Luque: Nature, history and hotels

When looking for a hotel in Luque, you can first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: nature and hiking, historic buildings or olive oil. The places and activities offer different highlights and give you concrete starting points for planning your trip.

Nature and trails

The Las Buitreras hiking trail starts in Luque next to the municipal swimming pool. It is 17.5 kilometres long and classified as moderate. The route passes through cliffs where the largest colony of griffon vultures in the natural area nests. Its length and difficulty rating provide two concrete points to consider when planning your hike; the colony adds a nature-focused aspect to the trail. Seasonal access restrictions may apply, and you should check trail conditions before setting out.

The Laguna del Salobral, also known as Laguna del Conde, lies within the municipality of Luque. In the Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park, limestone formations shaped by typical karst processes define the landscape. The park also offers various hiking and mountain trails where you can explore the landscape and its flora and fauna. Check whether the park trails are accessible before your outing.

History and heritage

The Parroquia de Ntra. Sra. de Asunción stands beside Luque’s old town wall and at the foot of the castle. Construction began in 1557 and continued until 1598. Groups of ten or more must arrange a guided tour outside liturgical hours. If you are planning to visit outside these hours, take this access requirement into account.

Castillo de Luque Hisn Lukk appears to date from the late period of the Umayyad Emirate in the 9th century and stands on the foundations of an ancient Roman fortress. The remains still standing today date mainly from the 13th century. Groups of ten or more can arrange guided tours on any day and at any time; confirm the arrangements for your visit in advance.

Cueva de la Encantada is a rock fissure about 40 metres deep in the centre of Luque. Schematic paintings from the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods can be seen in the cave. Workshops on prehistoric painting and making marrow-bone lamps are also offered. The visitor programme may change; confirm it before your trip. Cave tours can also be arranged for groups of ten or more on any day and at any time.

The Búnkeres del Alamillo stand beside the Vía Verde del Aceite. The structures visible today were built in late 1938 and early 1939. They include several casemates, a Reduit-type bunker, trenches and underground passages. The different structures and their dates make the site a distinct historical attraction.

The Ermita de San Bartolomé houses a 17th-century statue of Saint Bartholomew, finished using the estofado technique and polychromed. The hermitage’s single-aisled transept is covered by a barrel vault. Some of the brotherhoods and religious statues taking part in Luque’s Semana Santa date back to the 16th century. The Ruta del Califato also passes through Luque. The Museo Municipal Luque Tierra de Fronteras is open to the public; check its status before your visit.

Olive oil and planning your visit

The Centro de Interpretación del Aceite de Oliva de Luque is located at the railway station, next to the Vía Verde and the town’s olive groves. Guided olive oil tastings are offered there. As the visitor programme may change, it is advisable to confirm it before your trip. You can rent bicycles at Luque railway station for trips along the Vía Verde; check in advance whether this service is available.

Discover more destinations: Pozoblanco, Gaena-Casas Gallegas, Peñarroya-Pueblonuevo, La Rambla, Doña Mencía, Montoro, El Cerezo, Villaviciosa De Córdoba.

For the regional travel overview: Cordoba.