Alozaina is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich history. Surrounded by mountains and a lush environment, this is a perfect destination for a peaceful and picturesque vacation, offering a pure Andalusian essence.
Located in the Río Grande valley and extending into the Serranía de Ronda and the Guadalhorce Valley, this inland town bears witness to the passage of different cultures throughout history, making it a locality with strong cultural roots, an inviting environment, and a population that encourages you to enjoy every corner.
The best option to visit Alozaina is to hire an automatic car at Malaga Airport and venture into the heart of the province to discover everything this white village has to offer.
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History of Alozaina
The history of Alozaina dates back to prehistoric times, as evidenced by the archaeological remains found in the area. However, it was during Roman times that the town gained greater significance, although Phoenician and Iberian civilizations also passed through its lands.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, Alozaina came under the rule of different cultures, including the Visigoths and the Muslims, until the Christian reconquest in the 15th century. During the Arab reign, important constructions like the Albar aqueduct and the watchtowers of Ardite and Alozaina were erected.
During this period, the town witnessed numerous conflicts and changes of power that left a deep mark on its architecture and culture.
What to See and Do in Alozaina
Although it is a small town, Alozaina is undoubtedly a charming village where you can enjoy its landscapes, as well as its monuments, regional festivals, and natural routes where you can disconnect while exploring its rich flora and fauna.
What to See in Alozaina
Alozaina offers visitors a variety of tourist attractions that reflect its multicultural roots and rich history. Some of its standout places include:
Alozaina Arch
The arrival in the town is marked by the impressive Alozaina Arch, a horseshoe arch composed of three sections built in the 20th century to honor Alozaina’s Arab past, leading to streets with a structure reminiscent of Muslim references.
- Opening Hours: No specific visiting hours
- Price: Free
- Location: C/ Calvario, 3
Maria Sagredo Tower
Nestled among the houses of Alozaina, the Maria Sagredo Tower is the only remaining part of this locality’s defensive fortress.
Legend has it that Maria Sagredo, disguised as a man, defended the town against the Arab troops during an attack by throwing beehives at the attackers, forcing them to retreat.
- Opening Hours: No specific visiting hours
- Price: Free
- Location: C/ Villa, 15
Mirador Park
In the area where the old castle of Alozaina once stood, a compound surrounded by small battlements known as Mirador Park was built in the 1950s. This park serves as the setting for many of the town’s festivities and offers incredible views of the natural surroundings. It was created to pay homage to the ancient Nasrid fortress.
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Price: Free
- Location: C/ Villa, 15
Santa Ana Church
Santa Ana Church is undoubtedly one of Alozaina’s most iconic monuments, towering over the town from on high. Although the original church dates back to the 15th century, the current church was largely rebuilt in the 17th century.
- Opening Hours:
- Summer: Wednesdays 7:00 PM, Fridays 8:00 PM, Saturdays 6:00 PM, Sundays 12:00 PM
- Winter: Wednesdays 5:00 PM, Fridays 7:30 PM, Saturdays 6:00 PM, Sundays 12:00 PM
- Price: Free
- Location: C/ Iglesia, 28
Necropolis and Mozarabic Hermitage of Hoyo de los Peñones
In the 8th century, with the arrival of the Muslims, the ancient Mozarabic Christians coexisted harmoniously, as evidenced by the rock church and the necropolis of Hoyo de los Peñones, where you can find 121 tombs carved into the rock.
- Opening Hours: No specific visiting hours
- Price: Free
- Location: Next to the road towards Casarabonela
Museum of Tools and Popular Customs
With the aim of preserving traditions currently on the verge of extinction, this museum features all kinds of pottery, jewelry, sewing, and agriculture artifacts used by locals for centuries. It also has a crafts store where you can find unique toys, tools, and souvenirs.
- Opening Hours:
- Summer: Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM
- Winter: Tuesday to Saturday from 09:00 AM to 09:00 PM, Sundays and holidays from 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM
- Price: Free for EU citizens, others €1.50
- Location: C/ Sánchez Rivas, 36
Nature and Hiking
The natural surroundings of Alozaina offer a wide variety of trails that will take you through stunning landscapes and allow you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region.
Caldera Waterfall Route
Running through the Jorox River valley, on the border between the Sierra de las Nieves and Guadalhorce, this environment offers a picturesque contrast between the rocky canyon and the orchards along the stream.
The source of the Jorox River and its distribution through ancient canals and mills add a historical touch to this journey, with archaeological paths and caves that make this route a simple itinerary suitable for all levels with plenty to see.
Key Information
- Estimated Time: 1 hour and 19 minutes
- Kilometers: 2.99 km
- Elevation: 213 meters
- Estimated Location: Charco de La Caldera (Jorox)
- Difficulty: Easy
Jorox Cross Route
This circular hiking route in Alozaina offers a straightforward itinerary with many points of interest and a great variety of landscapes. This valley, inhabited since the Paleolithic era, hosts caves with archaeological remains and a rich history.
The water from the El Nacimiento spring supplies a network of Arab canals and mills, while the canyon and fertile orchards offer a stunning contrast. Highlights of the route include the Veracruz de Jorox Hermitage, Charco de La Caldera, and the La Mesa plateau.
