Riofrío: Spring, Trout and Caviar

Natural Monument and Springs

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. You can reach the springs from the Puente Romano by following the river upstream. Access to the spring is free of charge.

Path and Historical Traces

The path to the source of the Río Frío runs through the springs and past old mills. These mills date from the late 18th century. The trail is short, has a low level of difficulty and is suitable for families. About 100 metres from the spring are the remains of the only historic copper hammer in the municipality of Loja. The copper hammer operated from the 17th to the 19th century for the manufacture of copper products.

The old mills are therefore among the visible traces along the path through the springs. The copper hammer adds another historical chapter: its use for manufacturing copper products dates from the 17th to the 19th century, while the mills date from the late 18th century.

Water and Fishing

The spring’s pure waters favour the presence of aquatic fauna such as trout, eels, barbel and carp. In the protected sections of the river in Riofrío, you can observe trout. Trout is served in Riofrío’s numerous restaurants. Fishing has been regulated in Riofrío since the time of the Catholic Monarchs. Riofrío also has Andalusia’s only first-category intensive fishing preserve.

Trout appears in Riofrío both as part of the aquatic fauna and in the local cuisine. The protected river sections are associated with observation, while the restaurants serve trout as a dish. The long history of fishing regulation and the first-category intensive fishing preserve add institutional and fisheries-related aspects to this context.

Environmental Education and Fishing Museum

The Environmental Interpretation Centre of Riofrío has a permanent exhibition on the water cycle and the formation of rivers. The exhibition also covers typical riverside vegetation and fauna. The centre also houses a fishing museum.

The permanent exhibition connects the water cycle with the formation of rivers while also focusing on the typical vegetation and fauna along the banks. The separate fishing museum expands these natural history topics to include fishing.

Other destinations include Fuente Camacho and Cuesta De La Palma.

Caviar from Riofrío

Caviar de Riofrío is the world’s first certified organic caviar. Caviar from Riofrío has a designation of origin and is considered one of the best in the world. Caviar de Riofrío offers tours and tastings. These experiences present the various stages of sturgeon farming.

The caviar therefore has three clearly identified features: certification as organic caviar, a designation of origin and its international standing as one of the best in the world. The various stages of sturgeon farming are the focus of the tours and tastings.

For the main travel overview: Loja.