Walking in Iznajar

walks 1Jeff and Lynette have found the enjoyment of walking in Iznajar, that they had experienced in the Peak District National Park and Cheshire plains, can still be enjoyed here in Andaluci­a. Speaking to visitors they have met in the area, it became apparent that they mainly choose this area as a place to relax and walk, to enjoy their surroundings, take photographs and see nature and experience some Andaluci­an history.

Spanish Walking HolidayUnfortunately, walking maps are almost unheard of in Spain, the only maps available are military ordinance, which are in most cases old and out of date. We decided to get out there and find suitable walks that can be completed in a few hours but still have features that would delight the walker.

Walks range from a historic route around the village of Iznajar, which is an easy walk through the streets and miradors of this ancient village, to a walk up to the peak of Pico Bermejo standing at 1474 metres, not an easy walk but attainable by most fit walkers and without a time limit. The area is like visiting the past, whitewashed villages are dotted around the landscape and people overall rely on the land for their income.

walks in iznajar spainThere are waterfalls and valleys that are teeming with wildlife, some rarely visited by people. During the cooler months, birds from across Europe travel through this area on their yearly exodus to the African plains to avoid the cold of winter.

Many mammals live in Andaluci­a, from tiny shrews and Beech Martens through to the wild boar, that roam freely through the forests of oak trees. Insects abound, Praying Mantis are often spotted on foliage and occasionally a scorpion will be seen hiding from the heat of the day, butterflies are year round colour. One of Andaluci­a’s largest colonies of bats and be found in caves above the dam.

The lake of Iznajar is the largest in Andaluci­a and holds shoals of Carp, Barbell, American large mouth Bass and huge Wels Catfish. Being thirty-two kilometres long and up to seventy-five metres deep the lake surely holds some monsters that have yet to be discovered.

We can tailor walks to suit the visitors needs, they are designed to get the most from the Andaluci­an countryside, there is no rush to complete the circuit, no time restraints, take photo opportunities when you wish without any pressure to push on.

walking holiday andalucia
Examples Of Walks in Iznajar:

Fuente del Conde, Ridge walk

Walk Details: length 5.5Klm. Height gain/loss 227 Metres. Walk time 2 Hours 46 Mins

Features: Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Pub, Restaurant, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland

Description:

From the village of Fuente Del Conde, a climb through almond trees to the Ermita de Magan, then onto the ridge with Spanish oaks and wonderful views of the provinces of Cordoba (Iznajar, Rute and Lucena come into view), Granada (Sierra Nevada’s snowy peaks in winter and Loja’s wind generators) and Malaga (Archidona and Antequera), returning to the village on different tracks through the olive groves.

Santa Barbara Cascade

Walk Details: length 6.5 Kms. Height gain/loss 105 Metres. Walk time 2 Hours 56 Mins

Features: Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Flowers, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Mountains, Restaurant, River, Waterfall, Wildlife, Woodland

Description:

The walk to the waterfall reveals the hidden jewel of Santa Barbara, Loja. During the summer months this is an excellent place to take a stroll, picnic and perhaps take a cooling swim in the crystal-clear water of the lagoon.