Free walking tours in Alcaudete and what to see

Must-sees

Alcaudete is a village in southern Jaén, on the border with Córdoba, surrounded by olive groves and dominated by its castle. The fortress, once held by the Order of Calatrava, keeps its keep and part of its walls, and houses an interpretation centre on the order and life in the castle. From the top you can see the whole white village and the sea of olive trees around it.

At the foot of the castle is the church of Santa María la Mayor, a protected heritage site and one of the most notable churches in the province. In the old town, the churches of San Pedro and El Carmen and the convent of Santa Clara are also worth a stop. For walking or cycling, the Vía Verde del Aceite crosses the municipality, and nearby are the Chinche and Honda lagoons, both nature reserves.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free walking tours in Alcaudete, but you can book a guided visit to the castle, which is the most common activity and the best way to understand its Calatrava history. The rest of the village is easy to explore on your own, and in the area there are olive oil mills that show how oil is made.

How long to spend

Half a day gives you time for the castle, Santa María la Mayor and a stroll through the old town. If you want to ride a stretch of the Vía Verde del Aceite or visit an oil mill, allow a full day. In the second week of July, the Fiestas Calatravas fill the village with a medieval atmosphere, and in September the Feria Real is held.

Where to stay

The most practical option is to stay in the old town, near the castle and the square, to do everything on foot, or in a rural house among the olive groves if you're driving. The village has limited accommodation. If you can't find a room, Alcalá la Real, Priego de Córdoba and the city of Jaén are close and have more places to stay.