16 Fantastic Things To Do In Iznajar, Cordoba (A Hidden Gem)

Iznajar is a charming mountainside town in the province of Cordoba. Despite its size, this small town has lots of history behind it and more things to do than you would expect.

Its Andalusian patios, whitewashed buildings and views of Iznajar Lake make it a must-see destination in Southern Spain.

More and more people are visiting this pretty town, but it’s still a hidden gem in Andalucia that many travellers don’t know about.

I’m so glad I discovered it a few months ago. It has become one of my favourite towns in Cordoba, and I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do.

In this travel guide, you’re going to discover the best things to do in Iznajar, where to eat, how to get there and a few things to know before going there.

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Table of Contents

16 Best things to do in Iznajar

1. Discover the charm of Patio de las Comedias

Patio de las comedias, iznajar, cordoba.

Patio de las Comedias is the prettiest courtyard in Iznajar. It’s the first picture that appears on many postcards and all over the internet when you Google the town.

The name of this patio dates back to the 16th century when many performances took place.

Nowadays, this Andalusian patio is decorated with blue pots with bright flowers and a fountain with a beautiful sculpture. It’s just a fantastic example of the amazing patios in Cordoba.

Personally, Cordoba is one of the best places to discover the charm of Andalusian patios.

The truth is that if you love taking photos, you can spend a while in the square because every corner is picturesque. That’s exactly what happened to me.

2.Take a photo at Rincón del beso

Rincon del beso (Kissing Corner) in Iznajar.

Rincón del Beso, situated in the pretty Patio de las Comedias, is named “the Kissing Corner”.

Decorated with flower pots, beautiful tiles that read “Rincón del Beso Iznajar”, and miniature objects, it’s the ideal place to take photos with your partner or a loved one.

But if they don’t want to join you, like mine, why not take a solo picture?

3. See Torre de San Rafael

Woman walking in patio las comedias, iznajar, cordoba.

Torre de San Rafael, commonly called Torre de Iznajar (Iznajar Tower), is the remaining tower of a former fortress. You can see it from Patio de las Comedias.

On top of the tower, you’ll see the statue of San Rafael, and there’s a house in the cave which is the main headquarters of the Brotherhood of Easter in Iznajar.

People used to light a candle for San Rafael when the soldiers crossed the strait of Gibraltar.

4. Visit Iznajar Museums

Besides visiting the castle, visiting its museums is the best way to learn about Iznajar. All of them tell you something unique about the history of Iznajar, and you can see interesting objects.

Some of the museums you want to check out are:

Museo de la Judea. A museum that showcases the Jewish people of Iznajar in the Jesus Christ period and some traditions that are still present in Iznajar.
Museo de Antonio Quintana. This small museum has a collection of paintings from Antonio Quintana, a local artist.
Casa de la Juventud. Next to the castle, Casa de la Juventud has three different rooms with objects that show how life used to be in Iznajar, the urban knitting culture, and photos of Iznajar’s Easter processions.

There’s no entry fee to visit any of these museums.

5. Learn about Castillo de Iznájar

Castillo de Iznajar is the main historical building in the town. It’s at the top of the town, as happens with most castles and fortresses, and it was recognised by the heritage register as a Bien de Interés Cultural in 1993.

The castle dates back to the Muslim period in Andalusia, called Al-Andalús, and the name of the town has Moorish roots as well as the castle. The castle used to be called Hisn Ashar. “Hisn” means castle, whilst “Ashar” means happy.

As you wander this 8th-century castle, you’ll discover its rich history and see interesting objects, such as swords. Climb its tower to discover the corner of Rafael Alberti, a famous writer who belonged to the Spanish Generation of ’27 poets.

Explore all the castle rooms, pay attention to the panels and follow the audio guide to learn about the castle.

Entry to the castle is 2 euros, but it’s completely worth it, especially if you’re a history buff. Through the castle, you can also access the library.

6. Go inside Iglesia de Santiago

Inside one of the churches in Iznajar, Cordoba, Spain.

Another emblematic building in Iznajar is Iglesia de Santiago. This church originated in the 16th century and has a Renaissance style.

Go inside to admire its beautiful architecture and religious statues.

7. Relax at Plaza Rafael Alberti

Plaza Rafael Alberti is a square located next to Santiago Apóstol Church. It’s dedicated to Rafael Alberti, an important Spanish writer.

The poet, born in Andalusia, visited the town several times and inspired him to write one of his books, La Arboleda Perdida, which included a poem about Iznájar Tower, which you can see written in one of the tiles in the square.

It’s a fantastic place to read Alberti’s poems, take photos and take a short break from exploring Iznajar on a hot day.

8. Shop local products at La Loza

I’m all about supporting small businesses, and this little shop behind Parroquia de Santiago Apóstol has many cute souvenirs, including fantastic local products. My mum and I couldn’t resist entering this little shop and buying a few souvenirs.

You can buy beautiful ceramic dishes and kitchen utensils, magnets in the shape of a flower pot in different colours, and small cute figurines, among other things.

If you prefer food, you’re in luck too. Not only do they sell typical products of Cordoba, but they also taste olive oil because the olive oil in the area is one of the best!

On top of high-quality olive oil, you might want to buy olives, cheese and honey.

9. Read a book at Biblioteca Pública Municipal

When you visit Castillo de Iznájar, you can also access the Biblioteca Pública Municipal de Iznájar, Iznajar public library. It’s a small but lovely library with plenty of books, a children’s area and posters to take funny photos.

The building was a former cereal storage that was built during Carlos III’s reign and was connected to Iznajar Castle.

