Discover Coín: Culture, Nature and Holiday Apartments

The former Santa María de la Encarnación Monastery has been classified as an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC) since 2008. Coín lies in the Guadalhorce Valley, on the Gran Senda de Málaga, and is described as one of the gateways to Sierra de las Nieves National Park. When choosing a holiday apartment in Coín, you can compare culture, nature, a cycling route and cuisine as different focal points for your trip.

Other destinations:Archidona, Antequera, Competa, Almogía, Estepona, Vélez-Málaga, Torre de Benagalbón, Casares.

Culture

The restored former Santa María de la Encarnación Monastery is used for cultural purposes and houses the Centro Antonio Reyna Manescau. The centre displays original paintings, photographs, documents, publications and personal items associated with the artist. The exhibition halls of the former monastery also present a selection of early stone tools made from flint and quartzite. Original and replica handmade ceramic vessels from the Neolithic, Chalcolithic and Bronze Age are also on display.

The Iglesia de San Juan Bautista is listed as a monument in the General Catalogue of Andalusian Historical Heritage. Its architecture features elements of the Renaissance, Gothic-Mudéjar style and Baroque; construction began in 1505.

History

The Conjunto Monástico Rupestre is considered the oldest surviving monument in Coín. The complex is dated to the 8th to 10th centuries, probably more likely the 9th to 10th centuries; a Mozarabic chronology and comparisons with similar complexes in the surrounding area were used for the dating. The Conjunto Monástico Rupestre is privately owned and is open to the public only on certain days or for individual events.

Information panels in various streets of the historic centre explain the history of the town and, together with ground mosaics and projections featuring Arab motifs, mark the route of the former Arab wall. Around the former Arab wall, houses with wall remains and the entrance gates of the former town, Coín's historic centre forms a permanent exhibition.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

The La-Jara mountain biking route can be started in Coín; it is 26.6 kilometres long and has a moderate difficulty level. The Corredor Verde Ciclable runs through riverside vegetation and habitats for birds, turtles, amphibians and fish. The El Nacimiento recreation area at the spring includes picnic areas, a lake and the short Bosque de los libros circular trail. The different types of paths and landscapes offer various opportunities to compare active and more relaxed activities.

Cuisine and Festivals

Coín's traditional cuisine is based on produce from its vegetable gardens and includes, among other dishes, Sopa hervía, Sopa poncima, Gazpachuelo malagueño, Puchero and, in winter, Berza con pringá. At the Fiesta de la Naranja, visitors can try freshly squeezed orange juice, orange salad with cod and Sopa hervía free of charge. The Fiesta de la Naranja has been awarded the title of “Fiesta de Singularidad Turística Provincial” and showcases agricultural products from Coín as well as local handicrafts.

Coín's spring festivals originate from an old agricultural tradition celebrating the expected good harvest. The Romería in honour of the Virgen de la Fuensanta includes a pilgrimage with decorated wagons to the pilgrimage chapel on the first Saturday in June, followed by a return procession with singing and dancing on Sunday afternoon.

To the main travel overview: Málaga.