Villages you shouldn`t miss between Granada and Córdoba
Are you visiting Andalucía? For sure, you want to make the most of your time. Here I give you some ideas if you are planning a trip from Granada to Córdoba and you have the time and curiosity to get to know the smallest detail, these are the villages you shouldn`t miss between Granada and Córdoba.
Andalucía is a place full of history and cultural heritage. The idea of visiting it is very attractive but, where should we start? Many people decide to begin with the most known cities such as Sevilla or Granada.
Visiting the Alhambra for sure is one of the “must see” in south Spain. But if you travel by car, and you have the time, maybe you want to discover the hidden gems of inner Andalucía. And here is where we start. It doesn’t matter if you started in Granada, and you want to visit Córdoba or the other way around here you have the ideas per province.
granada
MOCLÍN
The perfect place if you want to hike alongside the river Velillos. Here you will find a gorge carved by the river that runs all the year. It’s not a big river, don’t get me wrong, but in this place of Granada it is rare to see something bigger, and thanks to the flora, trees and the water, it’s quite refreshing.
The best: you can do a circular hike and discover the neolithic paintings, the Corcuera fountain, and the bridge. See the landscape full of mountains, pines, and different flora typical from Mediterranean areas. And at the top of Moclín, you can also visit the castle, which was very important during the conquest times.
MONTEFRÍO
A circular church, a castle, and the honor to be said one of the best landscapes in Spain by National Geographic. This little town is perfect if you want to enjoy just landscapes, nature and a beautiful history started with the andalusis, and continued by the christians.
Here, there is also a famous hike called “Peña de los Gitanos” where you can see caves, necropolis and dolmens.
The best: it was internationally known due to a viewpoint at the top of a hill from where you can see the castle and the town at its feet. It was named one of the most beautiful sights by National Geographic, and since then, it has received a lot of visits.
JAÉN
ALCALÁ LA REAL
Here I have a little problem. I was born in Alcalá la Real, so it is very difficult to write just a bit about it. I could write a whole entry about Alcalá. In fact, I will do it.
Alcalá la Real is well known to be a border between Granada and Córdoba, between Andalusíes and Castilians, and between Muslims and Christians. And it is because of that, this city had a very important role during the conquest, and before, during different conflicts.
If I have to tell you in just a few lines what you can expect, it would be a magnificent fortress, a beautiful town, and lots of places for hiking and rural life.
The best: an astonishing fortress, former town of Alcalá, and witness of a huge history. And at the top of it, it’s a visit full of calm, with no rush, or queues of people waiting to enter. It’s the perfect stop for a slow tourism lover.
CÓRDOBA
ALMEDINILLA
Just a few kilometers further from Alcalá la Real, this village is one of the most interesting places you can visit. The most ancient history of Andalucía is written in its hills, where you will find a former village founded by Iberians and with a recreation of their way of living.
And next to the road, also the Romans left their trace in a floor full of beautiful tiles.
The best: if this is not enough, and for me is more than enough, there is a hike, the “Salto del Caballo” that runs river Caicena upstream. And the end of it is a waterfall in the middle of olives fields that make it an unforgettable sight.
PRIEGO DE CÓRDOBA
If you like art, this is going to be your special idea. In Priego you will find what is called the “cradle of the Baroque” and you will understand it in the churches you will find.
But it is not only churches, there you will see a beautiful castle, and the Barrio de la Villa, a neighbourhood that seems to be a labyrinth of narrow streets and pots and flowers over white houses everywhere. And all, located at the top of a cliff, which makes this neighbourhood more unique.
The best: through the Río street, you will see lots of beautiful modernist buildings, till it ends in the most popular park Fuente del Rey, where you will see a magnificent fountain with marble Neptune in its waters.
ZUHEROS
Córdoba has lots of villages that are well worth visiting. If you plan to go to Zuheros, you will have to leave the road, but if a village deserves it, it is Zuheros.
A castle in the middle of the village, just from where the Andalusis could see the whereabouts, and could defend the city from the enemy. A white village at a slope, mountains, an impressive gorge that is filled with water when the rains come with strength, will await your visit.
The best: apart from their Bailon river hike, the most attractive place to visit, is no doubt the cave “Cueva de los Murciélagos” (bat’s cave). A place where you will learn about ancient shelters, neolithic life, and cave paintings. And all surrounded by a beautiful landscape of limestone and helm oaks.
IZNÁJAR
First of all, Iznájar is not near the road. Maybe it’s the best hidden village of all. But again, it is worth it. One more time, the village is surrounding the hill, like in Zuheros, and it is crowned by a castle. The village is fascinating, all full of white houses with beautiful pots, and viewpoints from where we can see the Colomera reservoir, which nowadays is full and with its best sights.
The best: here you can have a walk around but the best part for sure is a little square close to the castle called Patio de las Comedias (the square of the comedies) where in christian times there were theatre plays.
And I could write more and more, but I think for the moment, for a trip from Granada to Córdoba is enough. For sure these villages are not so known as the Mezquita de Córdoba, or so magnificent as the Alhambra, but they are part of history, help you to understand life in Andalucía and for sure, to enjoy a slow tourism where life and calm are the most important characters for our journey.
And why I recommend all places? Because I am touristic guide, and I do hiking for a living. In addition, I was born in Alcalá la Real, so all these villages have been also part of my personal story. And I want to share with you all these beautiful places I know. So trust me, if you decide to go, you wont regret it.