10. See Fuente de los leones

Behind Museo de la Judea, there’s a tranquil square with Fuente de los leones (The Lions Fountain), a small fountain with lion sculptures.

What I love about this square is that it’s very quiet and also overlooks the reservoir. Also, look up to see street art, which you wouldn’t expect to see in a place like this.

11. Take a photo at Plaza de la Torre

A bench and beautiful flower pots on the wall.

Plaza de la Torre is another lovely square home to many flower pots and ceramic jars. It’s very picturesque; however, it’s less popular than Patio de las Comedias, and this is probably because it’s a bit more hidden.

The square has a few benches where you can take cute photos and a small water fountain on the left side.

12. Check out Casa de las Columnas

As you enter Iznajar, you’ll see Casa de las Columnas on the left-hand side. This historic house dates back to the 18th century and used to be the former administration of the count and countess of Albi. They collected the town taxes.

13. Admire the views from Mirador Embalse

Are you looking for the best views of Iznajar Reservoir? Then you need to visit Mirador Emblase, which means Reservoir viewpoint.

It offers a breathtaking view of the enormous reservoir, and if you visit Iznajar in spring or summer, don’t be surprised to see locals kayaking.

14. Visit Cofradía Nuestra Señora de la Piedad

Cofradía Nuestra Señora de la Piedad is another important church in Iznajar because it’s here where you’ll find the patron of Iznajar, La Virgen de la Piedad.

This church was opened in 1697 and has been the central point for prayers who believe in this virgin since then.

The church is on Paseo de la Constitución, a beautiful place to sit down and admire another perspective of Iznajar Reservoir.

If you’re in Iznajar on the 8th of September, you’ll witness the religious parade to commemorate the Iznajar patron. The atmosphere and passion of those who carry the heavy float are worth seeing.

15. Take in the views from Mirador del Postigo

Although Mirador Embalse has stunning views of the reservoir, Mirador del Postigo is one of my favourites. It offers a view of the other side of Iznajar Reservoir.

This viewpoint is next to the free parking at the entrance to the town.

16. Do water sports at Playa de Valdearenas

The Genil River passes through Iznájar and joins the reservoir, making it the biggest reservoir in Andalucia.

There are over 100 kilometres of shore, and it’s deep enough to practise all sorts of water sports. Kayaking is the most popular water sport in the area.

You can also find an interpretation centre, a camping area and restaurants.

My top advice is to go to the beach on weekdays to avoid crowds. There isn’t a proper beach close to Iznajar, so locals and people from nearby towns visit the reservoir to cool down from the intense heat during the summer months.

Where to eat in Iznajar

Iznajar is small, so don’t expect many bars and restaurants.

I ate at Abuela María Cuatro Esquinas Bar. The food was good, but the prices were a bit expensive compared to bars in other Andalusian towns.

They serve a good selection of dishes – from traditional Cordoba dishes to paella and fish.

I ordered a flamenquín cordobés (a dish that consists of a fried roll made with pork loin, ham and cheese), and it was one of the best ones I’ve had in Cordoba.

For dessert, I had huevos volaos, a typical sweet of Iznajar. It consists of custard topped with whipped egg whites. It wasn’t my favourite, but it was ok.

Where to stay in Iznajar

Due to its size, there aren’t plenty of accommodation options in Iznajar, and it’s often seen as a day trip rather than a place to stay longer than a day.

However, if you are looking for the best accommodation, check out Casa Las Tinajas, a lovely hotel built in a 19th-century building.

It has 8 beautiful rooms decorated in a rustic way to match the building’s architecture and style. Each has comfortable beds, a TV, free WiFi, air conditioning (and a heater for the winter months), and an ensuite bathroom.

When it comes to facilities, you can enjoy its little cafe, relax at its beautiful Andalusian patio or cool down by the pool.

📌 Check out Casa Las Tinajas availability and prices

How to get to Iznajar, Cordoba

The only way to get to Iznajar is by car. There isn’t public transport from major cities like Granada, Malaga or Cordoba to Iznajar.

It’s an easy day trip from Malaga and Granada. It will take approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes from Malaga and 1 hour and 10 minutes from Granada.

I don’t recommend driving in the town centre as the streets are very narrow, and you might be on edge as you drive in them. Many streets are only one way, so you’ll have to be careful with other cars coming your way.

There are free parking spaces just before the town centre, and this is the best place to leave your car.

Map of Iznajar, Spain

Click on the map below to open it in Google Maps. You can access directions to each of the locations mentioned in this article.

Frequently asked questions about Iznajar Cordoba

What are the main attractions to visit in Iznajar?

The main attractions to visit in Iznajar are Iznajar Castle, Patio de las Comedias and its numerous viewpoints overlooking Iznajar Reservoir.

When is the best time to visit Iznajar?

The best time to visit Iznajar is early spring. You can enjoy the sunny and pleasant temperatures and see the flowers blossom. Avoid summer because it’s scorching and you won’t be able to sightsee.

How much time do I need in Iznajar?

A half day should be enough to see all the attractions in Iznajar. You might extend your day by visiting the reservoir or a nearby town like Rute.

Conclusion of things to do in Iznajar

Is Iznajar worth visiting? For me, it’s a clear yes. Despite being small, the town is very charming and picturesque, and it had more things to do than I initially thought.

You won’t probably spend a full day exploring Iznajar, so you can visit another nearby town on the same day. For example, you could visit Iznajar and then Rute, the paradise of Christmas sweets, but it also has beautiful patios and hiking trails.

If you have any questions about visiting Iznajar or Cordoba, leave a comment below. I’m happy to help you.

Enjoy visiting Iznájar!

Cristina xx

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