The village of El Esparragal

El Esparragal is a small traditional white washed hillside village, set deep within the olive groves, 10km from Priego de Córdoba. The name derives from the wild asparagus that grows in abundance in the hills that surround the village.

Life for its 275 residents revolves around the olive season, which runs from November to March, where everybody helps to harvest the crops and then head to Bar Juanito’s for a few glasses of fino or a beer and traditional local tapas.

There is also a village store providing fresh local produce, a taxi service and a church were the ladies will be more than happy to give you a guided tour.

There are several Fiestas throughout the year in the village, the main ones being Easter, May, August and Christmas. These provide a great opportunity for families to catch up with each other and for visitors to become part of the festivities.

There are several good restaurants in the neighbouring village of Zagrilla Alta (see the photos), which is approximately a half hour walk during the summer and a two minute drive in the winter.

El Esparragal makes the perfect base for budding walkers and hikers. Take a stroll out through the olive groves to one of the many ruined Moorish watch towers, which surround the village. For those who like more of a challenge then the Sierra Alcaide, which forms the backdrop to the village provides some more strenuous exercise and not forgetting the magnificent uninterrupted views. The Sierra Alcaide is a breeding ground for many species of birds of prey, including a resident colony of Griffon Vultures – fantastic for those people interested in European flora and fauna especially in the Spring time when the hills are bursting with wild flowers and the songs of the European cuckoo.

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