Loja

Loja is 55 kilometres from Granada. Washed by water from many different rivers and streams, the town has important historic monuments, with palaces, churches, convents, gardens and stately houses.

Especially outstanding are the Encarnación Church, built in the 16th-18th centuries, with the Cultural Property designation, and the Alcazaba, the old fortress. There are also numerous guided tours available, exploring Loja's most emblematic places. It is well worthwhile visiting the Sierra Martilla site, home to a Megalithic necropolis and a settlement from the same period. Loja has a large number of fountains and natural springs to be found in different parts of the town centre, such as its 25-spout fountain, and Fuente Santa, renowned for the medicinal properties of its waters. The countryside is at the heart of life in this town. The surrounding area is ideal for cycle touring and adventure sports such as caving and paragliding, not forgetting fishing at the Riofrío intensive preserve.