/\/www.destinosubbetica.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Gastronom\u00eda-en-la-subb\u00e9tica-remoj\u00f3n.jpg” \/][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.1.1″ text_font=”Poppins|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#ac1617″ text_font_size=”30px” text_orientation=”center”]<\/p>\n Andalucian cuisine in the Subb\u00e9tica<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”TEXTO LARGO” _builder_version=”3.1.1″ text_font_size=”16px” text_orientation=”justified”]<\/p>\n The Subb\u00e9tica offers a tantalising taste of inland-Andaluc\u00eda cooking, showcasing traditional regional recipes alongside forward-thinking menus. Local favourites include remoj\u00f3n<\/em> (orange-and-salt cod salad), salmorejo<\/em> (a thicker version of chilled gazpacho), savoury stews, flamenqu\u00edn<\/em> (serrano<\/em> ham slices wrapped in pork loin then fried), berenjenas con miel <\/em>(aubergines with cane honey) and gachas <\/em>(a creamy anise-infused dessert of Moorish origin), as well as platters of jam\u00f3n<\/em>, goat\u2019s cheese and other goodies.<\/p>\n A key delight of holidays in the Subb\u00e9tica is sampling rural C\u00f3rdoba\u2019s specialities at the local restaurants and tapas bars, such as creative Tres Culturas<\/a> in Lucena, traditional Restaurante Zuhayra<\/a> in Zuheros, or Restaurante La Ribera<\/a> and Restaurante R\u00edo in Priego de C\u00f3rdoba. The region\u2019s lovely rural hotels and B&Bs are also great places for tasting your way through C\u00f3rdoba gastronomy, and some of them (such as Finca Las Encinas<\/a>) offer Spanish cooking classes for learning the secrets behind typical Andalucian dishes.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.1.1″ src=”https:\/\/www.destinosubbetica.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/restaurante-tres-culturas-lucena-subbetica.jpg” \/][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.1.1″ text_font=”Poppins|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#ac1617″ text_font_size=”30px” text_orientation=”center”]<\/p>\n Best restaurants in the Subb\u00e9tica<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”TEXTO LARGO” _builder_version=”3.1.1″ text_font_size=”16px” text_orientation=”justified”]<\/p>\n Tres Culturas, Lucena<\/strong><\/a> Deliciously original recipes inspired by the culinary heritage of Lucena\u2019s three cultures \u2013 Jewish, Islamic and Christian.<\/p>\n Japanish, Lucena<\/strong><\/a> Fabulous Spanish-Japanese fusion cooking, with a southern tapas twist.<\/p>\n Vaquena, Ermita de Cabra<\/strong><\/a> Surrounded by the Subb\u00e9tica\u2019s rugged hills, Vaquena is locally loved for its sustainably sourced beef dishes.<\/p>\n Zyrah, Priego de C<\/strong><\/a>\u00f3rdoba<\/strong><\/a> A seasonal tapas feast with a creative touch, at a buzzy gastrobar in the heart of Priego.<\/p>\n Casa Frasco, Luque<\/strong><\/a> Fresh local produce fuels the kitchen at this well-established favourite opposite Luque\u2019s Parroquia de la Asunci\u00f3n.<\/p>\n El Rinc\u00f3n Gallego, Cabra <\/strong>Savour the ocean-fired flavours of distant northern Galicia in pretty Cabra.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.1.1″ src=”https:\/\/www.destinosubbetica.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Where-to-eat-Subbetica-Ecologica-organic-produce_Casa-Olea.jpg” \/][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.1.1″ text_font=”Poppins|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#ac1617″ text_font_size=”30px” text_orientation=”center”]<\/p>\n Best for an outdoor terrace<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”TEXTO LARGO” _builder_version=”3.1.1″ text_font_size=”16px” text_orientation=”justified”]<\/p>\n Japanish, Lucena<\/strong><\/a> Dine on imaginative fusion bites under the trees out on Lucena\u2019s lively\u00a0 Plaza de Espa\u00f1a.