The Caminos de Pasión is a cultural and tourist route in the heart of Andalusia in southern Spain. This route connects ten historic towns in the provinces of Seville, Córdoba and Jaén, each with a rich cultural heritage and unique traditions.

The route starts in Alcalá la Real and then passes through the towns of Alcalá la Real, Baena, Cabra, Carmona, Écija, Lucena, Osuna, Priego de Córdoba and Puente Genil. The final destination is the town of Utrera.

The name "Caminos de Pasión" (loosely translated as "Paths of Passion") represents the passionate way in which Andalusians express their culture, especially during the celebration of Semana Santa. The route connects ten towns in Andalusia known for their fiery and unique traditions during Semana Santa. But also for their rich cultural heritage, gastronomy and natural beauty.

The Caminos de Pasión route is a fantastic journey of discovery through the authentic heart of Andalusia, even outside of Semana Santa. The ten historic towns that the cultural route connects are interesting to visit all year round for the following reasons:

• Cultural heritage: the route includes beautiful historic towns such as Carmona, Écija and Osuna, where you can wander through narrow streets and admire impressive monuments.
• Gastronomic experiences: the region is known for its culinary traditions. You can taste local specialities and participate in wine tastings in the various towns along the route. Tours through oil mills and olive groves, including tastings, are also possible.
• Natural beauty: the route provides access to beautiful natural areas, perfect for hikers and cyclists. There is even a special hiking route, the GR 341, which connects the towns.
• Crafts and traditions: outside of Semana Santa, there are numerous festivals and events that celebrate local culture.
• Museums and exhibitions: many towns have permanent exhibitions about their history and traditions. An example of this is the San Gil Brotherhood Museum in Écija.
• Architecture: from medieval castles to baroque churches, the route offers a journey through various architectural styles.
• Authentic experiences: unlike the busy coastal towns in Andalusia, these inland towns offer a more authentic Andalusian experience.

The Caminos de Pasión is a cultural route in the heart of Andalusia, southern Spain. The route stretches over approximately 315 kilometres and connects Alcalá la Real in Jaén with Utrera in Seville.
To reach the Caminos de Pasión from the Netherlands or Belgium, you have several options:

• By plane: fly from a major airport to one of the main airports in Andalusia. The nearest airports are Seville, Málaga or Granada. From there, you can rent a car or use public transport to the desired starting point of the route.
• By train: this usually means changing trains in Paris and Barcelona or Madrid. From there, you can transfer to a high-speed AVE train to Córdoba or Seville, which are close to the Caminos de Pasión route.
• By car: this is a long journey but offers flexibility and the chance to discover something along the way.

The Caminos de Pasión, a route along ten historic towns in Andalusia, can be explored in various ways:

• Car or motorcycle: offers flexibility and your own pace.
• Camper van: combines mobility with comfort.
• Bicycle: three variants (road, gravel, mountain bike) of the GR 341 route.
• Walking: GR 341 route for an intense, slow travel experience.

Each method offers unique benefits, from speed and comfort to an intimate experience with local culture and nature. The choice depends on personal preferences and available time.

Absolutely! Contact the Oficina Técnica Caminos de Pasión or the tourist information offices of the municipalities along the route. They can provide information about local services that offer luggage transport. In addition, there are specialised travel organisations that offer packages for the Caminos de Pasión route, including luggage transport. An example of this is EVA Incoming, a provider of sustainable travel experiences in Andalusia. They also arranged our cycling trip. Furthermore, accommodations along the route are often willing to transport your luggage to the next overnight location, sometimes for a fee.

The Caminos de Pasión route is indeed signposted. The route is excellently marked and can be followed by bicycle, on foot or even on horseback.

For cyclists, the paths are well-maintained and wide, made of gravel. This makes the route technically not too difficult and ideal for the average cyclist. The signposting ensures that you can follow the route without many navigation problems.

In addition to the physical signposting, GPS tracks are also available for both the car route and the cycling/walking/horse riding route.

For cycling the Caminos de Pasión route, there are various options for renting a bicycle. You'll find bicycle rental companies in almost every town along the route. Furthermore, there are several specialised cycling tour operators that also offer bicycle rental or refer you to reliable rental companies, such as Harman Bikes. For us, the entire cycling trip was organised by EVA Incoming, a provider of sustainable travel experiences in Andalusia.

The best time to follow the Caminos de Pasión route is in spring (April to May) or early autumn (September to October). These periods offer ideal conditions for exploring the region. You'll have pleasant weather and it's less busy than during the high season.

An additional reason to go in spring is that several important festivals take place. These include the famous Semana Santa (Holy Week) celebrations, which are particularly important along the Caminos de Pasión. The Feria de Abril in Seville and the Patios Festival in Córdoba also take place during this period. However, it is very busy and therefore expensive in the towns along the Caminos de Pasión, especially during Semana Santa.

Outside of busy periods, there is sufficient accommodation available along the Caminos de Pasión route. You have a choice of luxury hotels, charming country houses, paradores, budget-friendly options and even unique stays such as haciendas. You'll find them in all ten towns along the route but also along the way. Below we make some suggestions for each town in alphabetical order.

