Best attractions and places to see around Luque, a town in the province of Córdoba, Spain, offer a blend of historical sites and natural landscapes. The region is characterized by its olive groves, historical railway routes, and proximity to the Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park. Visitors can explore ancient castles, repurposed railway stations, and scenic viewpoints. The area provides opportunities for outdoor activities along the Vía Verde del Aceite.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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El Castillo de Zuheros is a historic fortress in the small municipality of Zuheros. The castle sits spectacularly on a rock and has become a landmark of the region. The castle's origins date back to the Moors in the 9th century. It was strategically built on a limestone cliff to control and defend the region. Its location made it almost impregnable.
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The Zuheros Viaduct crosses the embedded bed of the Bailón River. It has a length of 104 meters resolved into two lateral sections of 31.5 meters and a central section of 41.0 meters. Its structure is metallic and is very similar to that of the Guadajoz River Viaduct. It seems that both projects were drawn up by the same engineers, Alessandri and Delaperrière.
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Here you can find everything in the field of catering. Breakfast, lunch, sleep. It seems like this is the place to be in the area.
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El Castillo de Zuheros stands spectacularly on a rock and offers impressive views of the Sierra Subbética. The castle is a major landmark in the region. The castle's origins date back to the Moors in the 9th century. It was strategically built on a limestone cliff to control and defend the region. Its location made it almost impregnable. It was part of a network of castles designed to secure Moorish influence in Andalusia. In 1240, Zuheros was conquered by the troops of Ferdinand III of Castile. The castle passed into Christian ownership and was integrated into the kingdom's defensive structure. With the end of its military importance in the region, after the conquest of Granada in 1492, the castle began to decline in importance. Parts of the complex were destroyed by earthquakes and neglect over the centuries. In 1964, the towers were reconstructed as they can be seen in their current form. The ruins of the castle are now one of the main attractions of Zuheros and can be visited.
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El Castillo de Zuheros is a historic fortress in the small municipality of Zuheros. The castle sits spectacularly on a rock and has become a landmark in the region. The castle's origins date back to the Moors in the 9th century. It was strategically built on a limestone cliff to control and defend the region. Its location made it almost impregnable. The viaduct is a historic remnant of the old railway line and offers an elevated platform with unobstructed views of the surrounding landscapes. The section near Zuheros is particularly spectacular as the viaduct crosses a gorge through which the Bailón River flows. From here, Zuheros Castle rises majestically above the village, embedded in a rock. The castle seems to be one with the landscape as it is integrated directly into the limestone. The view of Zuheros Castle from the viaduct is a perfect example of the unique combination of nature and history that characterizes the Córdoba region. It is a moment that makes every bike ride along the Vía Verde unforgettable.
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The Luque station, part of the original Linares-Puente Genil line, was built by the Compañía de los Ferrocarriles Andaluces and opened along with the entire line in January 1893. In 1941, with the nationalisation of the Iberian railways, the facilities passed into the hands of RENFE. The line remained in service until it was closed in October 1984, when it was dismantled and the tracks removed. After the line was closed, the old station building has been used as a restaurant since 1990. It also houses the Oil Interpretation Centre, a site dedicated to the history of olive oil and olive groves, where you can also taste oil from the region. The site is within the route formerly known as the "Vía Verde de la Subbética". In 2017, those responsible for the Greenway routes agreed to unify all sections of the old route under the same name "Vía Verde del Aceite". For many, however, it is and will remain the "Green Way". Luque station is a popular starting or intermediate point for cycling tours along the Vía Verde del Aceite, the old railway line that is now a great cycle path. The route offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the Córdoba region. The current station also offers a good opportunity to take a break and enjoy food and cool drinks.
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The Doña Mencía station is the only one of the stations that we will find along the nature trail, built on one floor. A few meters from the passenger building and on the same side of the road, there is a building that has been rehabilitated as a bicycle center. This is the old freight dock of the station. The goods were located on open-air docks or other covered docks, depending on their economic value or characteristics. The closed docks consisted of open roof naves, with a small office for the clerk who was responsible for the delivery notes. On one side, the wagons were loaded or unloaded, while on the other side, the vehicles that arrived by road did so. In order to protect the goods during loading and unloading, these buildings were designed with a gable roof that ends in two large lateral overhangs.
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The Zuheros viaduct crosses the embedded bed of the Bailón River. It has a length of 104 metres. Its structure is made of metal and is very similar to that of the Guadajoz River viaduct. A few metres away is the old Zuheros stop, a small building, very sober and functional. This building, smaller than the station, allowed the entry and exit of goods and passengers. A cobblestone in front of the façade served as a platform. From here you have a good view of the castle.
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Luque and its surroundings are rich in history. A prominent site is Zuheros Castle, a medieval fortress with Moorish origins and a 16th-century Renaissance palace. The nearby village of Zuheros Castle and Village itself is also a historical gem with whitewashed houses and narrow streets.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Doña Mencía Station, an old rehabilitated railway station, offers a bicycle center and a restaurant, making it a great stop. The Views of Zuheros Castle from the viaduct also provide an impressive and accessible perspective of the castle, which can be enjoyed by all ages.
For breathtaking views, visit the Views of Zuheros Castle from the viaduct. This historic viaduct offers an elevated platform for unobstructed views of the castle integrated into the limestone landscape. Additionally, Zuheros Castle itself provides a natural viewpoint (Plaza de la Paz) with expansive views over olive groves.
The area around Luque is excellent for outdoor activities, especially along the Vía Verde del Aceite. You can enjoy gravel biking with routes like the 'Olive groves – Gatekeeper's hut loop from Baena' or 'Plantío Tunnel – Alamedal Viaduct loop from Doña Mencía'. For more options, check the Gravel biking around Luque guide.
Absolutely. The Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park, close to Luque, offers several hiking opportunities. Popular trails include the 'Río Bailón Canyon Trail' and 'Chorreras de la Fuenseca from Zuheros'. You can find more details and routes in the Hiking around Luque guide.
The Restaurant and Olive Oil Interpretation Center in the Old Luque Station is a tempting stop. It's an old railway station rehabilitated into a restaurant and hostel, also housing an Olive Oil Interpretation Centre where you can taste local olive oil and enjoy the gastronomy. Another option is the restaurant at Doña Mencía Station.
The old railway stations, such as Doña Mencía Station and the Old Luque Station, are significant historical sites along the Vía Verde del Aceite. They have been rehabilitated, with Doña Mencía featuring a bicycle center and Luque's station housing a restaurant and an Olive Oil Interpretation Centre, preserving their heritage while serving new purposes for visitors.
Yes, the Vía Verde del Aceite, a popular cycle route, passes through the area. You can find cycling routes like the 'Sierras Subbéticas and Aceite Greenway Loop' or 'Zuheros Castle and Village – Doña Mencía Station loop'. More cycling options are available in the Cycling around Luque guide.
The Luque region is characterized by its extensive olive groves and its proximity to the Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park. The landscape features limestone formations, river gorges like the Bailón River, and the scenic beauty of the former railway lines, now converted into greenways.
Yes, there is a great parking space available at Doña Mencía Station, making it convenient for visitors exploring the Vía Verde del Aceite and nearby sites.
Zuheros Castle and Village is considered one of the most picturesque villages in Córdoba. Its magnificent location against the slope, dominated by the stately castle, combined with whitewashed houses, narrow, steep streets, and squares full of flowers, creates a charming and peaceful atmosphere. It's also an ideal starting point for outdoor activities due to its proximity to the Vía Verde del Aceite.


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