James Gambrill
Looking for what to do or reasons why you should visit Montefrío? Look no further! Here’s our top 10 best things to do in Montefrío, Granada, Spain.
Source: https://www.rural-andalucia.com/top-10-things-to-do-in-montefrio-granada-spain
With olive trees as far as you can see, you won’t be surprised to learn that there a several olive factories (cooperatives) in Montefrío. It doesn’t matter what time of year you’re visiting Montefrío, you can purchase the locally fabricated olive oil from any of the cooperatives or from the tourist shops and local supermarkets. Depending on the time of year that you’re visiting, you may even get to see the factories in full swing and experience how the oil is made or even see the harvesting and the farmers delivering their olives.
If you’re looking to cool down from the Andalucian sun, just a short drive from the centre of Montefrío and nestled among olive and pine groves, are the town’s natural springs and waterfalls. Historically, these waters fed the numerous flour and olive mills in the area but these days provide a welcome break from the sun for visitors and locals. Even in the cooler months, a walk around the springs is a must with the natural fauna and wildlife.
If you are visiting Montefrío, your visit would not be complete without taking a stroll up to the town’s castle. Sitting proudly at the top of the hill ‘protecting’ Montefrío, this spectacular building was first built in 1352 as a strategic place of defence for the ‘kingdom’ of Granada. With its 360° views of the village, you can see all the town and the rolling views of the surrounding area. Entry tickets are purchased from the tourist information office. Whilst at the top, see how many ‘atalayas’ (watch towers) you can spot?
Spain is heaped in traditions and throughout the year there are so many fiestas ‘festivals’ you can enjoy and experience. From the national festivals to the regional events and local traditions, if you’re visiting Montefrío around a festival day, you’ll most certainly want to join in. As well as all the national fiestas, where you can watch traditional flamenco performances or join in the celebrations of constitution day, there’s also the Easter and Christmas parades that are spectacular. Montefrío’s main fiesta can be enjoyed throughout the month of August with activities taking place across the town every day. In March/April the town celebrates the olive harvest with an agriculture festival and if you’re visiting in May, the town is awash with decorated crosses for ‘day of the cross’ and the San Isidro weekend fiesta to thank and celebrate labourers and farm workers.
This amazing building was constructed under the reign of King Carlos III. It is the only church of its kind in Spain due to its unique circular shape. Legend has it that locals were encouraged to help with the construction as the Monarch had buried gold within the stonework and any found was for the finder to keep. On entering the church you’ll be blown away by the acoustics, created by its unique shape, as many singers from across the world have also found. Whether you sing or not, you can’t fail to be amazed at its size and beauty.
Like many towns across Spain, history is only ever a stones throw away. You can book a visit to this historic site via the tourist information office and walk around this archaeological site with its 5,000 year history. Walk among the hundreds of tombs within this prehistoric burial ground. Guides are available to escort you during your visit and will walk with you whilst you learn about the history of the site or, you can take a stroll in the open public areas taking in the views, fauna and natural wildlife.
Looking for the best view of Montefrío? Well, there’s many! Wherever you stop to take in a view of Montefrío, you will never be disappointed. The most popular viewing point is the National Geographic mirador, which is a ‘top 10 view of a town in the world!’ But it really is worth taking the time to visit all the miradors as each provides its own unique view. All the miradors are well signposted and the tourist information office can provide you with a map too.
The province of Andalucia is one of the largest producers of olives in the world and you’ll immediately see why that is from the ever-rolling hills of olive trees. Olives are harvested between December and March and as the main income stream for many people in the area, you’ll always see farmers tending to their olives whatever month you visit. It takes an enormous amount of physical work to produce olives and the olive oil, so if you’ve ever wondered how that olive you’ve eaten or the oil you’ve used in cooking was produced, a visit to the olive museum will give you all the answers and history of this fantastic fruit.
Do you like your cheeses? If you do, some of the best cheeses you can taste and purchase in the world are created by the award-winning team at Queso Montefrieño. Using traditional methods and generations of family recipes, a visit to the cheese factory is a must. You can even try before you buy at the factory itself or purchase many of the cheeses at any of the tourist shops, or even some bars in Montefrío.
Since Montefrío was crowned a Top-10 view of a town in the world by National Geographic, there’s no better way to visit all this town has to offer and see the views from the various viewpoints than a relaxing tour on the tourist train. Suitable for all ages, you embark the train from the Plaza de España and you can learn about Montefrío’s history and traditions from the comfort of your carriage, whilst waving to everyone you meet on the way. During the 25 minute ride, you’ll get to see the views and explore some of Montefrío’s historic sites including a walk in the cloisters of Montefrío’s convent, Convento de San Antonio. Tickets for the train can be purchased from the driver as it pulls into the plaza.
