Andalucian countryside 1 week itinerary

The gardens of the villa

Poppy fields down the road

This terracotta coloured villa ( in the center) is Villa Louis in Montefrio

We rented a villa (villa Louis) tucked in between an olive grove in the small town of Montefrio, Andalucia in the end of May for one week. Having visited Andalucia countless of times, since we also had a house by the coast all the way until my adulthood, however I had not visited this particular region. It was an hours drive from Granada, which we have previously visited. The house was lovely, with a pool and the typical countrysides view was breathtaking. Keep in mind that you need a car for this type of holiday as the villa is located in beautiful secluded countryside. Fields were covered in red poppy flowers and there were olive trees as far as the eyes could see. Our 1 week itinerary incuded visiting less known towns, including:

Montefrio
Granada
Priego de Cordoba
Jaén

Introduction to the Villa through images:

Introduction to Granada

Granada is a historic city located in the Andalusian region of southern Spain, nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Known for its rich Moorish heritage, it was the last stronghold of the Islamic Nasrid dynasty before being reclaimed by the Catholic Monarchs in 1492. Granada is world-famous for the Alhambra, a stunning palace-fortress complex that showcases exquisite Islamic architecture. The city also features charming neighborhoods like the Albaicín, vibrant flamenco culture, and a lively student population, thanks to the University of Granada. It's a unique blend of cultures, history, and natural beauty.

Montefrío is a picturesque town in the province of Granada, Andalusia, in southern Spain. Nestled between rolling olive groves and dramatic mountain landscapes, it is known for its striking setting and historic architecture. One of its most iconic features is the Iglesia de la Villa, a church perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop overlooking the town, offering panoramic views.

Introduction to Montefrio

Montefrío has deep roots in both Moorish and Christian history, and remnants of its past are visible in its narrow streets and ancient structures. The town has also gained international attention—National Geographic once listed its view as one of the top ten in the world.

With its relaxed pace of life, whitewashed houses, and surrounding natural beauty, Montefrío offers an authentic slice of Andalusian charm and culture.

Introduction to Priego de Córdoba

Priego de Córdoba, often called “the flower town” of Andalusia, is a charming and historic town located in the province of Córdoba, Spain. This was my favourite town, just because all the streets where so beautiful. Known for its beautifully adorned whitewashed houses with vibrant flower-filled balconies and patios, especially in the Barrio de la Villa, it offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and rich heritage. The town also had a weekend market going on, which was lovely to explore. We found some brass antiques to take home with us, including an old picture frame and a old door brass horse head doorknocker.

The town is also a showcase of Andalusian Baroque architecture, with highlights like the Iglesia de la Asunción and the Fuente del Rey, a monumental fountain with over 100 spouts. Surrounded by olive groves and set against the backdrop of the Sierra Subbética Natural Park, Priego is a center for olive oil production and offers breathtaking scenery.

With its tranquil atmosphere, artistic flair, and floral charm, Priego de Córdoba is a hidden gem that captures the essence of southern Spain.

Introduction to Jaén

Jaén is a historic city in southern Spain and the capital of the province of the same name, located in the heart of Andalusia. Often referred to as the “World Capital of Olive Oil,” Jaén is surrounded by vast olive groves and plays a leading role in global olive oil production.

The city boasts a rich cultural and architectural heritage, with landmarks like the Jaén Cathedral, a masterpiece of Spanish Renaissance architecture, and the Castle of Santa Catalina, offering panoramic views over the city and countryside. Jaén also has deep Moorish roots, evident in sites like the Arab Baths, some of the best-preserved in Europe.

Though quieter and less touristy than some other Andalusian cities, Jaén offers authentic local charm, stunning natural surroundings, and easy access to the Sierra de Cazorla and Sierra Mágina natural parks, making it a unique destination for history lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.