Martos Car Hire

Guide of Martos

Geography

Martos is a small city in the Jaén province of Andalusia in southern Spain. It is part of the Sierra de Martos Natural Park, a sprawling 49,160 acre protected reserve encompassing deep valleys, limestone cliffs and Mediterranean pine forests. The city sits at an elevation of 750 metres above sea level and is surrounded by mountains, olive groves and vineyards, and rolling hills.

Climate in Martos

Martos enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers and mild winters. Summers begin in June and last until September, with average temperatures ranging between 30°C to 36°C. Heatwaves are not uncommon in this part of the country either. Winters are relatively mild too, with daytime temperatures averaging 12°C to 16°C.

Spring and autumn are popular times to visit, when the temperatures are warm but milder than those in summer and the flowers are in bloom. However, March to May tends to be the rainiest time to visit, so is best avoided if you’re hoping to escape the wet weather.

Culture

Martos has always been an important city due to its strategic location and proximity to bountiful natural produce. This rich historical heritage is exemplified by several important sights, such as the Martos Castle and the Church of Santa Maria.

Dozens of festivals and events celebrating the city’s rich culture and traditions take place throughout the year, though the Feria Real de Bartolome is the most important. The city is well-known for its long tradition of craftsmanship too and it is packed with workshops and boutiques selling ceramics, pottery and olive wood products.

Things To Do in Martos

Explore Martos Castle

Also known as Castillo de la Villa, Martos Castle is a 13th-century fortress dating back to the rule of Al-Andalus. Perched on top of a hill (with impressive panoramic views), the castle played an important strategic role in defending the region over the centuries. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn all about the fascinating history of the city.

Stroll around the Historic Centre

The charming historic centre is packed full of scenic sights, including the Church of Santa Maria, Casa Municipal de Cultura and Palacios de Martos. Take a wander down Calle Maestra, one of the main thoroughfares known for its decorative tiles and pause for a drink in the Plaza de la Constitucion, the beating heart of the city.

Learn all about olive oil

Martos is renowned for the quality of its olive oil and the city is one of the most important olive oil producers in the country. At this small, but fascinating museum, visitors are invited to learn all about the history and production of the ingredient through interactive exhibits and ancient machinery. You can sample different varieties of olive oil too.

Get close to nature

Martos is surrounded by spectacular natural scenery, not least the impressive Sierra de Martos Natural Park. There are dozens of walking, hiking and mountain bike trails for all fitness levels and interests, as well as scenic picnic spots. Keen birdwatchers should bring along their binoculars; the park is home to raptors, owls and songbirds.

Experience a local festival

Like many Andalusian cities, Martos celebrates dozens of festivals throughout the year. These are an excellent way to immerse yourself in local music, dance and traditional customs.

Eating Out in Martos

Martos is renowned for its culinary scene, which has been influenced by geography and history over the centuries. Unsurprisingly, olive oil plays an important role in local dishes. Local specialities include salmorejo (a thick creamy soup topped with diced ham and egg and served gold), migas (a fried breadcrumb dish served with chorizo and other meats) and torta Espanola (a classic Spanish omelette).

Like many Spanish towns, Martos offers a wide variety of delicious tapas (small plates designed for sharing) too. Popular tapas dishes include patatas bravas (spicy fried potatoes), boquerones en vinagre (marinated anchovies) and jamon iberico (cured Iberian ham). There are dozens of excellent tapas bars to choose from, usually open from midday until late, as well as some brilliant local restaurants serving heartier fare. For Michelin stars, you’ll only need to travel 25 minutes east to Jaén, which now boasts two Michelin-starred restaurants: Baga and Dama Juana.

Transport

Airport

The closest airport to Martos is Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport (GRX), which is located 60 miles (97 km) south of Martos. It’s a fairly small airport, though it does offer a good range of international and domestic routes from Spanish and major European cities. The easiest way to get from the city to the airport is by car. The journey takes roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic. If you are relying on public transport, you will need to take a bus to Granada city centre, then pick up a connection to Jaen, followed by a connection to Martos.

Alternatively, you may prefer to fly to Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), which is located 81 miles (131 km) southwest of Martos. It is southern Spain’s largest airport and the fourth busiest airport in the whole country, offering the greatest choice of airlines, routes and flight times.

Getting around Martos

Martos is a small city and most of its attractions, shops and restaurants are within easy reach of each other. A local bus service connects various neighbourhoods, though service frequency varies depending on the time of year. For more flexibility and freedom to travel at your own pace, we recommend hiring a car. Parking in the city centre is easy, traffic is minimal and the roads are all well maintained too.