Úbeda , Spain

Private Guided Tour of Ubeda

Active

(4 reviews)

2h - 3h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

I offer you a real journey through time to find us in the middle of the 16th century and discover the city of Ubeda, classified as a World Heritage Site for its Renaissance district. The circuit of course includes the most important monuments of the city but it also includes places less frequented by tourists. As the group is small, I like to interact with the visitors, ask them questions and get them to participate. In addition, the circuit can be modified according to the tastes and desires of the participants. For example, I can insist more on a monument, a style or a period of history. I can also modify the circuit and show other parts of the city such as the San Lorenzo district or the Santiago hospital. Finally, at the end of the course, I offer you an optional olive oil tasting, a real immersion in the region's flagship product. This moment of exchange is very instructive and much appreciated by visitors.

Available options

Private Guided Tour of Ubeda

What's included

Entrance ticket to the El Salvador Chapel

Detailed itinerary

Our tour begins at the viewpoint over the Guadalquivir Valley. I will give you a short presentation of the city of Ubeda and its history.

Our visit continues in Vasquez de Molina Square, reputed to be one of the most beautiful in Spain. It constitutes a unique ensemble, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 2003. I will introduce you to the various monuments which adorn the square and which date for the most part from the Renaissance: the chapel of El Salvador, the palace of Dean Ortega, the old grain store, the Basilica of Santa Maria and the Vasquez de Molina Palace.

We will visit the interior of the Chapel of El Salvador, the jewel of Ubeda for which the best artists of the time worked. We will also visit the sacristy, another masterpiece of the Spanish Renaissance.

Our visit continues in Place du 1er mai, the city's main square for centuries. I will tell you about the Saint Paul church, the old town hall and the monument dedicated to Saint Jean de la Croix.

We will then head to Rue Royale, the old main street of the city, to admire some of the most beautiful Renaissance palaces.

To get off the beaten track a little, we will get lost in the small alleys of the old center to discover the very essence of the city, marked by its Muslim past. We will thus discover charming little squares away from the traditional tour circuits.

Our visit will end in Andalusia Square. We will discover one of the towers of the wall at the foot of which kings and emperors swore to preserve the privileges of the city. As an option, we will meet Salvador who, in his shop, will introduce us to the world of olive oil. He will offer us a tasting of several oils to learn more about the green gold of the region. Visitors will be able to ask all the questions they want concerning the cultivation of olive trees and the production of olive oil. Salvador is a great connoisseur in this field, his shop has received numerous distinctions and is a reference in Ubeda. Salvador speaks French but I help him if necessary, being myself a guide in an olive oil factory in the region.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

The meeting point is the belvedere which adjoins Santa Lucia square. For those arriving by car, there is free parking in Calle Redonda de Miradores. Once parked, the meeting point is right next to it, just go up a little to the top of the car park.

About Úbeda

Úbeda is a historic city in Andalusia known for its stunning Renaissance architecture and rich olive oil heritage. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a perfect destination for history lovers and food enthusiasts.

Top Attractions

Sacred Monastery of Santa María de los Reales Alcázares

This stunning Renaissance monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important examples of Renaissance architecture in Spain.

Historical 1-2 hours €5

Palacio de Jabalquinto

This Renaissance palace is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to Úbeda's rich history.

Historical 1 hour €3

Plaza Vázquez de Molina

This beautiful square is the heart of Úbeda and surrounded by stunning Renaissance buildings.

Architectural 30 minutes Free

Oil Museum

This museum showcases the history and importance of olive oil production in the region.

Cultural 1 hour €3

Must-Try Local Dishes

Gazpacho

A cold soup made from tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and olive oil.

Appetizer Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free

Salmorejo

A thicker and creamier version of gazpacho, often topped with ham and hard-boiled eggs.

Appetizer Vegetarian, Gluten-Free (but often topped with non-vegan ingredients)

Plato Alpujarreño

A traditional dish from the Alpujarras region, featuring a variety of meats, blood sausage, and potatoes.

Main Course Contains meat and gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking in Sierra Mágina Natural Park Exploring the historic center on foot Enjoying a coffee in Plaza Vázquez de Molina Visiting local spas and wellness centers Visiting museums and historic sites Attending local festivals and events Visiting local Christmas markets Enjoying warm drinks in cozy cafes

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)

These seasons offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists. The city's festivals, such as the Easter celebrations and the Olive Harvest Festival, take place during these times.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (to some extent)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Úbeda is generally a safe city with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night.
• Avoid walking alone in isolated areas at night.

Getting there

By air

Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport • 80 km

By train

Úbeda Train Station

By bus

Úbeda Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is affordable and convenient for getting around the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: No specific apps, hail on the street or call a taxi company.

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Historic Center Olive Oil District

Day trips

Baeza

8 km • Half day

Baeza is a nearby town with a rich history and stunning Renaissance architecture. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a great day trip from Úbeda.

Jaén

50 km • Full day

Jaén is a larger city with a rich history and several cultural attractions. It's a great day trip for those looking to explore more of the region.

Sierra Mágina Natural Park

30 km • Full day

This natural park offers stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and a variety of wildlife. It's a great option for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Festivals

Easter Celebrations • March or April (dates vary) Olive Harvest Festival • November Úbeda International Music and Dance Festival • July

Pro tips

Visit the historic center early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the beautiful light.
Take an olive oil tasting tour to learn about the region's rich olive oil heritage and sample some of the best oils in the world.
Explore the nearby town of Baeza, another UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning Renaissance architecture and a rich history.
Attend a local festival or event to experience the city's vibrant culture and traditions firsthand.
Try the local cuisine, including traditional dishes like gazpacho, salmorejo, and plato alpujarreño.