Montefrio

or those wishing to absorb some of the local Spanish culture, the picturesque whitewashed village of Montefrio is just 15 minutes drive away. Set in a dramatic location, the village is flanked by two hilltop churches, which dominate the skyline. It is a site of cultural interest, having been of strategic importance as a frontier fortress in the 15th century during the reign of the Moors. Built midway between Sierra de Priego and Sierra Parapanda, the Alcazaba (which, it is believed, was originally designed by the architect of the Alhambra palace) commanded the open valley between these ranges, and its ruins can still be found at the highest point around the walls of one of the churches. Near the village, which has retained much of its Moorish character, there is a vast archaeological site known as Las Peñas de los Gitanos, famous for its prehistoric tombs and remains of Roman and Visigoth settlements. As much as it is rooted in history and in the timeless agrarian lifestyle typical of the region, Montefrio is also a working town with its feet firmly in the present; it has a wide selection of shops, bars, restaurants, banks and other amenities, and a thriving, close-knit community that warmly welcomes visitors.

Iglesia de la Villa, Montefrio