Iznájar, the Andalusian town inspired by Rafael Alberti

• Turismo Agulo, the Gomeran town exalted for its beauty

• Getaway Lepe, the town of jokes... and spectacular beaches of fine golden sand

Located in the extreme south of the province of Córdoba,

is in the heart of Andalusia.

Its geographical location, at the vertex of the provinces of Córdoba, Málaga and Granada, allows it to be one hour from each of their capitals and the Costa del Sol, and less than two hours from Seville.

Due to its location, it is easy to understand that there are many places that seem to be balconies of a single house: this small white town with about 4,000 inhabitants.

All of them constitute for the visitor a haven of tranquility from which they will be delighted with the views of the

that embraces it and the hills populated with olive groves.

It stands on the banks of the Genil River, the main tributary of the Guadalquivir River, which makes the reservoir that bears its name the largest in the region.

Known as

and inaugurated in 1969, it has a capacity of more than 981 million cubic meters, in addition to more than 100 kilometers of shoreline.

Iznájar surrounded by the 'Lake of Andalusia'.

Its construction, which lasted for ten years, involved the expropriation of the best arable land and the modification of its landscape, turning its main nucleus into a

that seems to emerge from the waters, linked to the mainland by bridges.

This civil engineering work was, for its time, one of the most important in Spain and also meant the displacement of a large part of the population.

Many of the houses, roads or bridges in the town disappeared.

However, with the drop in water levels, many of the memories of that time re-emerge, through which you can walk and

the area.

Valdearenas area and beach

On the right bank of the reservoir, a kilometer and a half from the town, is the area known by the name of

.

The configuration of the reservoir itself, with the inclusion of a new ecosystem of great wealth in its bird and fish fauna, makes the area not only suitable for fishing or bird watching, but also for enjoying a wonderful fresh water beach

Once there, you can take advantage of eating in one of its beach bars or practicing various water sports, such as kayaks, canoes,

, sailing and pedal boats.

Some of the trails can also be done on foot and by bicycle, among them the one to the left of the reservoir, which is 15 kilometers long;

It begins at the dam wall and ends at one of the town's bridges.

What to visit

The municipal area of ​​Iznájar is made up of numerous villages and rural areas scattered among the mountains that provide splendid landscape values, and are an expression of

traditional uses and

Getting lost in its streets, squares, corners, visiting one of its villages or the

, declared an Asset of Cultural Interest, are reasons enough to want to visit this town.

In the highest part of the neighborhood of La Villa, is the

, symbol and genesis of the town.

Of Arabic origin, it gives its name to the town, deriving from the noun "hisn" (castle) and the adjective "al-ashar" (joyful).

Its construction began in the middle of the 8th century, although it continued with successive extensions until the 15th century.

The castle of Iznájar in the upper part of the neighborhood of La Villa.

Between the months of April and June you can visit from Tuesday to Sunday, between 10 am and 2 pm, and on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 pm to 8 pm.

But it can also be known in a very particular way, through an authentic

that will force the prisoners to discover even its most secret corners.

Rafael Alberti already said it: "Prisoner in this tower, prisoner would remain".

In 1920, the Spanish writer visited Iznájar.

It was then that he climbed the keep, the highest in the castle, he was inspired and wrote the verses for

which is included in the book

The poem the Tower of Iznájar by Rafael Alberti.

This same poem is reflected on the tile mosaic that presides over the square that was built in his honor.

It was inaugurated by Alberti himself in 1989 when he returned to the town for the second time.

In 2018, this corner received the second prize in the Patios de la Subbética Contest.

The path can continue through the

, also located in La Villa.

From the 16th century and of Renaissance origin, it has a large vaulted ceiling and an apse with a coffered ceiling.

The main altarpiece from the 17th century stands out, in addition to the famous goldsmith works that it has inside.

A mandatory stop is the

, which was a very popular souk in medieval times.

Its name comes from the theatrical performances that were held here during the 16th century.

