Free walking tours in Benamejí and what to see

Must-sees

Benamejí is a village in southern Córdoba, in the Subbética, overlooking the Genil river on the border with Málaga. Its best-known monument is the Renaissance bridge over the Genil, begun in the mid-16th century by Hernán Ruiz II. This river crossing was notorious for ambushes, and the village's name often appears in tales of Andalusian bandits. In the village, the Baroque parish church of the Inmaculada Concepción stands out, and the town hall occupies the site of the old ducal palace, keeping some of its columns.

By the river there's a very pleasant walk, the waterwheels route. It starts at the Camino de las Huertas and passes three restored waterwheels of Arab origin, among riverside woods where waterbirds are easy to spot. One of them is at the foot of the ruins of the castle of Gómez Arias, Benamejí's old fortress. The route ends near the bridge.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free walking tours or regular guided visits in Benamejí, which is easy to see on your own. The best-known organised activity is rafting on the Genil, using the river's rapids downstream of the Iznájar reservoir. It's done in groups, with instructors and all the equipment, and no previous experience is needed. It's very popular in spring and summer.

How long to spend

The village and the church take an hour or two. If you add the waterwheels route and the bridge, allow half a day. With rafting, set aside a full day and combine it with a stroll through the village. If you stay longer, the Subbética offers villages such as Rute, Iznájar or Lucena a short drive away.

Where to stay

Accommodation in Benamejí is limited, with a rural place or two and a campsite by the old road, at the start of the Camino de las Huertas, useful if you're doing river activities. There are also rural houses in the surrounding countryside. For more options, Lucena is about twenty minutes away and Iznájar, with its reservoir, a little further.