Under the spring sunshine of Andalucia, a certain whitewashed hilltop town bursts into life each May, drawing visitors with its flower-filled balconies, lakeside views and traditional cuisine.

Perched dramatically above the largest reservoir in Andalucia, the picturesque village of Iznajar in Cordoba has been highlighted by National Geographic as one of Spain’s must-visit rural escapes during spring.

The magazine described it as ‘a rural whim that fully comes alive in May between its balconies and reservoir’.

Located around 100km south of Cordoba city, near the borders of Malaga and Granada provinces, Iznajar sits on a hilltop surrounded almost entirely by water from the vast Iznajar reservoir, known locally as the ‘Lake of Andalucia’.

The unique setting gives the village the appearance of a peninsula, connected to the mainland by just two bridges.

Its maze of steep whitewashed streets, colourful flower pots and panoramic viewpoints have long made it one of inland Andalucia’s hidden gems.

Among its biggest attractions is the historic La Villa neighbourhood, officially protected as a site of cultural interest.

Visitors can explore the town’s imposing eighth-century Nazari castle, stroll through the charming Patio de las Comedias and visit the Santiago parish church.

One of the biggest draws at this time of year is the spectacular scenery around the reservoir, particularly at sunset from Valdearenas beach.

The area also attracts outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking and cycling routes around the lake.

Food lovers are equally well catered for.

Iznajar is known for traditional Cordoban dishes including rich salmorejo and the local speciality huevos volaos.

Despite its peaceful feel, the municipality offers more than 130 tourist accommodations spread across the town and surrounding hamlets, making it an increasingly popular destination for rural getaways in southern Spain.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.