Castillo Aznalmara, Tavizna, Benaocaz, Cádíz

18 11 2023

Castillo Aznalmara, Benaocaz

This linear walk starts in the small hamlet of Tavizna. The route starts by going up Camino Lugar Tavizna. We parked by the side of some old villages houses where there were other cars parked.

We made our way to the small bridge by the river Tavizna, then passing the rural hotel Finca El Huertezuelo, you take the path on your right.

You then have to climb over a style and then crossover over the river (luckily there were a few stepping stones. After rains I think it would be hard to cross).

The path followed the river, but going uphill. Then we followed the cairns all the way up to Puerto del Castillo, here you veered to the right. Nearby there is a circular stone enclosure / wall. Keep following the cairns that will guide you to the top of the castle. The climb looked a lot harder than it really is.

It is an amazing castle with 360 degree views. The little pile of rocks (cairns) made all the difference to getting to the top.

Please note on the meadow below the castle there are bulls and cows grazing. We only came across three and they didn’t bother us, as they were too busy grazing.

This is a great hike to an historical site.


The Aznalmara or Tavizna castle is a military construction from the Nasrid period, from the 13th-14th centuries, which is located on the top of a hill that dominates the banks of the Tavizna River, a strategic place at the access to the mountain range of Cádiz, in the municipality of Benaocaz.

Today in ruins, this fortress was made up of the essential elements of medieval military architecture: strong walls, quadrangular towers topped by battlements. Conquered by the Christians in 1410 and 1485, its state of conservation is poor although it maintains the elegance of its original appearance.