Summer 2020 may be one of the most atypical and complex summers in history, but it should be no less of a summer. After a few in lockdown and working from home (or watching the days pass philosophically), we sure do deserve a holiday. And not just any old holiday: one that allows us to completely disconnect from daily life.
Under this premise, and with the goal of making it easier for you to choose your holiday destination, this QvExtra! blog has become a travel guide for a day, armed with a map and the desire to taste the best EVOO in Spain.
Take note of these recommendations and start packing your suitcase with optimism. The most atypical summer in history will be the summer you discovered the wonders of SIQEV olive oil tourism.
Beach or mountain? Let your favourite SIQEV decide!
With more than 33 partners spread across the entirety of the Iberian Peninsula (and including some outside of it, such as France and Tunisia), there are more than 30 fantastic destinations to enjoy a well-deserved break. Whether near the beach or in the mountains, the SIQEV olive oil mills are surrounded by outstanding natural beauty which is worthy of a visit.
The SIQEV seal does not only guarantee the exceptional quality of EVOO, but also assures a careful and rigorous production process. Those ecosystems which are respected and closely monitored, are those that provide the best olive juice in the world.
That being said, which SIQEV destination appeals to you?
SIQEV destinations in the South of the Iberian Peninsula
The South of Spain is one of the most visited destinations during the summer holidays. Next to the beach and the mountains, with reasonable prices and a welcoming atmosphere that feels wonderful.
Cordoba, Seville, Malaga, Murcia, Almeria… there 5 provinces are perfect to spend the holidays and rest for a while. But the best thing about these destinations is not only their cultural and leisure offer (already known to all), but also the fact that they are areas that boast the following special SIQEV partners:
- Cordoba: Finca Duernas (Córdoba), Almazara de la Subbética (Carcabuey), Almazara de Muela (Priego de Córdoba), Luque Ecológico (Castro del Río), Oleum Hispania (Carcabuey) y Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Baena).
- Almeria: Oro del Desierto (Tabernas) and La Solana2 (Almería).
- Granada: Venchipa – OMED (Acula)
- Jaen: Soler Romero (Alcaudete)
- Seville: Molino de Genil (Écija), Oleoestepa (Estepa) and Aceite 1881 (Osuna).
- Murcia: Deortegas (Yecia).
- South of Portugal: Olivais do Sul (Portel) and Herdade do Sobrado (Ferreira do Alentejo)
SIQEV destinations in the Centre of the Iberian Peninsula
Now, we move from the south to the central strip of the Iberian Peninsula – a space full of idyllic destinations, with holiday spots suitable for a summer like this. Also, this area holds the largest number of SIQEV producers in the world.
Olive oil tourism in 2020 can start in one of these magical natural paradises:
- Caceres: Jacoliva and El Lagar del Soto (Pozuelo de Zarzón).
- Madrid: Suerte Alta.
- Toledo: La Pontezuela (Montes de Toledo) Oleo Quirós (Mascaraque), García de la Cruz (Madrilejos) and Casas de Hualdo (El Carpio de Tajo).
- Cuenca: Almenara (Puebla de Almenara).
- Ciudad Real: Olivar del Valle (Baños de Calatrava) and Palacio de los Olivos (Baños de Calatrava).
- Alicante: Almazara L’Alquería (Muro d’Alcoi).
- Albacete: Olivar del Azaraque (Agramón/Hellin).
SIQEV destinations in the North of the Iberian Peninsula
As we flee from the warmer parts of the country, we get to the North of Spain. It is an area full of green spaces, summers that occasionally rain, and the best gastronomy. Yes, good food is passionately enjoyed in the north, unlike in any other part of the world. This goes hand in hand with both the SIQEV seal and the natural locations where our partners work:
- Tarragona: Olis Solé (Mont-roig del Camp), Olealsa (Ruidoms) and Cooperativa Cambrils (Cambrils).
- Navarra: La Maja (Mendevia).
- Valladolid: Valdecuevas (Medina de Rioseco).
Enjoy olive oil tourism with QvExtra! partners
Now that you have the full list of SIQEV destinations, you face the hardest part: choosing which one. Bear in mind that wherever you go, you’re sure to make the right choice. Holidays should be the driving force that invite us to live new adventures, discover our roots, celebrate our traditions and, above all, allows us to disconnect from daily life in order to connect with what is most important.
So, pack your suitcase and treat yourself to the SIQEV summer you deserve.