The northwest corner of the Córdoba province, the Alto Guadiato covers a variety of landscapes from the industrial ex-mining town of Peñarroya-Pueblonuevo with its sooty, abandoned buildings to the mountain villages of the Sierra Morena, unexplored by tourists and surrounded by pristine countryside and plentiful wildlife. In the centre of the region, the extensive reservoirs of Punte Nuevo and Sierra Boyera are ideal places for practising watersports of all kinds.

Peñarroya Pueblonuevo
The main town of Alto Guadiato, Peñarroya was previously a wealthy coal mining town which is now in a state of decay since its coal mines have been depleted by a French mining company. The town of 13000 people is not especially attractive, there is an abundance of abandoned buildings, relics from a time when industry was thriving and a layer of soot covers many of the buildings, including the neo-gothic brick parish church. Peñarroya is reminiscent of a northern European industrial town, placed in the unusual setting of southern Spain. The Festival de Cante de las Minas, the singing miners, is held here. Just south of the town, the reservoir of Sierra Boyera runs from Peñarroya down to Belmez. Peñarroya is situated on the main N432 road, 79km from Cordoba. The industrial goods rail line that cuts through Alto Guadiato passes through the industrial area to the south of the town.

Belmez
Another old mining village which has suffered since resources have been depleted, Belmez has a population of 4000 and is notable for its Moorish castle. This castle, constructed on the summit of a dramatic rocky pinnacle can be reached by a set of steps that have been cut directly from the rock face and lead up to the castle. This rocky staircase is practically vertical and at the top of the steps are some dizzying views across the surrounding countryside, which is somewhat dry and empty. Belmez is 7km south of Peñarroya on the main N432 road that leads down to Córdoba. 10km south of Belmez is the village of Villanueva del Rey, just off the N432 road with a population of 1300

Espiel
Clinging dramatically to the side of a mountain, the village of Espiel has some of the best climbing crags in Córdoba. The village is surrounded by the vineyards, which once stretched all the way down to Córdoba. Just south of the town is the extensive reservoir of Puento Nuevo, some 15km long. Sailing, fishing and other water based activities can be practised on the reservoir. The village of 2500 people is just off main N432 road, 20km southeast of Belmez and 50km north of Córdoba.

Villaviciosa de Córdoba
Surrounded by countryside and vineyards, Villaviciosa is a fairly isolated village of 4000 people. Situated to the east of the Sierra de Casas Rubias, Villaviciosa is 693 metres above sea level. To the west of the village, the mountain wilderness stretches unbroken over to the border with the province of Seville. The village is 48km from Córdoba although the roads running here are twisting, turning mountain roads. Villaviciosa is 17km from the main N432 road.

Villaharta
This pleasant village of 600 inhabitants is set in lovely countryside, with mountains and the Puente Nuevo reservoir nearby. The surrounding area is rich in wildlife and hunting is a popular pastime here. There are several shops and bars in Villaharta and the nearest service centre is Córdoba, 38km to the south of the village. Villaharta is 3km from main N432 road

Obejo
An isolated and small village of 700 inhabitants, Obejo is reached by extremely twisting mountain roads. This mountain village is 720m above sea level and is surrounded by breathtaking countryside suitable for those interested in outdoor life and activities such as walking, mountain biking and horseriding. Despite the beauty of the area, there is relatively little tourism here because of the village's isolation. There are three bars in the village and an eclectic local store. One of Córdoba's golf courses is located 9km from Obejo, the Club de Campo. Unique to Obejo are the festivals held in honour to the village's patron saint, San Benito when the Baile del Patatú (the dance of Patatú) takes place, which includes a sword dance. A mass is held for San Benito inside the church and afterwards, locals dressed as swordsmen with bright red waistbands and white shirts stage a mock battle in the street in time to the music. The climax to this is when the dancers preten!d to chop the head off of the master of the ceremonies. Obejo is 18km off the main N432 road, although this road may take some time to navigate.

Fuente Obejuna
This small town of 6000 people is in the west of Alto Guadiato. Its famous 15th century uprising is a good indicator of the character of the town. In 1476, the villagers stormed the palace of a local tyrannical lord, throwing him out of the window and killing him with lances and swords. The lord's body was then dragged into the main square where the men and women of the village cut it into pieces. Afterwards, the inhabitants of Fuente Obejuna collectively took responsibility for the lord's death and no individuals were singled out as murderers. This led to a popular saying: "Fuenteovejuna lo hizo" - Fuenteovejuna did it. The famous 17th century playwright, Lope de Vega, dramatised the rebellion in a play, which was performed in the village in the 1930's, directed by the poet, García Lorca. Today, Fuente Obejuna isn't the most inspiring of towns and the problems that lead to the lynching of the lord in the 15th century continue for the villagers. Locals in the 70's remarke!d to a visiting politician that there were a few landowners in Fuente who had everything, many workers who had nothing and there was no middle ground in between the two. The parish church of Nuestra Señora del Castillo, was built on the site of the governor's palace, which was destroyed soon after his death. The church itself has an exquisite gothic interior and an altarpiece of painted panels. Festivals here include Carnival, which features a fancy dress parade, La Virgen de Gracia, which is held on the last Sunday in April in honour of the patron saint of the village, and the Feria in August.

In the Sierra Morena in the northwest of Alto Guardio are a group of 3 small villages surrounded by enchanting countryside rich in wildlife and away from the well known tourist trails. Los Blazquez has a population of 700 and is located 20km north of Fuente Obejuna, 495 feet above sea level. To the west, Valsequillo is 11km away. A smaller village with a population of 470, Valsequillo has a charming palm lined main square and a whitewashed village church that stands on the square. The goods only railway line passes to the west of the village. South is La Granjuela, with a population of 500, 547 metres above sea level.