Canillas de Albaida: Natural Park, Hiking Trails and History

Canillas de Albaida is one of the municipalities in the Province of Málaga located in the Parque Natural Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama. The Fábrica de la Luz–Puerto Blanquillo route leads to a water source that supplies Canillas de Albaida with water.

Nature

The Puerto Blanquillo–Cerro Lucero route is approximately 5 km long, takes about 2.5 to 3 hours and has a moderate difficulty level. It reaches a 1,739-metre-high summit where vegetation is almost entirely absent due to the sandy terrain. A different landscape can be seen on the Santa Ana–Fábrica de la Luz route, which passes through hilly terrain with olive, orange and avocado trees.

At the Fábrica de la Luz, there are waterfalls on the Arroyo del Melero and lush vegetation. Camping is permitted there; the Fábrica de la Luz is also a starting point for several mountain and hiking trails that pass through the Parque Natural. Different route lengths, walking times and trail types provide various points of reference for planning the day.

Trails and Landscape

The “Los Molinos” Río Turvilla route is a circular trail connecting Canillas de Albaida and Árchez. It begins at the Canillas de Albaida tourist office in El Llano de la Fuente, where vehicles can be parked. The route includes metal walkways approximately 350 metres long over an old irrigation channel. It leads to Plaza Nuestra Señora del Rosario, where the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Expectación is located.

As a leisure area, the Fábrica de la Luz has barbecue facilities, tables, benches, toilets and drinking fountains.

Geographical Location

The A-7206 road runs from Torrox via Cómpeta to Canillas de Albaida. The Punto de Información Turística is open around the clock and offers visitor information, a rest area, a facility for charging mobile phones and running water.

Vehicles with fewer than 10 seats can reach the former Fábrica de la Luz because the forest track connecting it with Canillas de Albaida is suitably sized.

Culture and History

The former Fábrica de la Luz is a ruined building that once housed turbines for generating hydroelectric power. For centuries, the Ermita de Santa Ana served as a landmark and watch post for defending the area. Its original fortification was converted into a Christian temple.

In the Paraje de las Cuestas, there are two old Roman roads that meet above the Río Turvilla at the Puente Romano. The Puente Romano dates from Roman times and has been rebuilt several times. The Ermita de San Antón is a small, well-preserved building in the lower part of Canillas de Albaida. The Antiguo Lavadero is located near a natural spring.

Dressing the Niño during the Misa del Gallo is a tradition in Canillas de Albaida.

Other places: Arroyo Coche, Montejaque, Viñuela, Mijas, Benalmadena, Álora, Cuevas De San Marcos, Algarrobo.

Festivals and Traditions

The Festividad de San Antón is celebrated on the weekend closest to 17 January. It includes a Romería with horses, mules and pets, followed by the traditional blessing of the animals. During the Festividad de San Antón, visitors are invited to a tasting of roast meat, chorizo, morcilla and drinks.

To the higher-level travel overview: Málaga.