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Martos

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City
—°16
Martos (Spain)
ℹ️

Practical info — Martos

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes: the historical upper town features very steep, winding streets leading up to the Peña.
  • Parking in the old upper town is extremely difficult. Leave your car in the modern lower districts and walk up.
  • The best time to see the olive oil cooperatives in full swing is during the harvest season from November to January.
  • Don't miss the panoramic views from the square at the Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Villa, located right under the castle ruins.
  • The siesta is strictly observed here; expect many small shops to close between 2:00 PM and 5:30 PM.

🍽 Food

🍽
Hoyo Marteño

A traditional breakfast consisting of bread generously drizzled with local olive oil, tomato, and sometimes cod. Found in old town bars.

🍽
Picual Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The region's pride. Enjoy it simply with bread alongside your meals at any traditional restaurant.

🍽
Pipirrana

A refreshing summer salad made with tomatoes, peppers, tuna, and plenty of olive oil, available in local taverns during hot months.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Olive Oil Cooperatives

Buy premium olive oil directly from the producers (almazaras) on the outskirts of town for the most authentic souvenir.

🛍
Mercado Municipal

The municipal market is the go-to spot for purchasing local cheeses, cured meats, and locally cured olives.

🧘
Vía Verde del Aceite

A greenway built on an old railway track, excellent for a peaceful walk or bike ride through the endless 'sea of olive trees'.

🧘
Castillo de la Peña

The hike up to the castle ruins on the rock provides absolute silence and a commanding panoramic view of the province.

Martos, located in the province of Jaén, is the heart of the world's largest olive-growing region, proudly holding the title 'Cradle of the Sea of Olives'. The landscape is defined by an endless sea of olive trees, and the local economy and culture are inextricably linked to the production of high-quality olive oil. Towering over the town is the Peña de Martos, a prominent rock on which the ruins of a medieval fortress stand. From here, the views of the town and the surrounding olive groves are wide-open. The old town of Martos is a welcoming maze of narrow streets, featuring historic buildings like the old town hall, now a prison and courthouse (Antiguo Ayuntamiento, Cárcel y Cabildo), and the Church of Santa Marta. The local gastronomy celebrates olive oil in almost every dish. Visitors should definitely taste the 'liquid gold' directly from local producers. Martos is best reached via the airports of Granada (GRX) or Málaga (AGP), followed by a drive through the scenic Andalusian countryside. Spring is a handy time to visit when the landscape is in bloom and temperatures are pleasant.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C6791217232626211697
Rain mm394357442851427485751

Geography

Population
24,655
Coordinates
37.72107, -3.97264

Facts

  • One of the largest producers of olive oil in the world.
  • The La Peña fortress towers over the town.
  • Home to the Picual olive variety.
  • Historic site of the Roman colony Augusta Gemella Tuccitana.
  • The festival of the Virgen de la Villa is a major local event.
  • Surrounded by a 'sea' of over 100 million olive trees in Jaén province.
  • Economy is based mainly on agriculture, specifically olives.
  • Offers numerous olive oil mills (almazaras) for tours.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Martos (16)

Piscina Cubierta🎡 recreation

An indoor swimming pool in Martos for year-round swimming.

Caseta Municipal🎭 culture

A municipal pavilion used for fairs and events, located on the Plaza de la Constitución in Martos.

Iglesia Paleocristiana🏺 historical

An archaeological site featuring an early Christian church in Martos.

Teatro Municipal Álvarez Alonso🎭 culture

A theatre in Martos, reopened on 17 February 2006.

Museo de Arqueología🏛 museum

An archaeological museum displaying artifacts from the Iberian and Roman city of Tucci, housed in the Casa de la Cultura in Martos.

Portada Barroca Siglo XVI antiguo convento de San Francisco🏺 historical

A 16th-century Baroque portal of a former convent in Martos.

Casa Regionalista📍 landmark

A regionalist-style house from the early 20th century, with a tiled facade and wrought-iron balconies, on Calle Real in Martos.

Fuente de la Villa📍 landmark

The Fuente de la Villa in Martos is a historic fountain with a stone basin and a central spout.

🆓

Mirador🌿 nature

A viewpoint on the Cerro de la Peña, overlooking the town of Martos and the olive groves of the Sierra Sur.

Sala Cultural San Juan de Dios🎭 culture

A cultural hall in a former hospital of San Juan de Dios, with a Baroque chapel, used for concerts and conferences.

Iglesia de Santa Marta⛪ religious

Iglesia de Santa Marta is a Gothic-Mudéjar church in the center of Martos, with a tower.

Torre del Homenaje del Castillo de la Villa🏰 castle

The keep of the 13th-century Moorish castle of Martos, rising above the town on a rocky spur.

Iglesia de San Amador y Santa Ana⛪ religious

The Iglesia de San Amador y Santa Ana is a Baroque church in the historic center of Martos.

Pilar de la Fuente Nueva. Siglo XVI.🏺 historical

A 16th-century fountain in Martos, heritage site (level 3).

Torre Albarrana🗼 tower

Torre Albarrana is a Moorish defensive tower on a hill overlooking Martos.

Torre Almedina🗼 tower

Torre Almedina is a medieval tower, part of the old city walls of Martos.

Frequently asked questions

What is Martos world-famous for?
Martos is considered the 'world capital of olive oil' due to its vast production.
What is the 'Peña de Martos'?
A prominent rock dominating the city, bearing the remains of an old castle.
When does the Olive Festival take place?
The 'Fiesta de la Aceituna' is celebrated annually around December 8th.
Can you visit olive oil mills?
Yes, many local cooperatives offer tours and tastings.
Are there historical buildings in the center?
Yes, visit the Santa Marta Church and the old prison (now the town hall).
Martos: where is it located?
Martos is located in Galicia, Spain.
Martos: what is there to see?
Highlights include Piscina Cubierta, Caseta Municipal, Iglesia Paleocristiana.
Martos: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Martos: why is it worth visiting?
Martos, located in the province of Jaén, is the heart of the world's largest olive-growing region, proudly holding the title 'Cradle of the Sea of Olives'.
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