A small castle, its towers and its walls crown it from the top of a hill.
From the same fortress there is a network of labyrinthine narrow streets, steep and flanked by low houses painted white that descend down the hillside.
At the foot of the hill, the waters of a huge swamp embrace on all sides this charming medieval town considered one of the most beautiful in Andalusia (and Spain).
We are talking about
Iznájar, a small white town in the south of the province of Córdoba
with a multitude of resources to become the fashionable town of this summer for all types of visitors.
In addition to the historical and monumental heritage, the place that inspired Alberti himself to write his poems is also a claim for lovers of photography, nature and active tourism due to its idyllic surroundings with all kinds of possibilities (hiking, water sports. ..), without forgetting its huge natural beach.
The village
The colorful flowers that decorate the facades of the buildings and the improvised viewpoints from the steep streets, with the mountains and the blue of the swamp in the background, powerfully attract attention when walking through this typically Andalusian town in the Subbética Cordobesa region. Squares, balconies, semicircular arches, clock towers, illustrious houses, hermitages and churches follow one another on the steep path until crossing the walls and reaching the two most emblematic monumental enclaves of the place: the castle and the
Renaissance church of Santiago Apóstol
(16th century), separated from each other by
the Plaza de Rafael Alberti
, a small space decorated with flowers that was inaugurated by the writer himself in 1989 when he returned to the town for the second time.
The first was in 1920, when he found inspiration to write his book
La Arboleda Perdida
, which includes the poem
Torre de Iznájar
, engraved in the mosaic of tiles that presides over this square.
Panoramic view of Iznájar over the lake of the same name.
In the same walled neighborhood of La Villa is the colorful
Patio de Comedias
, one of the most photographed corners of the town, for the more than 600 flowerpots that decorate it, for the impeccable facades of the houses that surround it and for the impressive views of the rest of the town, the swamp and the mountains that are obtained from it. It was the old souk and also a place for theatrical performances, hence its name.
At the highest point of the village, at 533 m, is
the castle of Hisn Al-Ashar
(translated: happy castle), whose origin dates back to the 8th century, with extensions until the 15th century. Highlights include the Plaza de Armas, a huge cistern, which is accessed by a seven-meter staircase, and the Torre del Homenaje, which you can climb to enjoy the incredible views. Precisely, the towers and walls of the Iznájar Castle, have become in recent days
one of the most fashionable places for photography lovers
(and those eager for
likes
on Instagram), for its perfect framing of sunsets, considered one of the most beautiful in Andalusia.
In addition to the sunset, the snapshot is completed with a landscape with the reservoir and olive groves in the background and with the network of streets of the white urban area of the town at its feet.
To visit the fortress it is not necessary to book an appointment in advance and tickets can be purchased at the box office for 1 euro.
The afternoon hours during the summer are on Fridays and Saturdays, from 7 pm to 10 pm.
The morning hours are from Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.
(more information here).
Sunset from Iznájar Castle.
The swamp
Iznájar is located on the shores of the reservoir of the same name,
the largest in Andalusia
, into which the Genil river flows. With about 100 km of shoreline, it is possible to practice numerous water sports, from kayaking to sailing, paddle surfing, canoeing ... Along the
coast
that surrounds Iznájar there are parks, picnic areas, hiking trails, viewpoints, places for fishing and even a large beach of 1.5 kilometers (Playa de Valdearenas) suitable for swimming and with rental service of canoes, pedal boats, paddle surf boards, etc.
To make a more relaxed plan, there is the possibility of taking a boat trip on the lake, in which an expert will explain the history and nature of the place while tasting typical tapas of the area.
More information about this and other activities, as well as the audio-guided tour of the town, here.
Sunset in the Iznájar reservoir.
Where to eat
Pork derivatives, which are made at home at the time of slaughter, the traditional Relleno, a sausage with egg, breadcrumbs, pieces of ham and turkey breast, typical of Carnival, and the orange and cod salmorejo, as well as the porra, are some of the local traditional dishes, washed, of course, with the local olive oil.
The town has numerous restaurants, bars or outdoor terraces to taste its cuisine.
Mesón Abuela María
(June 9, 1910, s / n), with its homemade menus of traditional cuisine,
Casa Juani
(Carretera Lucena-Loja Km 47, 5), with its beautiful terrace over the swamp, or
Nuevo Marcianos bar
(Cruz del Postigo, 8), with its abundant tapas and portions, are a good option.
Where to sleep
Caserío de Iznájar
(urb.Valdearenas. Calle El swirl s / n; 957 50 80 11).
Simple hotel in a typical Andalusian building surrounded by nature with views of the reservoir and a five-minute walk from Valdearenas beach.
It has a terrace, swimming pool and restaurant.
Price: from 60 euros.
Reservations here.
Casa Las Tinajas
(June 9, 1910, 6; 680 81 78 45).
In the historic center of Iznájar, this small hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and parking.
Price: from 50 euros.
Reservations here.
The white houses of the town on the hill.
NOTE TO THE READER
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