Iznájar: 11 things to do in Spain’s most flowerful village

Iznájar is a hidden gem in Andalusia and one of the most beautiful white villages in the South of Spain. Here are the best things to do and places to visit in this iconic hilltop village in Córdoba province, Spain!

In this blog post, you will find all the places with descriptions, photos, and locations where they can be found on Google Maps. Iznájar is the perfect place for a short day trip from Malaga, Granada, or Córdoba. Happy exploring!

Read more » 21 most beautiful white villages and towns in Andalusia, Spain

Where is Iznájar?

Iznájar is a small hilltop town in Córdoba province. However, the town is actually closer to Malaga and Granada cities. It only takes 1h 5min to drive to Iznájar from Malaga or Granada, but it takes 1h 15min to get there from Córdoba.

What is Iznájar known for?

Iznájar is a typical Andalusian mountaintop town with whitewashed houses and a castle on top. However, it has a secret right in the heart of it – Patio de las Comedias. It is a stunningly decorated courtyard and one of the most beautiful places in Andalusia.

Where to park your car in Iznájar?

Iznájar is only a small town and it is a bit difficult to figure out public transportation, so the best way to get to Iznájar is by car. However, visiting all the places in town is better on foot, so park your car and walk around! The distances there are quite small.

We parked our car next to the Mirador del Postigo viewpoint where there is a big square with parking places. The parking lot is only 300 meters away from the famous Patio de las Comedias, so it is an excellent spot to start exploring the town.

What are the best places to see and things to do in Iznájar?

Iznájar is one of the most beautiful towns in Andalusia mainly thanks to three reasons – its hilltop views with an iconic castle on top, the scenic water reservoir surrounding the village, and the famous Patio de las Comedias courtyard. Read on to find out more!

1. Be amazed at Patio de las Comedias!

Patio de las Comedias in Iznájar is one of the most beautiful places in Andalusia for sure! It is a small square between buildings that is meticulously decorated with blue flower pots, plants, plates, colorful doors, tables, and chairs as well as a fountain.

The square is maintained by locals who live there and is a multi-time awardee in a contest for the most beautiful courtyards in Córdoba province. This contest is something Córdoba is known for and you can see their awards on the wall.

The name of the square translates as the Courtyard of Comedies. It comes from the 16th century when the square held comedy shows and performances. Nowadays it is publicly accessible (for free!) and brings great joy and fun to everyone who visits!

Location: Patio de las Comedias

2. Take a look at Torre de San Rafael

While you are at the Patio de las Comedias don’t get too carried away by flowers and don’t forget to walk a few steps down to a small space next to Torre de San Rafael. There is a cute table with chairs and nice views over Iznájar town.

The tower itself is what is left of the defensive walls that enclosed the town centuries ago. The stone defensive tower is crowned with a statue of the archangel Raphael. That’s where the name of the tower comes from.

Location: Torre de San Rafael

3. Check out Plaza Nueva and Fuente de los Leones

Just a few meters away from the Patio de las Comedias you will find a nice square – Plaza Nueva – where you can find a bench and relax under a cypress tree with cool views over the surroundings.

Plaza Nueva is one of the main squares in Iznájar with a beautiful star-shaped fountain in the center of it. The fountain has four lion figures holding the center part of the fountain. It is a great place to catch a breath and have a picnic.

The plaque in the square says that Plaza Nueva square in Iznájar was the place where the first gathering of the social economic movement took place in Córdoba province in 1861. The meeting gathered 600 laborers who demanded better living conditions.

Location: Plaza Nueva

4. Take a look at Santiago Apóstol church

Just a few steps from the Patio de las Comedias you will find Santiago Apóstol church. This is a 16th-century church located on the highest part of Iznájar town and is very well visible from afar. If you can, definitely try to check out the inside of the church!

We only got to explore the outside of the church. It is a massive stone building that was planned to be much bigger but never got finished.

There are cool brick arches next to the church – one right next to Plaza Rafael Alberti square, but another one next to the tourism office on Calle Villa street.

I recommend walking around the church because there are really impressive views from behind the church. After all, this is the highest you can get in Iznájar!

