Area Guide for Iznajar, CordobaIntroduction:With a population that currently stands at close to 4,900 residents, Iznajar is one of the more popular destinations for those from the UK with more than 7% of all residents having immigrated from the UK and a few other countries. With the growing population of English speaking residents, many tourists will find that Iznajar is an excellent location for sightseeing and exploring the area. Iznajar is a fascinating town with stunning views of the "The Lake of Andalucia". The streets are very narrow and steep.History:The discovery of several tools and a grave site formed in the Paleolithic period by a tribe referred to as the Musteriense, Neanderthals, dates the origin of Iznajar to possibly more than 40,000 years ago. These artifacts are on display in an area museum. An old Necropolis also offers evidence of human occupation in the Bronze age. From here, it is obvious that the Moors settled in the area, erecting their large castle high on the hillside to offer protection to the people and the town. The Moors thrived in this region practicing their crafts and agricultural skills until the Christian armies took over much of Spain in the 1500s.
Site Seeing:A dam on the Genil River crates The Lake of Andalucia. This lake which is 30 kilometres long is popular with sunseekers, anglers, and swimmers. Valdearenas Beach has a nice food stand for those who opt to spend their day on the beach. The lake is large enough for a number of activities from sailing to swimming to fishing. Fishermen boast of large bass, perch, and a few trout.
Iznajar borders the Natural Park of the Subbetica. There are a number of hiking trails that wind through the area offering nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers with a chance to see native animals, reptiles, and birds. The Leonado Vulture, Culebrera Eagle, Hocicuda Viper, and Wild Boar are often spotted in their natural habitat.
Industry:Over all, Iznajar has a high number of local residents. For now, olives are the main source of revenue in Iznajar. Olives can be ripened and eaten, but they are more commonly used for olive oil production. Textiles come in second thanks to the Craftswomen of Iznajena, S.C.A. Who handcraft shirts for children. Neither of these occupations really requires a college education, yet more residents are opting to get a degree and that often drives them from the small town in search of better occupations.
Gastronomy:Cuisine in Iznajar is among some of the best in the province of Cordoba. Fresh salads utilizing oranges are popular. During Lent, residents give up meat and instead serve cod pan-fried with a light dusting of flour and then fresh tomatoes are added for flavour. A stew made from blood sausage, garlic sausage, bacon, beets, onions, garlic, and chickpeas is also very popular. Stews are often served with a freshly baked loaf of semolina bread. Dessert is not as common, usually reserved for special occasions, but when dessert is offered, pinonate (fried strips of bread dusted with cinnamon and sugar) is popular, but hard to make. Mincemeat tarts are also staples, especially around Christmas.
Nightlife:A number of excellent bars, many serving tapas, can be found in or surrounding Iznajar. These bars offer excellent beers, wines, coffee, and more.
Summary:With the gorgeous lake, eye catching scenery, and mix of Spanish and English speaking locals, Iznajar is an excellent destination for someone needing to avoid the crowds of the big city. It's a great place to kick back for a few days and truly relax. There are plenty of shops, an indoor market, a health centre, a school and banks.
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