Discover Macharaviaya: History, Festivals and Trails

Macharaviaya is designated as a historic site. The Iglesia de San Jacinto was canonically established in 1505 and rebuilt in the 18th century; construction work was completed in 1785.

Culture and History

Architecturally, the church follows the classical Baroque style of the Province of Málaga. Its single-nave layout takes the form of a Latin cross, complemented by a barrel vault and a dome over the crossing. Beneath the Iglesia de San Jacinto, the Mausoleo de los Gálvez was built in 1785 as the burial place of the Gálvez family.

The historic street layout is also part of the townscape. It is considered typical of an Arab settlement, while the streets are paved with cobblestones. At the Museo de Los Gálvez, the exhibition is dedicated to the history of Macharaviaya and the Gálvez family. One central room explores the history of the town, while three other exhibition rooms are dedicated to contemporary artists.

The Templete de los Gálvez is a brick-built shrine consisting of two square structures. It was built at the end of the 17th century in memory of the Gálvez family and their foundations. Locally, the Templete de los Gálvez is known as “Calvario” because the Stations of the Cross took place there during Holy Week. The Pilar de Arriba dates from the 18th century, is a water basin that belonged to the Palacio de los Gálvez, and features a relief bust.

The Fábrica de Naipes is part of the town’s economic history. It belonged to the Gálvez family, created an important trade connection between America and Macharaviaya, produced 30,000 decks of cards annually, and held the sales monopoly for this product in the New World.

Festivals and Traditions

Since 2009, Macharaviaya has celebrated the Fourth of July every year. The celebrations include historical re-enactments and military-history parades. The festival also features tastings of the typical local mead liqueur.

On the first weekend of August, Macharaviaya hosts festivities in honour of Saint Bernard. On the first Sunday in December, a regional gathering of Pastorales is held in honour of Salvador Rueda; the event has been recognised by the Provincial Council as a festival of special provincial significance.

Landscape and Trails

Macharaviaya lies across several hills and offers views of the sea. Vineyards surround the town and form the basis of its agricultural activity.

The Sendero Macharaviaya–Iznate–Benamocarra hiking trail has a moderate difficulty level, is 11.6 kilometres long, and takes 3.5 to 4 hours. The Sendero Macharaviaya–Benaque follows historic paths to Benaque and passes through agricultural land with vineyards, almond trees and olive trees. The varying trail lengths and route characteristics help with planning active days.

More Destinations

For further travel planning, you can also include Sayalonga, Valle De Abdalajís, Gaucín, Rincón De La Victoria, Alfarnate, Nerja, Teba and Benalmadena .

Getting There

From the A-7 Mediterranean Motorway, the MA-3201 road leads to Macharaviaya. The town does not have a bus connection.

For the higher-level travel overview: Málaga.