Key Information
- Estimated Time: 2 hours and 16 minutes
- Kilometers: 3.71 km
- Elevation: 187 meters
- Estimated Location: Jorox River Valley
- Difficulty: Moderate
Techá Fountain – Sierra Prieta Route
This linear route follows the Fuente Techá valley to reach the second-highest mountain in the area after the Sierra de las Nieves.
The trail ascends with curves through the mountain, passing by old lime kilns used for whitewashing houses, a typical feature of the white villages of Malaga.
The path follows a forest track until reaching the Las Ventanillas rock formation, where a steep ascent among shrubs leads to El Castillito. The route ends at the summit, where you can see a geodetic vertex.
Key Information
- Estimated Time: 3 hours and 30 minutes
- Kilometers: 5 km
- Elevation: 840 meters
- Estimated Location: Between Fuente Techá Ravine and Sierra Prieta
- Difficulty: High
Popular Festivals and Gastronomy
The popular festivals of Alozaina celebrate local culture and traditions, with a significant focus on some of its most typical dishes that represent the history and customs of this town.
Popular Festivals of Alozaina
The popular festivals of Alozaina take place throughout the year, with the main festivities being the patron saint festivals in August in honor of Santiago and Santa Ana, hosting the town’s popular fair. Here are some of the main festivals starting from the beginning of the year:
Flour Carnival
In February, one of the most picturesque celebrations of Alozaina’s festivals takes place. In honor of the carnival, the inhabitants of this town take to the streets with bags of flour to throw at each other.
Traditionally, “harineo” aimed to foster flirtation between men and women. A man would throw flour at the woman he liked, and if she threw flour back, it indicated her interest. Nowadays, the tradition continues, including highlights like the wheel dance and the burial of the sardine.
Santa Cruz Pilgrimage to Jorox
This pilgrimage takes place on the first Sunday of May. During this event, pilgrims ascend from Alozaina to Jorox, where the hermitage with the Christ of La Veracruz is located. The pilgrimage culminates with a Rociero Mass and a day in nature with music, food, and the traditional “Los Fandangos de Jorox” dance.
San Juan Night Celebration
On the midnight of June 23rd, it is a tradition to burn “Júas,” fabric dolls representing what one wishes to discard or keep away from their lives. A large bonfire is lit, and neighbors organize street parties in the town.
Alozaina Fair
The most famous festivity in Alozaina is the Festival of Santiago and Santa Ana, which takes place between July 25th and 29th. During this fair, the streets are filled with music, dance, stalls, and a wide variety of activities for all ages.
Fireworks light up the night sky to mark the beginning of the fair, whose main activities include contests, concerts, sports events, cattle fairs, and processions of Santiago and Santa Ana.
Flamenco Evening
At the end of August, the Parque-Mirador de Alozaina becomes the perfect stage for a night filled with singing, guitar, and flamenco dance, featuring talented local artists. This event revives and enriches the tradition of flamenco in the region, offering a unique cultural experience.
Olive Fair
The Alozaina Olive Fair, held from September 12th to 15th, marks the end of summer and the beginning of the olive harvesting season, one of the town’s main economic drivers.
In the town square, you can enjoy Aloreña olives, slightly bitter, along with fresh beer, local cheeses, and charcuterie. Besides the festive aspect, the fair has a commercial origin, as travelers returning from the Ronda Fair would make a stop in Alozaina for economic transactions.
Typical Dishes of Alozaina
The gastronomy of Alozaina is a true feast for the senses. Local dishes are infused with Mediterranean and traditional flavors, featuring a rich selection of fresh and native ingredients.
Visitors should not leave this town without trying its seasoned table olives, a perfect and uniquely flavored appetizer before enjoying some of its most famous dishes, such as “berzas con garbanzos” (greens with chickpeas), pumpkin and beans, “empedraillo de chícharos” (pea stew), gazpachuelo, “sopa hervía” (a type of soup), or “malcocinado de chivo” (goat stew).
For dessert lovers, there are rosemary and honey doughnuts, of Arab heritage, fig bread, fried doughnuts, or quince meat, some of the most traditional pastries in the area.
How to Get to Alozaina
Located as an intermediate point between the towns of Yunquera, Casarabonela, Tolox, and Guaro, not far from Coín, this town in the Sierra de las Nieves is about a 50-minute drive from the capital and its airport. However, there are some options to visit this town by public transport.
Getting There by Public Transport
To reach Alozaina by public transport, the only option is the bus, with a direct line between the Málaga Bus Station and Alozaina, which takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, with an average price of around 6 euros.
The bus company is Autobuses Sierra de las Nieves, and it has trips in the early morning (08:00 AM), at noon (02:00 PM), and in the afternoon (05:00 PM).
Getting There by Car
To get to Alozaina by car from Málaga, the journey is straightforward, passing through some of the most emblematic villages in the Serranía, such as Cártama or Zalea. Here are the directions:
- Exit Málaga via Avenida de Andalucía and continue straight on Avenida de Blas Infante.
- Continue on A-357 following signs for Hospital Clínico/Parque Tecnológico/ AP-46/Córdoba/Granada/Sevilla.
- Take the exit towards A-354 in the direction of Alozaina/Yunquera.
- Continue on A-354 until you reach your destination.
Alozaina Map
Below, you will find a map with the main points of interest mentioned in this article. Use this map as a guide to explore all the wonders Alozaina has to offer and make sure you don’t miss any details.
