The Campina Sur de Cordoba is one of the most authentic and still relatively undiscovered regions of Andalusia. Situated between the Guadalquivir Valley and the Sierras Subbeticas, it comprises around a dozen municipalities with a gently rolling landscape of vineyards, olive groves and cereal fields – often described as a small Andalusian Tuscany.
This is the home of the wines of the Montilla-Moriles Designation of Origin, traditional pottery continues to thrive, medieval castles, Roman cisterns and distinctive squares have been preserved, and the cuisine is based on local produce. It is an ideal destination for wine tourism, historic villages and nature without the crowds.
From Malaga the Campina Sur can be reached in around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes via the A-45 motorway – perfect for a day trip or a long weekend.
Three main attractions make the region particularly appealing:
The climate is Mediterranean-continental: cold winters (temperatures can drop below 0 °C) and very hot summers (frequently above 40 °C). The best time to visit is spring (March–May) and autumn (September–October), especially during the grape harvest.
The Mancomunidad Campina Sur Cordobesa includes around twelve municipalities. The most interesting for visitors are:
The main town of the region and the heart of the Montilla-Moriles Designation of Origin. It is home to numerous bodegas (including Alvear and Perez Barquero), the House of the Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, the church of Santiago and the atmosphere of a wine town. An excellent base for exploring the Wine Route.
Known for its unique octagonal Plaza de San Jose, the castle and the church of Santa Maria del Soterraño. Nearby lies the Laguna de Zonar, a good area for birdwatching. Pottery and wine production also play a role here.
The most populous municipality in the area. Worth seeing are the Roman villa of Fuente Alamo, the historic centre and the well-known quince production (carne de membrillo). A good starting point for the western part of the region.
Preserves the Castle of the Dukes of Frias with a viewpoint, as well as remains of the ancient Roman city of Ulia. The Ulia Museum and the traditional fountains complete the visit. Only a few kilometres from Montilla.
Famous for its impressive Roman cisterns – one of the best-preserved ancient hydraulic works in the area. There are also remains of the castle and a peaceful village atmosphere.
A small town closely linked to wine. Some of the best wines of the DO are produced in its lagares and bodegas. Ideal for a more intimate insight into the wine culture.
The centre of traditional pottery in the province of Cordoba. In addition to the workshops and the Ceramics Museum, the tower of the former castle and the church are worth seeing. A good place to buy hand-made ceramics.
In addition to wine tourism, the Campina Sur offers:
The Campina Sur is well connected to Malaga via the A-45 motorway (Autovia de Malaga–Cordoba). The distance to Montilla or Aguilar de la Frontera is approximately 110–120 kilometres. The journey by car usually takes between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes.
With a hire car you can visit several places in a single day (Montilla, Aguilar, Monturque, La Rambla…), call at bodegas and move freely around the region.
Hire a car at Malaga Airport
If you prefer not to drive, you can book a private transfer from Malaga Airport or from your accommodation on the Costa del Sol to Montilla or any other point in the region.
Book a transfer from Malaga Airport*There is no need to enter credit card details or make an advance payment. We recommend booking in good time.
There are train and bus connections. The stations at Montilla, Aguilar de la Frontera and Puente Genil have links to Malaga and Cordoba. For flexible visits to several places and bodegas, however, a hire car remains the most practical solution.
It is a region in the south of the province of Cordoba, between the Guadalquivir Valley and the Sierras Subbeticas. It comprises around a dozen municipalities and is known for its vineyards, the wines of the DO Montilla-Moriles, its historical heritage and its crafts.
To Montilla or Aguilar de la Frontera it is approximately 110–120 kilometres via the A-45. The journey by car usually takes between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–October) are ideal. In September and October the grape harvest takes place and the landscape is particularly attractive. Summer is very hot.
Montilla (wine and historic centre), Aguilar de la Frontera (octagonal square and lagoon), Monturque (Roman cisterns), La Rambla (pottery) and Puente Genil (Roman villa and quince products) are among the most recommended stops.
There are train and bus connections to Montilla, Aguilar and Puente Genil. For comfortably visiting several places and bodegas in a single day, however, a hire car is the most practical and recommended option.
The wines of the Montilla-Moriles Designation of Origin: fino, amontillado, oloroso and especially the sweet Pedro Ximenez, made from the grape of the same name that is characteristic of the region.
If you wish to explore the province further, these districts are also worth a visit:
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