Olvera

Olvera is the northeastern-most town in the Cadiz Province in the Andalucia region of Spain. It is home to about 8,100 people (2018).

Understand
The city, built on a 643-m-high mountain, is visible from afar and because of its unique silhouette motif on many Andalusian postcards. Originating from the Roman Hippa Nova and later the Moorish Wubira, the Moorish castle was taken in 1327 by the troops of the Christian King Alfonso XI. In the 16th century, several people of the city were instrumental in the conquest of Peru and Pánama. Today the city is a local centre for agriculture and is enjoying increasing tourist attention.

By plane
The closest airport is Jerez de la Frontera, approx 1 hr 15 min by car. There are several daily flights from Madrid and Barcelona (Iberia, Spanair, Vueling). Ryanair flies daily from London Stansted and Frankfurt Hahn. Other operators fly scheduled, charter, or seasonal flights.

The nearest major airports are in Sevilla (1 hour 30 min by car) and Malaga (1 hr 50 min by car), Granada (2-3 hr) and Cordoba (at least 2 hr). Gibraltar is about 2 hours distance.

By train
The Antigua Estación de Ferrocaril is near the bus station. However, the station is closed and there is no connection to the Spanish rail network. The nearest train station is in the town of Setenil, on the Ronda-Bobadilla railway line. Almarjen (25 minutes away) is on the Algeciras to Bobadilla route. Ronda is about 40 minutes away.

By bus
There should be a bus connection from Los Amarillos SL, Tel. +34 952187061, via Setenil to Ronda. At 09:00 a bus from Automoviles Casado SA leaves for Málaga. At 13:45 the bus leaves Malaga bus station back to Olvera.

By car
Olvera is on the A384 from Jerez to Campillos.

See
Two outstanding structures at the highest point of the city contribute significantly to the striking silhouette of the city: the magnificent church Iglesia Arcipestral de Nuestra Senora de la Encarnación, which was built from Italian marble at the end of the 18th century, and the Moorish castle.

In the cityscape, a large stone statue of Christ stands out, which reminds one of the landmark of Rio de Janeiro. Outside the city, on the road to Torre Alháquime, the monastery of Santuario Nuestra Senora de los Remedios from the 18th century offers a regionally significant spiritual focus.

Nearby, town can be seen, famous for its dwellings built into rock overhangs.

Do

 * Corpus Christi when the streets are strewn with reeds and mint, the walls bedecked with sunflowers and palm fronds and the estaciones are small wells of delight along the route.
 * Semana Santa (Easter or Holy Week) is local and authentic and emotive.
 * Feria in August. A coming together of the clans for a week long, all night and day party.
 * Romeria picnic out by the sanctuary.
 * Bird watching (Peñon de Zaframagon.)
 * Hang gliding at the nearby Algodonales piste.
 * Fishing and boating at the Zahara lake.

Buy
Olive Oil and olive oil soap.

Eat

 * El Estacion del Via Verde for modern cuisine.

Drink

 * Frenazo's (disco environment)
 * Juanito Gomez knows about the Spanish and the region's wines - always good for a conversation. Bobadillo white is slightly sweet for some palettes.

Sleep

 * El Estacion del Via Verde.
 * Hotel Fuente del Pino, immediately left at the exit of the A382. Tel .: +34 956130232. Great swimming pool in lovely gardens.
 * Hotel Sierra y Cal, Nuestra Senora de los Remedios 2. Tel .: +34 956130303. Has hotel style pool.

Go next
The Via Verde walk is a "must". Hire a bike from the old station hotel for a great ride at a cheap rate.