Discover Carratraca: Historic Ensemble, Festivals and Hiking Trails

The historic centre of Carratraca is listed as an Asset of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural) in the category of Historic Ensemble in the General Catalogue of Andalusian Historical Heritage. The classification of Carratraca’s historic ensemble as an Asset of Cultural Interest takes into account its preserved historical, architectural, monumental, ethnological, landscape and environmental values. This historic centre is located on a slope in the Sierra de Baños, opposite the Sierra de Alcaparaín, and is surrounded by dry farmland.

Culture and Townscape

Small gardens and orchards are integrated into Carratraca’s urban structure; they are irrigated by channels that carry water from the spa. Carratraca’s urban character developed around the Balneario de Carratraca, which shaped the communal use of the water and the town’s urban planning. The Balneario de Carratraca opened in 1855. Its layout includes a central entrance hall, a bathing gallery in one wing of the building and communal baths at the other end.

The Palacio Trinidad Grund is a Neo-Mudéjar building commissioned around 1885 by Doña Trinidad Grund de Heredia as a holiday home for herself and her family. Since its restoration, it has been used as an office of Carratraca Town Hall. The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Salud dates from the 18th century; its predecessor was a chapel built earlier. The Sima de la Curra, also known as Sima de los Murciélagos, was listed as a Monument of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural) on 11 December 1985. The Plaza de Toros de Carratraca is an octagonal bullring.

When comparing holiday apartments in Carratraca, you can compare travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions on the respective offer pages. These three details can be considered separately for different travel periods and personal requirements.

Festivals and Traditions

The “Carratraca, Embrujo Andalusí” festival began in 1997 and presents Andalusian cultural heritage in a medieval-themed setting with a market, crafts, theatre, dancing and other performances. The “Embrujo Andalusí” festival has been recognised by the Province of Málaga as an event of tourist interest.

The Zoco at the “Embrujo Andalusí” festival recreates a medieval market with exhibitions, handicrafts, theatre, dances, storytelling events and street processions. The festival evenings feature Andalusian dance, Andalusian music and flamenco; the town is illuminated by the light of 25,000 candles and torches.

Hiking Trails

Stage 21 of the Gran Senda de Málaga from Álora (Estación de El Chorro) via Carratraca to Ardales passes through the municipal area of Carratraca at kilometre 15.7. The Ermita-Llano de Arenalejos circular hiking trail (SL-A-302) begins in the centre of Carratraca and passes the remains of the former Nuestra Señora de la Salud chapel. Its starting point is on the street leading from the former Casa de Doña Trinidad Grund, now Carratraca Town Hall, to the old bullring.

If you would like to compare more places, you can find Fuengirola, Arriate, El Borge, Algarrobo, Colmenar, Teba, Casarabonela and Tolox here.

The Carratraca Municipal Tourist Office is located at C/ Glorieta 2, 29551 Carratraca, Málaga, Andalusia.

For the broader travel overview: Málaga.