Alcaucín

Alcaucín

Located in the northern part of the Axarquia region, Alcaucin is a small white village at the foot of La Maroma, surrounded by dense green forests. All this makes up an exceptional natural space that is well worth a visit. Don’t miss any of its nooks and crannies and explore each of its surrounding villages and neighbourhoods.

History of Alcaucín

The first traces of inhabitants in the area date back to the Neanderthal man, of whom human remains have been found in the area known as “Boquete de Zafarraya”. Later, during the Phoenician colonisation, the construction of a fortification began, but only the foundations were erected.

It was during the Arab occupation that the town reached its maximum splendour, with the construction of what was to become the Castle of Zalía being completed. Moreover, it is from this period that the town’s name (“al-qawsin”, which means “The Arches”) comes from.

What to see and do in Alcaucín

Although the main attraction of Alcaucín is its natural surroundings, you should not miss some historical buildings, such as the ruins of Castillo de Zalía or the church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario. This building dates from the 17th century and houses some very valuable religious carvings.

Imposing reservoir of La Viñuela
Imposing reservoir of La Viñuela

Although it is not located in the village itself, there are several places of interest nearby that you should visit. Heading north you will find the Boquete de Zafarraya, a large cave located in a mountain pass where Neanderthal remains were found.

Not far away is also the reservoir of La Viñuela, one of the main reservoirs in the province, which receives water from the river Guaro or the river Alcaucín, among others. Sit on one of the nearby hills in the sun and enjoy the excellent views and the mild climate of La Axarquía.

Popular festivals and gastronomy

Throughout the year there is a succession of small fiestas, including the August Fair, with its flamenco festival; the Chestnut Festival, in autumn; the Candelarías, in September; and Corpus Christi, in June.

Views from Alcaucín
Views from Alcaucín | ruralsierrasol.es

If you visit the town during one of its fiestas, you will probably have the opportunity to try some of its most typical dishes. If not, you are sure to have the chance to try the cachorreña soup (based on garlic, paprika, bread and orange), the cod omelettes (fritters with crumbled cod) or the ajoblanco, which has been in vogue nationally in recent years.

Hiking and nature

The proximity to the Sierra de Tejeda mountain range provides the region around Alcaucín with an exceptional natural environment for the practice of appropriate activities, especially hiking. However, you can also find other less common options, such as horse riding or climbing.

Peak of La Maroma, in the Sierra de Tejeda
Peak of La Maroma, in the Sierra de Tejeda

Due to its close location to Canillas de Aceituno, some of the routes will end near this village, allowing you to link several hiking routes. However, the most outstanding is the exhaustive climb to the peak of La Maroma, the highest point in the entire province of Malaga.

How to get to Alcaucín

How to get there by bus

Bus connections are very limited, however, you have the option of taking one of the buses that leaves almost every day from Malaga station in the direction of Velez-Malaga or Torrox, and goes up in the direction of Alcaucin.

  • Monday to Friday: Departure 12.30h and 18.30h.
  • Saturdays (not public holidays): Departure 12.30h.

How to get there by car

If you have opted for the cheapest car hire from Malaga airport with CarGest you can move freely around the different villages of the Axarquia, organising your own route. If you are going directly from the airport, you only have to follow the following directions, and in just over 55 minutes you will be in the village.

Follow the MA-20 until it joins the A-7. From there, just follow this road until you reach exit 272 towards Velez-Malaga. Here, as you can see on the map, you can take the A-356 road that borders this town and the Embalse de La Viñuela, finally arriving in Alcaucín.

Map of Alcaucín

Below you will see a map prepared by CarGest where the main points that you should not miss on your visit to Alcaucín or its surrounding villages and towns have been marked.

Relevant information

Best time of year to visit: spring and autumn.

Not to be missed: the climb to the peak of La Maroma, the views of the La Viñuela reservoir and the August Fair.

Places to eat nearby: Although it is not a restaurant as such, you should take advantage of your visit to the village to visit the well-known Juanito Baker’s bakery.

For more information visit the website of the Town Hall of Alcaucín: https://www.alcaucin.es/

Other posts about Málaga that may interest you

Valle de Abdalajis

Valle de Abdalajis

26.03.2024

View post
Moclinejo

Moclinejo

19.03.2024

View post
Almogía

Almogía

12.03.2024

View post


    We inform you that the personal data collected will be processed by Ecargest S.L., as the data controller. The purpose is to send you the information requested with your consent, in addition to our commercial offers, if you have given consent. The personal data processed will be contact details. Your data will not be transferred to third parties, unless there is a legal obligation to do so. You can exercise your rights of access, rectification, deletion, opposition, limitation and portability at . More information Privacy policy.