Discover Alfarnate: History, Trails and Nature

Alfarnate is considered a mountain town set in a natural landscape on the northwestern edge of the Alta Axarquía. The town is surrounded by the Sierras de Enmedio, Palomera and Jobo. Between protected landscapes, historic buildings and regional specialities, a diverse picture emerges of this Andalusian town.

Nature and Trails

Stage 11 of the Gran Senda de Málaga (GR 249) begins at the Parque de la Fuente Vieja in Villanueva del Rosario and ends after 15.4 kilometres and an estimated duration of 5 hours and 15 minutes at the Plaza del Puente in Alfarnate. The stage is connected to the ZEC Sierra de Camarolos protected area, a Special Area of Conservation.

Within Alfarnate, the PR-A 266 Las Pilas follows a 12.7-kilometre circular hiking route with an estimated duration of 3 hours and 50 minutes. The different distances and time estimates provide two clearly distinguishable measures for your own planning. Active tourism in Alfarnate includes canoeing, hiking, cycling and horse riding.

The Mirador Gran Senda de Málaga is designed as a rest area with benches, a swing and other facilities for children. From there, views extend over the Sierra del Jobo, the Tajo de la Palomera and the Tres Mogotes. The Tajo del Fraile lies on the northern side of the Sierra de los Tajos. Because of the low level of light pollution, Alfarnate is also recommended for observing stars and planets.

Culture and History

The Fiesta de Moros y Cristianos has been celebrated in Alfarnate since the 17th century and is recognised as a Fiesta de Interés Turístico Provincial de Málaga. The Museo de la Fiesta de «La Embajada» is located on the third floor of the Edificio de Usos Múltiples and has three exhibition rooms. There, the museum displays documents, objects and photographs relating to the Fiesta de Moros y Cristianos in Alfarnate.

Alfarnate Town Hall, the Casa Consistorial on the Plaza de la Constitución, dates from the late 16th century and is considered the oldest town hall still in operation in the province of Málaga. The two-storey Mudéjar-style building has been renovated several times. The church in the town centre was built in the 16th century, renovated in the 18th century and has a Mudéjar tower. The Ermita de la Virgen de Monsalud was built at the beginning of the 17th century and has a portico with three arches and a bell gable.

La Venta de Alfarnate, also known as La Venta del Toro, houses the Museo del Bandolerismo Andaluz. The venta dates from the 13th century, while its present structure was created in the 17th century. It is considered the oldest surviving venta in Andalusia and lies at the foot of Pico del Chamizo.

Older traces of settlement have also been preserved: archaeological sites from the Mousterian period are located on the terraces of the Palancar and Morales streams. Remains of a Neolithic workshop were found at Puerto de los Alazores. At Cerro del Castillejo, there are fragments of Arab pottery and wall remains. A private collection of antique toys includes pieces from the period between approximately 1870 and 1970; they come from France, Germany, the United Kingdom and predominantly Spain.

The Sakura Alfarnate cherry blossom festival takes place in Alfarnate in April. Alongside the historic evidence, this adds a seasonally specific festival to the town's calendar.

Local Cuisine

Resoli is a liqueur known in Alfarnate as «Licor de la Abuela», made from ground coffee, anise, spices and brandy. Sopa de Chachorreñas is a dish from Alfarnate made with garlic bread, dried peppers, chilli, olive oil, orange peel and water. Roscos carreros are pastries made from flour, olive oil, sugar and anise, refined with cinnamon and lemon zest.

The Ruta del Aceite y los Montes introduces visitors to the tradition of olive oil production and the gastronomy of the participating municipalities.

Further Discoveries

The Área recreativa del Ejido is a free camping area next to Alfarnate's municipal sports centre, with around ten pitches for motorhomes and electricity connections.

Other Places

Bobadilla, Alfarnatejo, Istán, Benamargosa, Coín, Sedella, Los Llanos de Antequera and Álora.

To the higher-level travel overview: Málaga.