Most people who visit Andalusia and dream of owning a property on the Costa del Sol, are drawn by its beaches, pretty whitewashed villages and relaxed lifestyle. However, the true heart of this sun-drenched region beats a little way from the coast, amongst the verdant inland hills and groves, where you’ll find endless rows of olive trees, with their silvery leaves shimmering in the breeze.
There is much to discover about the Andalusian lifestyle, history and culture. This is especially true, if you are a relative newcomer to the region, like Weber Estates’ founder, Birgitte, who found the perfect La Mairena property for sale (Marbella), and swapped the cold Danish winters for all-year-round Andalusian sunshine. And there is no better place to start your journey than diving into the golden liquid that is produced in this beautiful region – olive oil.
Spain is the world’s largest olive oil producer, with the lion’s share produced in Andalucía, with 820 olive mills in operation throughout the region, equating to around 47 per cent of all mills in the country (UNESCO). When walking around these olive groves it is possible to get a real understanding of Andalucía and an appreciation of how these trees, some of which date back further than the Romans and Moors, have shaped the landscape and the lifestyle of the people who tend them.
When confronted with the almost impossible task of where to begin, the method is to choose a point of difference. And this leads us to La Almazara, also known as LA Organic, nestled in the hills of Ronda. This is the world’s first signature olive oil mill designed by French architect and designer Philip Starck. We guarantee, what you see will surely take your breath away, as it will feel like you are stepping into a work of art. This is no ordinary mill. The sleek modern building appears to emerge from the earth, blending into the ancient groves that surround it.
Visitors can tour at their own pace and wander through light-filled spaces where art, design and the ancient craft of olive oil production meet, every corner conveys a story of craftsmanship and a deep connection to the land. The Mediterranean gardens and panoramic terraces offering breath-taking views of the Serrania de Ronda are enveloped by the scent of rosemary and wild thyme that mingle with the rustle of the olive trees as they sway in a gentle breeze.
You can choose the type and expense of the tour, starting with the General Visit, a self-guided, where you get entry to the Olive Oil Museum, a tour of La Almazara, the olive grows and the option to pay a few euros extra to include a tasting. One step up is the Premium Tour, which takes you to another level, including a guided oil tasting, where you learn how to recognise the different oil by their taste and aroma, and EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) tasting with artisan bread. There are also two more comprehensive options: The Private and Exclusive Visits, the latter includes arriving at La Almazara by helicopter!
It is fair to say that La Almazara is unique in its style. It manages to marry the past and the present, where modern innovation meets ancient wisdom. These lands have been harvested for generations, starting before dawn, the fruit is picked and milled within a matter of hours. More than farming, the team at La Almazara consider themselves to be custodians of the land, responsible for ensuring the groves continue to thrive.
However, it isn’t all about the great outdoors or the process, olive oil is the single most important ingredient in all Andalusian kitchens, and an essential element in the much-vaunted Mediterranean diet. Many years of research has proven olive oils healthy giving benefits and one of the best ways to prevent cardiovascular diseaseWhether the foundation of a dish or being drizzled over a salad or rustic bread, it is shared, poured and celebrated with every meal.
Once you enter this world, it is clear to see that the true Andalucía is not defined by its beaches, hotels and luxury homes in Marbella, instead by its customs, continuity and people. The sunshine may shine on the blue Mediterranean Sea but it is in the olive groves that you really get a sense of the beautiful region’s soul. At La Almazara, the spirit is bottled along with the olive oil, providing a real taste of Andalucía’s past and present.
La Almazara (LA Organic) is just one of several world-class olive oil producers, there are many more opportunities for Oleotourism in Andalucía.
If you would like more information about property for sale on the Costa del Sol, lifestyle and activities available in Marbella and the surrounding areas, contact Birgitte at birgitte@weberestates.com or call +34 683 391 512.
