Out & About

» Out & About in Iznájar

Situated in the centre of Andalusia among many hills and olive groves, Iznájar is easily reached by the A-331, A-333, A-334, and the A-92 railcar. Archaeologists have come across artifacts that date the origins of Iznájar back 40,000 years. With this rich history in mind, you know that Iznájar will offer notable sightseeing opportunities.

Limestone mountains surround this hillside white village. The views from the top of the town are impressive, as the highest regions give excellent views of the rows of whitewashed houses and businesses that cover the sloping hill. Iznájar Lake provides another range of activities for tourists to enjoy.

Churches & Historical Monuments:

Barrio del Coso is situated in the older section of town. Barrio del Coso is a series of winding lanes that transverse the hillside town. Tall whitewashed homes line the streets. Tourists should take advantage of Iznájar’s beauty by strolling through the winding streets. The climb can be taxing to someone with difficulties walking, but for the majority it is an invigorating way to see the town.

Casa of the Columns is a stately home in Iznájar. The house appeals to those fascinated with home design and architecture. The large doorway is surrounded by large stone columns. The house was home to Count Álbiz.

On the outskirts of town, one should find time to view El Caganchuelo. El Caganchuelo is a small area of homes that have been built into the caves in Iznájar.

Ermita de la Antigua was built in the 1600s. The church features some beautiful paintings, including that of the Virgin of the Mercy. The more recent dressing room, built in the 1700s, is worth viewing.

Iznájar Castle sits on the top of one of Iznájar’s many hills. Constructed in the late 1100s, the castle features many of the Moors trademark features including large towers and arches. Most of Iznájar Castle is in good condition thanks to a number of renovations throughout the years. Currently, one tower is closed the public awaiting renovations.

The Parochial Church of Santiago sits on one of the highest points in town offering excellent views of the surrounding area. Dating back to at least the 16th century, the church has been denied essential repairs throughout these early years. Today, the church has received important renovations and offers tourists with some impressive looks at historic architecture.

Pósito de Iznájar sits in the uppermost section of town near Iznájar Castle. Architects completed renovations of Pósito de Iznájar, which now houses the municipal library.

Dining:

Iznájar offers some amazing meals ranging from fried cod cooked in tomato to garlic sausage. You should take some time and sample some of the local cuisine.

If you want to go out and sample some tapas, head to Bar Calvario Iznájar. The staff do not speak much English, but that won’t matter too much. Bring an English/Spanish dictionary and be prepared to sample some amazing local fare with a glass of wine or cold beer.

Mesón el Charcón Iznájar is an excellent restaurant with an English menu. They specialize in pork dishes and paella. You can order the paellas from their take-out service.

During the summer months, a restaurant and bar open their doors to visitors to Lake Iznájar. The beachside establishment’s staff speaks mostly Spanish, but they do provide a good meal and refreshing beverages.

Festivals:

In February, the town lights two towering bonfires during the Celebration of the Candlemas. During the bonfires, baskets of homemade twisted rolls are blessed and fed to the crowds.

The Great Fair of Iznájar takes place every September. During a four-day period, the town holds a fair that includes parades, games, musical presentations, and plenty of food. The fair is held in honor of the Virgin of Mercy and the Virgin Old.

During Easter week, Semana Santa brings the townspeople together. The celebration allows willing townspeople to create a theatrical production of important stories taken from the Bible. After the plays, the town unites for a huge picnic in Valdearenas.

The Small Fair of Iznájar celebrates a positive year in cattle farming. Cattle seem to have taken the backstage, while lavish dancing performances are the fair’s most popular attraction.

If you enjoy music and singing, you should witness the locals perform the Songs of Aurora. In mid-August through early September, townspeople gather at dawn at the Hermitage of the Old One and then stroll through the town singing religious songs.

Museums:

The Municipal Museum of Iznájar is a small museum that focuses on the area’s agricultural and cultural history.

Outdoor Activities:

Lake Iznájar is a manmade reservoir that sits in the Rio Genil valley. The lake holds more than 900 million cubic meters of crystal water. Swimmers, water sports fanatics, and sunbathers flock to the large sandy beach in the warm summer months while anglers love the excellent fishing that the lake provides. A number of bird species can be seen throughout the area.

Valdearenas Beach is the man-made beach located on Lake Iznájar. The beach is suitable for swimmers and sunbathers, but also offers a slew of activities for others. Sailing is popular with the avid boater. Visit the School of Nautical Activities, located on Valdearenas Beach, for sailboat and canoe rentals.

Not too far from Iznájar’s borders is the small town of Rio Frio. Rio Frio is famed for its huge trout farm. Anglers find the fishing in Rio Frio is always outstanding. A number of restaurants in the area of Rio Frio serve freshly caught barbecued trout. If you eat fish, you must try this delicacy.

Shopping:

There are a number of small boutiques and some grocers throughout the town of Iznájar. If you are looking for a bargain, you are certain to find it here. The area produces olive oil, so for some of the freshest olive oil in the world, look around in the area shops.

Baked goods usually find appeal with early morning risers. Iznájar has an excellent bakery where shoppers can catch a quick bite while sampling the local pastries and rolls.