<\/p>\n El Aljibe, Priego de C\u00f3rdoba<\/strong><\/a> With an alfresco terraza<\/em> in the shadow of Priego\u2019s castle, El Aljibe is perfect for typical homemade cuisine.<\/p>\n Restaurante La Muralla, Priego de C\u00f3rdoba<\/strong><\/a> Drink in the town buzz on this asador<\/em> terrace, where grilled mushrooms are followed by succulent steaks and wood-fired treats.<\/p>\n Territorio Terraza, Lucena<\/strong><\/a> Another Lucena gem, specialising in world-wandering plates such as basil-and-burrata salads and zesty falafel burgers, served on a fairy-lit terrace.<\/p>\n Vaquena, Ermita de Cabra<\/strong><\/a> You can\u2019t beat the rolling country panoramas from this secluded meat-lover\u2019s dream outside Cabra.<\/p>\n La Tabernilla, Priego de C\u00f3rdoba<\/strong><\/a> Going strong for 120 years, La Tabernilla works up Subb\u00e9tica classics opposite Priego\u2019s baroque Fuente del Rey.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.1.1″ src=”https:\/\/www.destinosubbetica.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Decoraci\u00f3n-de-Restaurante-La-Ribera.jpg” \/][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.1.1″ text_font=”Poppins|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#ac1617″ text_font_size=”30px” text_orientation=”center”]<\/p>\n Best for local cuisine<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”TEXTO LARGO” _builder_version=”3.1.1″ text_font_size=”16px” text_orientation=”justified”]<\/p>\n Bar R\u00edo, Priego de C\u00f3rdoba <\/strong>A classic Priego address for expertly prepared traditional tapas and a good-value men\u00fa del d\u00eda<\/em>.<\/p>\n Casa Pepe \u201cLa Pianola\u201d, Priego de C\u00f3rdoba <\/strong><\/a>Whether you fancy a wild-mushroom revuelto<\/em> (scramble) or a Sunday-lunch paella, long-established La Pionala delivers on superb local cuisine.<\/p>\n Restaurante Ribera, Priego de C\u00f3rdoba<\/strong><\/a> Mediterranean flavours marry C\u00f3rdoba produce with a splash of fusion-style creativity in Priego.<\/p>\n El Rinc\u00f3n Gallego, Cabra <\/strong>This beloved restaurant brings the fabulous cuisine of Atlantic-hugging Galicia to the Subb\u00e9tica, from grilled octopus to fresh percebes<\/em> (goose barnacles).<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.1.1″ src=”https:\/\/www.destinosubbetica.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/190656643_472326001236772_1051998369308862360_n.jpg” \/][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.1.1″ text_font=”Poppins|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#ac1617″ text_font_size=”30px” text_orientation=”center”]<\/p>\n Best for modern tapas<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”TEXTO LARGO” _builder_version=”3.1.1″ text_font_size=”16px” text_orientation=”justified”]<\/p>\n Japanish, Lucena<\/strong><\/a> Blending Andalucian and Japanese flavours to perfection, Japanish delights with oxtail gyozas, avocado-and-wakame salads and other innovative creations.<\/p>\n Zyrah, Priego de C\u00f3rdoba<\/strong><\/a> For Priego\u2019s finest experimental cooking (with local flair), try red-tuna tataki with mango, slow-cooked secreto ib\u00e9rico<\/em> and much more at wonderful Zyrah.<\/p>\n Territorio Terraza, Lucena<\/strong><\/a> From first-thing desayunos<\/em> to late-night tapas, this original kitchen revolves around season-fuelled cocina viajera<\/em> (\u2018travelling cooking\u2019) \u2013 pulled-pork tacos, hummus with boletus, mango guacamole.<\/p>\n Vaquena, Ermita de Cabra<\/strong><\/a> The sprawling mountain views wow alongside the meaty cooking at this blissfully remote country restaurant, where the sustainable beef comes from its own cows and some dishes have a fun fusion twist.<\/p>\n Tres Culturas, Lucena<\/strong><\/a> With a perfect informal bar to tapear<\/em> (\u2018eat tapas\u2019), Tres Culturas fuses flavours from Christian, Islamic and Jewish Lucena, all with a contemporary spin.