Alcalá la Real

• Palacio de la Veracruz Hotel. A beautiful historic hotel situated in a 16th-century palace in the heart of Alcalá la Real. It offers elegant rooms with a mix of antique and modern elements, a courtyard with a fountain, and a restaurant serving local specialities.
• Hotel Torrepalma. A comfortable and modern hotel located at the foot of La Mota, the city's iconic fort. The hotel features spacious rooms, a fitness centre, and a terrace with panoramic views over the olive groves.
• Hospedería Zacatín. This charming bed & breakfast is housed in a restored 19th-century mansion in the old centre. It offers intimate and stylishly furnished rooms, a cosy common area, and a rooftop terrace with views of the city.
• Other accommodations in Alcalá la Real

Baena

• Apartamento Vega. A comfortable apartment in the centre of Baena with a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi. The apartment offers access to a minimarket and assistance in organising tours.
• Casa singular y con encanto. A unique holiday home with a private swimming pool, garden views and a patio. This charming accommodation offers an inspiring interior with a bicycle theme.
• Other accommodations in Baena

Cabra

• Hotel Villa Maria. A charming hotel in the centre of Cabra with a shared lounge, restaurant, bar and free WiFi. The hotel offers spacious, bright rooms with views of a large park. Its central location makes it a perfect base for exploring the city.
• Casa Rural San Antonio. A charming holiday home in traditional Spanish style, situated in a quiet area. The house is spotlessly clean and offers all necessary amenities for a comfortable stay.
• Other accommodations in Cabra

Carmona

• Parador de Carmona. An impressive hotel housed in a 14th-century Arab fortress, high above the city of Carmona. It offers elegant rooms with a mix of historical and modern elements, an outdoor swimming pool with panoramic views over the valley, and a restaurant serving Andalusian specialities.
• Hotel Alcázar de la Reina. A charming four-star hotel in the heart of Carmona, housed in a restored 19th-century palace. It features comfortable rooms with traditional Andalusian details, an inner courtyard with a swimming pool, and a rooftop terrace overlooking the old town.
• Other accommodations in Carmona

Écija

• Hotel Amphora. An elegant four-star hotel housed in a restored 18th-century palace in the heart of Écija. It offers stylish rooms with a mix of classic and modern elements, a beautiful courtyard with a fountain, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views over the city.
• Hotel Platería. This modern hotel combines contemporary comfort with Andalusian flair. It offers spacious rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and a restaurant serving local specialities. Its central location makes it an excellent base for exploring the 'City of Towers' and discovering the rich culture of Écija.
• Other accommodations in Écija

Lucena

• Doña Lola Boutique. A charming boutique hotel in the heart of Lucena, housed in a restored 19th-century mansion. It offers stylishly furnished rooms with a mix of modern and traditional elements, a patio with a fountain, and a rooftop terrace overlooking the city.
• Hotel Santo Domingo. A comfortable four-star hotel located on the edge of the historic centre. It features spacious rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre and a restaurant serving local specialities.
• Other accommodations in Lucena

Osuna

• Hotel Palacio Marqués de la Gomera. An elegant hotel housed in an 18th-century palace in the heart of Osuna. It offers stylish rooms with a mix of antique and modern elements, a beautiful courtyard with a fountain, and a restaurant serving local specialities.
• Hotel La Casona de Calderón. A charming boutique hotel in a restored 19th-century mansion. It features comfortable rooms with traditional Andalusian details, a cosy patio, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views over the city.
• Hotel Esmeralda. A modern hotel located on the edge of the historic centre of Osuna. It offers spacious and bright rooms, an outdoor swimming pool with sun terrace, and a restaurant serving a mix of international and local dishes.
• Other accommodations in Osuna

Priego de Córdoba

• Hotel Las Rosas. A charming hotel housed in a restored 19th-century mansion in the heart of Priego de Córdoba. It offers elegant rooms with a mix of antique and modern elements, a beautiful inner garden with a fountain, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views over the city and the surrounding olive groves.
• Hospedería San Francisco. An atmospheric boutique hotel housed in a former 16th-century Franciscan monastery. It features rustic rooms with wooden beams and traditional tiled floors, a serene cloister, and a restaurant serving local specialities.
• Hotel Patria Chica. A modern and comfortable hotel located on the edge of the historic centre. It offers spacious and bright rooms, an outdoor swimming pool with sun terrace, and a restaurant serving a mix of international and local dishes.
• Other accommodations in Priego de Córdoba

Puente Genil

• Hotel El Carmen. A charming hotel in the heart of Puente Genil, housed in a restored historic building. It offers comfortable rooms with a mix of traditional and modern elements, a cosy inner courtyard with a fountain, and a restaurant serving local specialities.
• Apartamentos Turísticos La Torca. Modern and spacious apartments on the outskirts of Puente Genil, surrounded by olive groves. Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen, a living room and a private terrace. The complex features a shared swimming pool and barbecue facilities.
• Other accommodations in Puente Genil

Utrera

• Palacio de San Fernando. An elegant hotel housed in a restored 18th-century palace in the heart of Utrera. It offers stylish rooms with a mix of classic and modern elements, a beautiful courtyard with a fountain, and a restaurant serving local specialities.
• Hotel Veracruz. A charming three-star hotel located in the historic centre of Utrera. It features comfortable rooms with traditional Andalusian details, a cosy patio, and a rooftop terrace overlooking the city.
• Hotel Abades Benacazón. This modern hotel, located just outside Utrera, offers a relaxing stay with spacious rooms, a large outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and a restaurant with terrace.
• Other accommodations in Utrera

It is advisable to book in advance, especially during the high season, local festivals or Semana Santa.

