Iznájar

Between five and six thousand residents bring life to the small town of Iznájar. As Iznájar is a whitewashed town situated on a hillside above a sparkling lake, views of the lake are available in every home. Stunning views of the lake are only one of the town’s attractions. The 1,200 year-old Iznájar Castle is a highlight for both tourists and locals. The Barrio del Coso is another feature. The winding labyrinth of homes and businesses highlighted by window boxes filled with vibrant flowers makes for an attractive daily walk.

Iznájar sits on the shores of Iznájar Lake, a natural reservoir that is the largest lake in Andalusia. Because the lake is a main source for drinking water, boats and motorized watercraft are not allowed on the lake. This ensures the village never experiences the noise of speedboats, motorboats, or jet-skis while swimming. Situated on the southern border of the province of Cordoba, the town also touches the borders of Granada and Malaga. Iznájar is easy accessible from the A92. Malaga’s airport is forty-five minutes away, and Granada’s airport is about an hour’s drive.

Scattered throughout the town are a variety of small taverns, bars, and restaurants. Bar owners in Iznájar still believe in serving free tapas with all drink purchases. For this reason, expect to go for a drink and leave with a pleasantly full stomach. Bars can appear to be a little dim and smoke-filled from the outside, but inside the friendly staff and locals make the bars a popular place to hang out and relax. Restaurants serve local fare including acclaimed mountain air cured hams (Jambon) and fresh trout.

There are a few stores in Iznájar, but for many items you may want to take the thirty-minute drive to Antequera. Friday’s open-air market in Antequera provides many bargains for everything from clothing to crafts to organic produce.

If you are coming to the area and have school-aged children, expect them to go to schools in neighboring communities. It is typical for communities to pool teachers and resources in outlying areas to ensure all remote regions have accessible schooling. The same is true with hospital care. There are town doctors, but for more advanced treatments it is necessary to travel to larger cities.

Employment opportunities within Iznájar tend to rely on the local olive groves and olive oil processing business. If a job in agriculture is not appealing, you will need to commute to a larger city. A few hotels and inns can be found within Iznájar, but usually they are family owned and managed.

If outstanding lake views, extremely friendly locals, and the charm of a rural town are appealing, Iznájar is an excellent choice. A laid-back way of living ensures you enjoy every second of the day.