The charm is given by the 600 pots with flowers of the most varied colors that fill the space.

They are in the care of Juani Ordóñez Mejías, a 64-year-old resident of the town, who has taken care of them for more than two decades.

Juani in the Patio de las Comedias.

Iznájar is characterized by the variety of family businesses that work every day to offer their visitors unparalleled experiences.

is a cultural and gastronomic space in which Manuel Quintana and his parents seek to bring a different model of consumption to the people.

They have a selection of organic and environmentally friendly commercial products, all made in Andalusia.

In addition, they carry out a tasting of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) of their own harvest, and they sell their own, elaborated with care for a unique result.

Moldura oil tasting.

cheese factory

is another of the undertakings whose pillars have a family that works from three in the morning until nine at night.

For Cristóbal Padilla and his family there are no weekends, nor holidays.

Every day, the freshly milked milk from the 230 goats they have is quickly transferred to the cheese factory and in the curdling vat they begin the process of making the cheese in a completely traditional way.

Cristóbal, from the La Celada cheese factory.

To get to know each of the phases involved in their work up close, they organize visits for the whole family, in which, in addition to having the opportunity to interact with the animals and collaborate in the preparation of the product, an irresistible cheese tasting is included.

what to eat

It is known that the center of Andalusia produces the best

in the world.

The richness of the town's land, its climate and the age of its olive trees make it its star product.

A special element of extraordinary quality that, well prepared, is undoubtedly one of the most desired gastronomic ingredients by the most exquisite and demanding palates.

An olive tree with more than 200 years.

20-20

is a signature EVOO that is made in Iznájar and brings out the personality of each of the oils extracted depending on the degree of maturity of the olive.

For the creation of their three varieties, they collect and select the best fruits to the extreme, having the Hojiblanca and Picadura varieties as the benchmarks for their organoleptic characteristics.

Iznájar is also a town rich in its gastronomy, with famous pork products that are made in a homemade way.

One of its most typical dishes is "

, in which you can take advantage of stale bread to prepare it in many ways, although it is usually fish.

Other dishes are also typical, such as the

orange and cod

, which is a dish made with tomato, bread, pepper and pieces of ham.

And since dessert cannot be missing, the

with eggs, milk, macaroons and cinnamon- are one of the specialties that must be tried.

inn

is one of those places where tourists will surely want to take a break to eat.

Culinary craftsmanship and traditional cuisine but with a personal touch: traditional flavors that will surprise any diner.

Abuela María amontillado white wine flan.

Casa Juani

is the perfect place to contemplate the best views of the reservoir while enjoying traditional Mediterranean cuisine with a wide variety of dishes (hot starters, snacks, salads, soups, meat or fish dishes).

And to end a good lunch or dinner, nothing better than a good homemade dessert like the three-chocolate cake, the white chocolate soup or the pistachio and chocolate

with vanilla ice cream.

Cold porra, one of the typical dishes of Iznájar and Casa Juani.

Where to sleep

The town has more than 130 lodgings to stay.

Many of them, with incomparable views such as the

a simple hotel in a typical Andalusian building surrounded by nature with a panoramic view of the reservoir and a five-minute walk from Valdearenas beach.

View from one of the rooms of Caserío de Iznájar.

In the heart of the historic center,

is a cozy accommodation that preserves intact the charm of the 19th century, the date of its construction, but with all the comforts of the 21st century.

The treatment of Ana -one of her owners- who makes guests feel at home, is one of the aspects that those who have already stayed in the place stand out the most.

One of the hidden treasures of Casa Las Tinajas.

Villa Moana

opened its doors the weekend of May 28 and 29.

This old house has been restored for two years to offer quality accommodation to visitors to Iznájar.

It is also attended by its owners, a young couple who will take care of all the details, including preparing the delicious breakfasts they offer.

One of the rooms in Villa Moana.

Conforms to The Trust Project criteria

Know more

• Cordova

• Tourism