There is much to see within an hour's drive of the cortijo, including 2 world heritage sites, the Mezquita in Córdoba and the Alhambra palace in Granada. Both cities are easy to drive to and make a fabulous day trip.

Málaga is a much overlooked city. It has an elegant old city centre with many restaurants and bars. It is also a centre for modern art: CAC Málaga houses a contemporary collection while the Picasso museum celebrates the life and work of the city's most famous son. For the Spanish, Málaga is most cherished for its beachside fish restuarants. It is a wonderful place for lunch and far removed from most people's image of "the costas".

Priego de Córdoba is an impressive town 40 minutes drive from Iznájar. It has many baroque churches and an ancient Jewish quarter. Among its fine restaurants is El Aljibe built over a Moorish Bath house.

There are 2 impressive hilltop ermitas (hermitages). One near the town of Cabra has spectacular views of the Córdoban countryside and an interesting church.

The second ermita at Lucena has a striking church and a good tapas bar.

Alhama de Granada is a great day trip from Cortijo La Pedriza. It is a spa town scenically sited along a ledge overlooking a broad gorge with wonderful views, and a couple of striking churches in a well preserved old quarter. A visit to its open air hot springs is great fun.