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.1.1″ src=”https:\/\/www.destinosubbetica.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/galeria-restaurante-zuhayra-destinosubbetica-2.jpg” \/][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.1.1″ text_font=”Poppins|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#ac1617″ text_font_size=”30px” text_orientation=”center”]<\/p>\n Best hotel restaurants<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”TEXTO LARGO” _builder_version=”3.1.1″ text_font_size=”16px” text_orientation=”justified”]<\/p>\n Hotel-Restaurante Zuhayra, Zuheros<\/strong><\/a> Graze your way through platters of Zuheros\u2019 famous cheeses, honey-drizzled aubergines and more at this popular spot.<\/p>\n Caser\u00edo de Izn\u00e1jar, Izn\u00e1jar<\/strong><\/a> Elegant local wines are paired with seasonally changing Andalucian menus, on a fabulous terrace gazing out on Izn\u00e1jar\u2019s twinkling lake.<\/p>\n Huerta de las Palomas, near Priego de C\u00f3rdoba<\/strong><\/a> This ancient cortijo<\/em> has a cosy winter dining room and a sunny summer terrace \u2013 perfect for sampling Subb\u00e9tica cheeses, salmorejo<\/em> and other typical dishes.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.1.1″ src=”https:\/\/www.destinosubbetica.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Where-to-eat_Finca-Las-Encina.jpg” \/][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.1.1″ text_font=”Poppins|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#ac1617″ text_font_size=”30px” text_orientation=”center”]<\/p>\n Best B&Bs for foodies<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”TEXTO LARGO” _builder_version=”3.1.1″ text_font_size=”16px” text_orientation=”justified”]<\/p>\n Casa Olea, near Priego de C\u00f3rdoba<\/strong><\/a> At this sustainably run rural B&B, home-cooked Mediterranean meals star freshly prepared tortilla, seafood-stuffed paella and platters of jam\u00f3n ib\u00e9rico<\/em> along with the family\u2019s own olive oil.<\/p>\n Finca Las Encinas, near <\/strong><\/a>Izn\u00e1jar<\/strong><\/a> Regional Andalucian specialities meet creative international flair at gourmet B&B Las Encinas, which also offers terrific cooking courses.<\/p>\n Hospeder<\/strong><\/a>\u00ed<\/strong><\/a>a La Era, Almedinilla<\/strong><\/a> Intimate homemade meals at this Slow Food-focused B&B revolve around organic ingredients and locally loved C\u00f3rdoba recipes.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.1.1″ src=”https:\/\/www.destinosubbetica.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/214358877_10159889856119240_4680269330151811100_n.jpg” \/][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.1.1″ text_font=”Poppins|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#ac1617″ text_font_size=”30px” text_orientation=”center”]<\/p>\n Best for dinner with a view<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”TEXTO LARGO” _builder_version=”3.1.1″ text_font_size=”16px” text_orientation=”justified”]<\/p>\n Casa Frasco, Luque<\/strong><\/a> You\u2019ll be soaking up views across Luque\u2019s Plaza de Espa\u00f1a and 16th-century church over delectable regional favourites.<\/p>\n Restaurante Los Palancos, Zuheros<\/strong> It\u2019s all about traditional flavours and terrific views across rippling olive groves at Los Palancos, next to Zuheros\u2019 Moorish castle.<\/p>\n Vaquena, Ermita de Cabra<\/strong><\/a> Brave the vertiginous road to superbly located Vaquena, which sits 1100m high overlooking the mountainous natural park and breeds its own free-range cows for beef.<\/p>\n Caser\u00edo de Izn\u00e1jar, Izn\u00e1jar<\/strong><\/a> The Subb\u00e9tica\u2019s inland lake sparkles below this charming hotel-and-restaurant, where you can relax over seasonal bites and organic Andalucian wines.<\/p>\n