Located in the Guadalhorce Valley, Almogía is a perfect destination for those seeking a rural getaway in contact with nature and away from the hustle and bustle of the more frequented tourist destinations in the province of Malaga.
This charming town, surrounded by mountain landscapes and endless olive groves, offers visitors an authentic experience. Its rich history, natural surroundings, and deep-rooted culture make Almogía a truly special tourist destination.
This destination, ideal for visiting with friends, is just over half an hour’s drive from the capital of Malaga, so a good idea is to rent a 7-seater car at Malaga Airport to arrive quickly and start enjoying all it has to offer.
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History of Almogía
Almogía has its earliest historical findings in prehistory, with cave paintings found in the Venta del Fraile area testifying to this. There are also remains of a Roman road, as well as baths and villas that attest to the passage of this civilization.
However, Almogía’s period of splendor took place during the Arab rule of the region. As a strategic enclave on the trade route between Malaga and Antequera, Almogía flourished as an important agricultural and commercial center, as well as a strategic location in the defense of Bobastro.
Thus, the name Almogía has Arabic origins, with a meaning of “beautiful” or “handsome,” a testament to the value that the Moors placed on this strategic enclave in the mountains of Malaga.
What to See and Do in Almogía
In Almogía, visitors can enjoy a stroll through its white streets and picturesque alleys, finding many spots to take a memorable photo.
What to See in Almogía
Although exploring the town in general is a sensory delight, Almogía boasts some iconic monuments that bear witness to its history, culture, and traditions.
Church of Our Lady of the Assumption
This church, built in the 16th century, is an impressive example of Renaissance religious architecture. Its interior houses artistic treasures and architectural details that recount the religious history of Almogía. The church was restored after the historic earthquake that occurred in the 19th century.
Almogía Castle
The ruins of this ancient castle, dating back to the Arab period, offer panoramic views of the surroundings. Exploring this historic site is like traveling back in time, connecting with the city’s medieval past.
The castle was a crucial defensive element and, as such, is situated in the highest part of the town. After the Reconquista, it was razed, and only the Tower of the Vela remained standing.
Hermitage of the Three Crosses
Located between the towns of Álora and Cártama, this small hermitage hosts the most well-known verdiales festivals in the region every year, coinciding with the May Crosses celebration. This simple construction dates back to the 18th century, has been restored, and inside, it has an altar for each of the three villages.
Cave Paintings of Venta del Fraile
For those who want to delve into the roots of Almogía, at Venta del Fraile, you can find evidence of a prehistoric settlement that existed in that place in ancient times, where rock paintings are still visible to hikers.
All mentioned destinations are open to the public, although the Hermitage of the Three Crosses only opens its doors on specific dates for the towns.
Nature and Hiking
The natural surroundings of Almogía offer diverse landscapes, with mountains, reservoirs, and rivers that will astonish hikers, providing places to catch your breath and enjoy incredible views.
Casasola Reservoir Route
The starting point of this route is near the Casasola Reservoir in Almogía. The route offers gentle ascents with panoramic views of the reservoir and the valley, highlighting the almond trees in bloom during late January and early February.
The route includes the ascent to Cerro Rodadero, providing spectacular views, although the descent presents some difficulty due to the lack of a defined path. The return includes obstacles such as fences that require passing under and around them.
Key Information
- Estimated Time: 2 hours and 37 minutes
- Kilometers: 6.55 km
- Elevation Gain: 311 meters
- Estimated Location: Cerro Rodadero
- Difficulty: Easy
Santi Petri Mountain Route
Starting at the La Noria Hostel, this route offers a challenging experience in the Malaga wilderness. The trail, marked by poor signage and lack of traffic, features abrupt detours and sharp changes in direction.
The route takes hikers to the highest point in the Moorish territory, Cerro Santi Petri, at 798 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views of Malaga capital and the Mediterranean Sea. The path winds through oak forests, almond orchards, and olive groves, providing a rewarding experience.
Key Information
- Estimated Time: 6 hours and 10 minutes
- Kilometers: 16.45 km
- Elevation Gain: 681 meters
- Estimated Location: Monte de Santi Petri
- Difficulty: Moderate
Almogía to Villanueva de la Concepción Route
The hiking route begins in Almogía and offers a technical descent with impressive panoramas. As it progresses, it enters areas of olive groves and paths where you can walk comfortably while enjoying the surroundings.
Midway through the route, Villanueva de la Concepción comes into view, although the path deviates onto a road for about 4 km. The last 3 km involve an ascent to reach the village. The route requires prepared physical fitness as it can be demanding.
Key Information
- Estimated Time: 4 hours
- Kilometers: 14.45 km
- Elevation Gain: 687 meters
- Estimated Location: Cerro de la Cruz – Peñón de Ronda
- Difficulty: Moderate to high
Popular Festivals and Gastronomy
Almogía is memorable for its picturesque streets, natural surroundings, lively popular festivals, and its best traditional dishes that delight all types of palates.
Popular Festivals in Almogía
The first festival in Almogía is its Holy Week, a celebration of great importance throughout Andalusia. It is known for its processions, featuring two characteristic brotherhoods, the ‘moraos’ and the ‘verdes,’ which take turns parading on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, joining together on Easter Sunday to carry the Crucified Christ.
Later, in May, one of the most anticipated days for the locals arrives, the Verdiales of the Three Crosses Festival, which takes place on the first Sunday in May and is recognized as a National Tourist Interest and Provincial Tourist Singularity Festival.
This festival is held at the well-known Hermitage of the Three Crosses and brings together Verdiales groups from the entire region to dance throughout the day, enjoying one of the most typical and picturesque dances in the province.
Gastronomy is also present in their celebrations, with the Threshing Festival in August and Almond Day in September.
The first pays tribute to when the locals separated the straw from the grain, and a popular meal with gazpacho, ‘pringá,’ and stew is prepared. In the second, all kinds of almond products are made, one of the most typical products of the region.
Typical Dishes of Almogía
These festivities lead us to talk about some of the products that dominate the Almogía table, where almonds, olive oil, and local sausages cannot be missing. Among their most popular dishes are gazpacho, ajoblanco, and chanfaina, a dish made with cod, potatoes, eggs, almonds, and asparagus.
As for desserts, borrachuelos cannot be missing, sweet pastries similar to pestiños with a turnover shape filled with angel hair, fried, and coated in sugar.
How to Get to Almogía
Almogía is located approximately 25 kilometers north of Malaga. This town is well-connected by car and also by bus, offering several trips throughout the day.
How to Get There by Public Transport
Those who want to visit Almogía by public transport can take one of the buses departing from the Malaga capital at an affordable price. For as little as €1.65, travelers can take bus M-250 from the Malaga Bus Station. The journey takes approximately 50 minutes.
How to Get There by Car
To reach Almogía by car from the capital in half an hour, take the A-45 highway northbound and then continue on the A-7075 to Almogía. The car journey offers panoramic views of the region and is a convenient option to explore the surroundings at your own pace.
If you are traveling in your own car, you can take the opportunity to visit other nearby towns such as Pizarra or Álora, white villages with a lot to offer visitors in terms of monuments and gastronomy.
Almogía Map
If your goal is to fully explore Almogía, immerse yourself in its culture, get lost in its streets, and enjoy the best of its cuisine, in the following map, you can find the main points of interest mentioned in this post. Don’t miss anything during your visit!
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