Discover Riofrío: springs, fishing and caviar

Riofrío combines a spring area with fishing and regional specialities. If you are looking for a hotel in Riofrío, these themes can help you decide which side of the town you would like to shape your stay: nature by the water, the history of how it has been used, or a focus on caviar and trout. Specific points of interest include several springs, an environmental interpretation centre, old mills and the remains of a historic copper hammer mill. This makes it possible to consider the landscape, fishing and processing as distinct aspects of your stay.

Caviar, trout and fishing

Caviar de Riofrío is the world’s first certified organic caviar. Caviar from Riofrío also has a designation of origin. Visits and tastings introduce visitors to the various stages of sturgeon farming; advance arrangements may be required. The product’s origin and organic certification are the focus when it comes to the caviar, while visits focus on the different stages of farming.

Trout is also part of the culinary scene: it is served at many restaurants in Riofrío, although the specific offerings may vary from one restaurant to another. Fishing in Riofrío has been regulated since the time of the Catholic Monarchs. Riofrío also has Andalusia’s only intensive angling area in the first category. A historical reference to the regulations and the current classification of the angling area offer two different perspectives on fishing over time.

Spring, water and trails

The spring of Riofrío was declared a mixed-type natural monument in 2019. The natural monument consists of several springs extending over approximately 500 metres. The clean waters favour the presence of aquatic fauna such as trout, eels, barbel and carp. Trout can be observed in the protected areas of the river.

From the Puente Romano, follow the river upstream to reach the spring area. The short hiking trail through the area is easy and suitable for families; along the way, it passes old mills dating from the late 18th century. The spring is freely accessible at no charge. As trail conditions can change following weather events, it is worth checking the local situation before your visit.

Exhibitions and industrial heritage

The Riofrío Environmental Interpretation Centre has a permanent exhibition on the water cycle, the formation of rivers, and typical riverside vegetation and fauna. The centre also houses a fishing museum. The exhibition covers processes such as the water cycle and river formation as well as typical riverside habitats; the museum complements these nature-related topics with a focus on fishing.

About 100 metres from the spring are the remains of the only historic copper hammer mill in the municipality of Loja. It operated from the 17th to the 19th century and was used to produce copper goods. Unlike the themes of water and fishing, the copper hammer mill points to metalworking, broadening the perspective on local history.

Discover more destinations: Cuesta De La Palma, Fuente Camacho.

For the main travel overview: Loja.