Granada in EVOO: Picnic among olive trees and unique views

If you’re exploring Andalusia and looking for a blend of good food, beautiful scenery, and a touch of local tradition, the Granada in EVOO tour might just fit the bill. This experience offers a chance to step outside the city and into the peaceful landscape of olive groves, all while learning about the process that produces that golden, fragrant extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) we all love.

What makes this tour appealing are a few standout features: first, the opportunity to see the olive oil extraction process firsthand at a well-regarded mill, and second, the chance to enjoy a delicious, locally-sourced picnic with breathtaking views of Sierra Nevada. One potential hiccup is that the experience can only run with a minimum of 2 people, so it’s not ideal if you’re traveling solo or in a very small group. But if you’re after a relaxed, informative, and tasty outing not far from Granada, this could be just right.

This experience is particularly well-suited for those who appreciate good food and scenic views or are curious about how their favorite olive oils are made. It’s also a nice choice for travelers wanting a break from packed sightseeing, offering a peaceful taste of Andalusian countryside.

Key Points

• Learn about EVOO: Discover the entire process of extra virgin olive oil production, from olive reception to packaging.
• Breathtaking views: Enjoy panoramic vistas of Sierra Nevada from the olive grove.
• Tastings included: Sample a variety of oils and vinegars, with sensory analysis explained.
• Culinary experience: Relish a picnic among the trees featuring fresh, local tapas.
• Accessible and flexible: The tour is wheelchair accessible and you can reserve without payment upfront.
• Ideal for food lovers and nature fans: Perfect for those interested in authentic local flavors and scenic tranquility.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Journey to the Olive Grove

The adventure kicks off at Venchipa S.L. / O-MED, just a quick 25-minute drive from Granada’s city center. The short transit means you’re not wasting half your day on transport, leaving plenty of time to enjoy what’s ahead. Once you arrive, you’ll meet your guide—either in English or Spanish—and set out for the olive mill and grove.

The Guided Tour of the Olive Oil Mill

The core of the experience is a comprehensive guided tour lasting around an hour. We loved the way it’s structured to be both educational and engaging. You’ll get to see each step of the EVOO production, from the arrival of fresh olives, their cleaning, the milling process, beating, extraction, and finally storage.

The OMED mill is appreciated for its sustainable practices, which adds an extra layer of authenticity and respect for the environment. The guide will explain the sensory principles behind tasting the oils—how to identify different aromas, flavors, and the rich textures that make each variety special.

Tasting of Oils and Vinegars

After the tour, you get to sample various high-quality oils and vinegars. This isn’t just a quick sip; you’re encouraged to explore the gustatory, olfactory, and retronasal sensations—basically, how the oils smell, taste, and leave a flavor in your mouth. Babett, who left a 5-star review, described it as “Very good,” notably praising the quality of the oils.

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The Picnic with Views of Sierra Nevada

The highlight for many is the picnic among the olive trees. This part lasts about an hour and offers a relaxing, scenic setting. You’ll enjoy fresh, local tapas—think simple, authentic Andalusian bites—accompanied by the oils and vinegars you’ve just tasted. The outdoor environment, with breathtaking views of Sierra Nevada, makes for a memorable, peaceful dining experience. People often comment on how the views enhance the tasting, making the whole experience feel more special.

Practical Details and Value

Priced at $74 per person, this tour offers a solid value considering the combination of guided education, tastings, and a scenic picnic. It’s a 2.5-hour experience, which means you get a generous amount of time to learn, taste, and relax without feeling rushed. The price also includes everything: the guide, all tastings, and the picnic, making it straightforward and hassle-free.

Accessibility and Flexibility

The tour is wheelchair accessible and offers options to reserve now and pay later, giving you flexibility with your travel plans. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which is reassuring if your schedule is still uncertain.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The combination of educational content, delicious tasting, and scenic tranquility is what truly sets this apart. We loved the way the guide made the process approachable, turning what might be a simple demonstration into an engaging story you can connect with. The panoramic views of Sierra Nevada are genuinely stunning—something you’ll remember long after the visit ends.

Plus, for those who appreciate authentic, high-quality food experiences, the local tapas served during the picnic are a real highlight. Using fresh, regional ingredients, the tapas perfectly complement the oils and vinegars, making the tasting experience richer and more memorable.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This tour is ideal for foodies, nature lovers, or anyone wanting a peaceful break from the busier sightseeing spots around Granada. It’s particularly suited for travelers who value local craftsmanship and want a deeper understanding of what goes into the olive oils they enjoy at home. If you’re traveling with a partner, friends, or even on your own (with a couple of others), it offers a relaxed, intimate setting.

While it’s not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the slow pace, scenic views, and focus on tasting make it accessible for most ages, provided children are comfortable with short walks and sitting outdoors.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour For You?

If you’ve ever wondered how high-quality olive oil is made and want to see it in a genuine setting, this tour delivers. The guided visit is both educational and engaging, especially if you enjoy learning about food production and sensory analysis. The scenic picnic is a lovely touch, transforming a simple tasting into a memorable experience set amid olive trees and the impressive backdrop of Sierra Nevada.

On the downside, it’s a relatively short experience, so if you’re after a full-day activity or want to explore multiple wineries or farms, this might feel a bit limited. Also, the requirement for a minimum of two participants means solo travelers will need to coordinate with others or wait for a small group to form.

This experience offers a well-rounded glimpse into Andalusian olive oil culture, combined with some beautiful scenery and tasty bites. It’s best suited for those who appreciate authentic food experiences and scenic tranquility, and who are happy to pay a fair price for a memorable, educational outing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, so if you have mobility considerations, you should be able to enjoy most of the experience comfortably.

How long does the entire tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 2.5 hours, including the guided tour, tastings, and picnic.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing some flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Do I need to pay upfront?
You can reserve your spot now and pay later, which is handy if you prefer to keep your options open.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the guide, the full olive oil mill visit, tastings of oils and vinegars, and a picnic with local tapas among the trees.

Is this experience family-friendly?
While not explicitly marketed for children, the relaxed outdoor setting and scenic views could be enjoyed by most ages, provided kids are comfortable with outdoor activities.

In the end, Granada in EVOO blends learning, tasting, and scenery into a relaxing slice of Andalusian life. If you’re a fan of good food, beautiful landscapes, and authentic experiences, it’s worth considering when you’re in the region.

You can check availability for your dates here: