Wine connoisseurs should head to Rio Frío where trout and caviar are the town’s claim to fame. Rio Frío is home to many trout and sturgeon farms. In fact, the area’s sturgeon farm produces ample amounts of sturgeon caviar of exceptional quality. The caviar is actually the greatest caviar in all of Spain.

With a population of around 300 people, Rio Frío is the smallest of the three towns. Rio Frío is located in very close proximity to Loja, so they share a common history. It is believed that the area was settled by Phoenicians who liked the sheltered setting and pristine river waters. When the Moors took over, they began building a defensive fortress and establishing rows of houses within the town. They did well until Fernando captured the town in the 15th century. Eventually, the area became victim of the Spanish Civil War. As the area recovered, it was determined that trout fishing was continually the area’s biggest draw. In the early 1960s, plans for an elaborate fishery took place. The fish farm brought much needed revenue to the small town and the area has thrived since.

In addition, in Rio Frío, tourists will be delighted with a sixteenth century bridge that remains in remarkable shape. A racehorse stable offers tours to interested parties. For the auto enthusiast, an automobile museum hosts a number of classic cars. Sundays in Rio Frío are not to be missed.  Its visitors come from far and wide.  Walking around the outdoor market stalls and taking in the armours from the many restaurants preparing the Sunday lunches is a delight.  It is a real family day out. Standing on the hillside of Rio Frio sits the Hotel Almazara.  The hotel offers the most beautiful views and is ideally situated for those seeking a relaxing holiday, travelling around beautiful Andalusia or getting married.

In Rio Frío, the Piscifactoría de Sierra Nevada S.L. began in 1964. This stunning fish farm brings in the bulk of the area’s economy. The Piscifactoría de Sierra Nevada is, in fact, the world’s first organic fish farm. They utilize a water purification system that utilizes vegetation to filter the water and they make their own fish food. Despite the town’s meager population of 300, the fish farm sells more than 500,000 kilograms of trout every year. They also grow an extinct breed of sturgeon that is used to make Spain’s greatest caviar.

Rio Frio is a village of exceptional environmental richness because of its flora and its fauna.  The most popular dish being trout. Baked in tomato, garlic, and onions, the trout can be extremely succulent. Try some trout pan-fried in a little bit of olive oil and fresh garlic for a delightful dinner. The Sierra Nevada Sturgeon Farm produces some of the world’s best caviar. If you have the chance to sample some of this delectable treat, don’t miss it!