By Anita Jain Shah

Tucked away in the heart of Andalusia, just a short drive from the historic city of Córdoba, lies the charming village of Cañete de las Torres. This hidden gem is a place where tradition meets modernity, and where every street corner tells a story. Our day in Cañete de las Torres was filled with unexpected delights—from a warm welcome by the village’s charismatic mayor to the discovery of its unique cultural celebrations and culinary traditions. What began as a simple day trip turned into a journey through the soul of a community rich in history, beauty, and warmth. Here’s how our memorable day unfolded.

A Warm Welcome from Mayor Felix Romero
Our adventure in Cañete de las Torres began with an exceptional welcome from the village’s dynamic Mayor, Felix Romero. From the moment we met him, it was clear that he is passionate about transforming this small Andalusian village into a world-class tourist destination. His vision and enthusiasm set the tone for a day filled with discovery and delight.

Strolling Through Instagram-Worthy Streets
Although the village can be explored on foot in about 60 minutes, our walk extended to a leisurely 90 minutes as we found ourselves captivated by every corner. The streets of Cañete de las Torres are a photographer’s dream, with picturesque spots at every turn. The charming mix of historic architecture and blooming flowers made it impossible not to stop and capture the beauty of our surroundings.

Savouring Local Flavours with Fresh Churros
As we wandered through the village, we couldn’t resist the tempting aroma of freshly made churros. Straight from the fryer, these crispy, golden delights were a perfect mid-morning snack, offering a taste of local flavours that added to the authenticity of our experience.

Discovering the Magic of Calles en Flor
During our visit, we learned that Cañete de las Torres had just celebrated its most popular festival—Calles en Flor, or ‘Streets in Bloom.’ This vibrant event has earned the village its nickname, “The Botanical Village.” The festival transforms the town with stunning floral displays, making every balcony, courtyard, and cross a work of art. Mayor Romero, in his opening ceremony speech, highlighted how this unique festival blends tradition with contemporary creativity, bringing life, colour, and economic vitality to the village.

Heartfelt Encounters with Local Residents
Despite it being a Sunday morning, with many locals attending mass, we were fortunate to meet a few residents. Their warmth and friendliness were evident as they shared stories of village life, providing us with a deeper understanding of the community’s close-knit and welcoming nature.

Mastering the Art of Salmorejo with Chef Matías Vega
Our journey through Cañete de las Torres led us to Alcazaba de las Torres restaurant, where we had the pleasure of participating in a cooking session with the talented Chef Matías Vega. He introduced us to the art of making Salmorejo, a traditional Andalusian tomato soup that is thicker and creamier than gazpacho. Under his expert guidance, we followed the recipe step by step, and by the end of the session, we felt like seasoned chefs, proud of our culinary creations.

A Lavish Lunch in Good Company
The day’s culinary experience culminated in a lavish lunch, prepared by Chef Vega, which we enjoyed in the company of Mayor Romero and his team. The meal was a feast for the senses, with delicious flavours, vibrant conversation, and a warm, lively atmosphere that made for a perfect conclusion to our visit.

Cañete de las Torres may be a small village, but it offers an experience rich in culture, tradition, and hospitality. As we departed in the late afternoon, we left with fond memories of a remarkable day spent in this enchanting corner of Andalusia.