Martos is located in Jaen province about 25 kms from the provincial capital of Jaen City (wonderful castles, churches, El Corte Ingles and all the other status symbols of an important Andalusian city with the advantage that it is hardly known to foreigners so completely natural and welcoming). Martos itself is a substantial full service town of about 24,000 people so every service you need day to day is on your doorstep. It tumbles down the side of the 'Sierra Jabalcuz' with the charming old town at the top of the hill and newer developments on the flatter land at the bottom. There is a real, traditional feel to the streets in the historic part of the town although car parking isn’t always easy!
The province of Jaen is renowned for the production of olive oil and around Martos the rolling countryside is seemingly covered with a patchwork quilt; the effect of the differently spaced and planted olive groves and soil colours. Martos is the biggest producer of olive oil in this heartland of the industry and a very prosperous town as a result, hence the excellent selection of shops, bars and restaurants!
Nearest airport is Granada which is about 90 minutes away but you will probably have to go to Malaga for most destinations. Malaga airport is about 2 hours to 2 hours 20 minutes away depending on who is driving. The nearest beach is probably at Salobreña (a beautiful old town and castle, great beaches and some super beach restaurants. Thank God however the property crash stopped them building anymore junk behind the beach). Journey time about 2 hours and a few minutes less than going to Torremolinos.
Skiing at the Sierra Nevada is about 2 hours away. You will hear people say it is much less but whilst the access road from Granada city is excellent, it is up a mountain, it is affected by snow and ice and it is single carriageway in each direction! Finally, the city of Madrid is only 4 hours or so away but with Sierra Cazorla in between and magnificent towns like Ubeda to visit, it will be a long time before you feel the need to go so far afield! Roads are generally excellent throughout the area with light traffic so getting around is always a pleasure.
A major part of local life is enjoying the local fiestas and the highlights in Martos, which includes:
Holy week: Regarded as being of 'tourist interest' so pretty special!
San Bartolome's: The main feria held in August
Carnival
San Amador: May 5
Virgin of the Villa: On the first Tuesday after Holy Week
Saint Martha: July 29
Romería of the Virgin of the Victory: last weekend of May
Olive Festival: December 8
Finally, the property market does offer some bargains but don't buy just because it's cheap! The town was the high tide mark of the property boom as far as foreign buyers were concerned and today has been left high and dry as the buyers that are left look closer to the coast. That said this is a real Spanish town in the heart of the olive growing region so it is a wonderful place to enjoy Andalusian life. The thing to do is look for 'special' properties; bigger, smarter, better views and outside space. Ignore houses whose only appeal is the price. They are cheap because no-one wants them! So we don't list many propertis in the area now and try only to offer a few selected, special homes.
If you like Martos and Jaen can I invite you to look at homes around nearby Alcala La Real by clicking here
For all properties in the province of Jaen, including Martos click here
If you have a house for sale in or around Martos we would like to hear from you. For more information on selling your property look here and to get in touch use Contact Us
If you would like to add any comments or photographs to this page please drop me a line. All contributions welcome!