Step back in time to the golden age of Spain in Úbeda and Baeza, two neighbouring towns that feel like open-air Renaissance museums. Perched on the rolling hills of Jaén province, these UNESCO World Heritage Sites are brimming with palaces, churches, and plazas that wouldn’t look out of place in Florence.

In Úbeda, wander through honey-coloured streets to find the magnificent Plaza Vázquez de Molina, framed by the Sacra Capilla del Salvador and stately Renaissance palaces. Cafés spill out onto the cobblestones, perfect for sipping a café con leche while soaking up centuries of history.

Then head a few minutes down the road to Baeza, a smaller, quieter sister town with its own elegant charm. Here, the Plaza del Pópulo and Baeza Cathedral take centre stage, and the town’s winding lanes reveal hidden courtyards and sun-dappled corners where time seems to stand still.

Together, Úbeda and Baeza are a feast for the senses — stunning architecture, olive groves stretching to the horizon, and some of the best extra-virgin olive oil you’ll ever taste. It’s history, culture, and flavour all rolled into one unforgettable day trip.