The Caminos de Pasión route offers a range of culinary experiences that reflect the rich gastronomy of Andalusia. Here are some highly-rated restaurants where you can enjoy delicious meals along the route:

Alcalá la Real

• Taberna Quinto de Cabildo: Beloved for its authentic tapas and cosy atmosphere, where traditional flavours are combined with a modern twist.
• Rincón de Pepe: Valued for its authentic Andalusian cuisine, focusing on traditional tapas and homemade dishes that capture the essence of Alcalá la Real's culinary heritage.
• Konbu Fusión: Known for its innovative approach to fusion cuisine, creatively combining Japanese and Mediterranean flavours with local Andalusian ingredients.

Baena

• Restaurante Casa del Monte: Praised for its innovative interpretation of traditional dishes, combining local ingredients in surprising ways.
• Picoteo: Appreciated for its modern approach to traditional tapas, incorporating local ingredients into creative, small dishes that capture the essence of Baena's gastronomy.
• Taberna gourmet el violin: Known for its refined interpretation of Andalusian classics, with a menu that combines the rich culinary traditions of Baena with innovative cooking techniques and presentations.

Cabra

• Círculo de la Amistad de Cabra: Beloved for its historical ambiance and traditional Andalusian dishes, served in a unique 19th-century setting.
• Mesón la Casilla de Cabra: Renowned for its authentic Cordoban cuisine, focusing on traditional dishes prepared with local ingredients that capture the essence of Cabra's culinary heritage.
• Vaquena: Praised for its innovative approach to Andalusian cuisine, combining classic flavours with modern cooking techniques and presentations, resulting in a refreshing culinary experience.

Carmona

• Restaurante El Molino de la Romera: Praised for its authentic Andalusian cuisine, served in the atmospheric setting of a restored olive mill.
• Parador de Carmona: Known for its refined interpretation of regional specialities, with a spectacular view over the valley from the 14th-century Arab fortress.
• La Yedra: Valued for its innovative approach to traditional dishes, creatively combining local ingredients.

Écija

• Restaurante Las Ninfas: Praised for its refined interpretation of Andalusian classics, served in an elegant setting on the central square.
• Casa Machin: Beloved for its authentic tapas and homely atmosphere, where traditional recipes are carefully prepared.
• Restaurante Maria Castaña: Praised for its creative approach to Andalusian cuisine, renewing traditional recipes with modern techniques and presentations.

Lucena

• Restaurante Tres Culturas: Praised for its unique fusion of Andalusian, Jewish and Arabic cuisines, combining centuries-old culinary traditions.
• Restaurante el Patio del Hotel: Known for its elegant interpretation of local specialities, served in an atmospheric patio setting that captures the essence of Andalusia.
• Restaurante Olimpo: Renowned for the refined culinary experience in an elegant setting, serving creative dishes with local ingredients and traditional flavours.

Osuna

• Casa Curro: Praised for its authentic tapas and local wines, with a menu that captures the essence of Osuna's culinary traditions.
• Restaurante La Casona: Known for its innovative interpretation of classic Andalusian dishes, applying modern techniques to traditional recipes.
• Cantina Kulinaria: Charming restaurant that captures the essence of Andalusian cuisine with a modern twist. It offers a menu full of flavourful dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients.

Priego de Córdoba

• Restaurante Balcón del Adarve: Praised for its panoramic view over the valley and a menu that captures the essence of local cuisine with a modern twist.
• Hostería de Rafi: Known for its authentic Andalusian dishes, focusing on traditional recipes and local ingredients in an atmospheric setting.
• La Pianola Casa Pepe: Valued for its innovative interpretation of regional specialities, combining classic flavours with contemporary cooking techniques.

Puente Genil

• Casa Pedro: Renowned for its authentic approach to traditional Andalusian dishes, focusing on local ingredients and flavours.
• Alma Ezequiel Montilla: Known for its innovative interpretation of international cuisine, combining local Andalusian influences with global flavours.
• Rincón de la Tapa: Cosy tapas bar that captures the essence of local cuisine. With a varied selection of traditional and innovative tapas, it offers an authentic Andalusian taste experience in an informal atmosphere.

Utrera

• Ambigú Bar Rust: A trendy bar with an industrial-chic interior, specialising in artisanal cocktails and fusion tapas that combine local ingredients in surprising ways.
• Besana Tapas: A cosy tapas bar that combines traditional Andalusian flavours with modern presentations, known for its creative small dishes and warm atmosphere.
• Restaurante La Abuela Maria: Authentic Andalusian dishes in a homely atmosphere. With recipes inspired by grandmother's cooking, it serves tasty, traditional meals.