Location: Santiago Apóstol church

5. Stop by Plaza Rafael Alberti square

Right by the church of Iznájar, you will find a tiny square that is worth checking out – Plaza Rafael Alberti square. Although is it quite small, definitely pay attention to what’s in there!

The square is dedicated to one of the greatest Andalusian poets Rafael Alberti. There are a couple of his poems written on tiles and scattered around the square for you to read them.

Location: Plaza Rafael Alberti square

6. Castillo de Iznájar

The Castle of Iznájar is the most iconic place in the town. Sitting atop a hill more than 500 meters above sea level it is probably one of the first places you will notice while strolling around the narrow streets.

Construction of the castle began in the 8th century, but it wasn’t until a couple of centuries later that the castle took the form of the structure we see today. There is a small entrance fee (2 EUR) to see the castle and it is a great place for a quick visit!

Location: Castillo de Iznájar

7. Plaza de la Torre

Plaza de la Torre was another one of my favorite places to see in Iznájar. It is a rather quiet square filled with red flower pots and plants and decorated with benches, ceramic plates, and vases for everyone to enjoy.

The square is named ‘Tower Square’ because of the nearby remains of the old defensive tower that was part of the town’s defensive walls centuries ago.

However, the remains of the tower are not accessible to the public. But the square definitely looked fantastic with all the decorations and is a must-see place in Iznájar!

Location: Plaza de la Torre

8. Outdoor theatre of Iznájar

Just a few meters away from Plaza de la Torre (and a few vertical meters as well!) there is another place that looks like a square or even a balcony with some fantastic views of Iznájar’s castle and church.

This is actually an outdoor theatre that was inaugurated in 1990. It is definitely worth walking by and taking a look from this square – you basically have all the town and rooftops below you.

I especially loved the views of the castle and church as they stand out very well and create the iconic look of Iznájar. There are some benches nearby to sit on and relax, but there isn’t anything else to do (unless there’s an event happening!), so it’s a quick stop!

Location: Outdoor theatre of Iznájar

9. Climb up to the iconic viewpoints of Iznájar!

Iznájar is a hilltop town with a unique water reservoir below it, and that means there are some pretty iconic viewpoints around the cliffside of Iznájar. We stopped at numerous viewpoints to see the lake and olive tree plantations from above.

One of the viewpoints was at the spot where we parked our car – Mirador del Postigo. Another one that was probably my favorite was Mirador Embalse located next to the outdoor theatre. The views from there are unmatched!

Another one of my favorites was Mirador Cruz de San Pedro where you can actually drive by car as there are a couple of parking spots at the viewpoint. Iznájar’s viewpoints must be on your bucket list when visiting this special town!

Location: Mirador del Postigo – Mirador Embalse – Mirador Cruz de San Pedro

10. Take a look at Rincón de Hisn-Ashar

There is a very charming corner in Iznajar with great significance – Rincón de Hisn-Ashar. If you read it carefully you will notice that ‘hisn-ashar’ has some similar sounds as the name ‘Iznájar’.

That is because the name of the town came exactly from these Arabic words – ‘hisn’ and ‘ashar’. The word ‘hisn’ translates as a castle, fortress, or fortified place, however, ‘ashar’ translates as ‘liveliness’ or ‘happiness’.

This small corner is a hidden gem in Iznájar. It is separated from the street by a wall or whitewashed arches decorated with colorful flower pots. The little square also features a fountain, benches, bigger plants as well as some inscriptions on the wall.

This is a great place to take a look if you happen to be nearby. This is not a must-see place, however, it tells some tales from the history of this town and offers a place to relax and take a breath while enjoying some really nice views over the town!

Location: Rincón de Hins-Ashar

11. Paseo de la Constitución and Mirador del Parque

Another cute corner and a hidden gem in Iznájar is Paseo de la Constitución. There is a square on top of a hill with a beautiful church and an incredible viewpoint next to it. There are also some benches and trees to relax and catch some shade.

The view from this square was one of my favorites – you can see far away over the water reservoir, the mountains, and olive tree plantations. It was a really peaceful and chill place to finish our trip to the magical town of Iznájar!

Location: Paseo de la Constitución – Mirador del Parque