Discover Archidona, a picturesque village located in the province of Málaga that will captivate you with its rich history, impressive architecture, and beautiful natural landscapes.
In this article, we invite you to explore the treasures that this unique destination offers, from its historical monuments to its natural trails, and indulge in its delicious local cuisine. Get ready to immerse yourself in the authenticity of Archidona and discover its hidden wonders!
Table of Contents
What to See and Do in Archidona
The history of Archidona dates back to the Paleolithic era, with evidence of human settlements found in the Cave of Las Grajas. Centuries later, the Phoenicians occupied the area, and they built the first walls.
It was during the Roman era that Archidona experienced significant development, and important buildings were constructed, such as the Archidona Castle, which was built on the remains of the walls. After several attempts to conquer these lands by Germanic troops, the area was left in ruins.
The Muslims conquered the area, reviving it until the year 1326 when Castilian troops defeated the Muslims in the Battle of Guadalhorce.
This area served as a base of operations for other campaigns while belonging to the Kingdom of Seville. Later, in 1579, the town was established, and important monuments were built, such as the Church of Santa Ana, the Plaza Ochavada, and several hermitages.
What to See and Do in Archidona
From the emblematic Plaza Ochavada to its majestic Fortaleza, every corner of Archidona tells a fascinating story. Stroll through its cobbled streets and admire the beauty of its churches, convents, and old manor houses that will transport you to past eras.
Plaza Ochavada
If you enjoy the beauty of architecture, you will find numerous highly ornamented monuments in Archidona. One not to be missed is the unique Plaza Ochavada.
Located in the town center, this square is one of the landmarks of Archidona. It is characterized by its wide octagonal shape, showcasing its architectural beauty and maintaining its original French and Mudéjar urban style from 1786.
Archidona Castle
One of the main tourist attractions in Archidona is its castle. This impressive building was constructed in the 9th century, although it was rebuilt in the 13th century and still preserves several towers and two of the three original walls.
The walls are located on top of the hill surrounding the castle, offering beautiful views of the entire mountain range. Without a doubt, this is a must-visit to get a close look at the history of Archidona.
- Address: 29300 Archidona, Málaga
- Price: Free admission
Church of Santa Ana
The Church of Santa Ana is one of the most impressive monuments in Archidona. Its construction dates back to the 16th century, and throughout history, it has been embellished. The facade stands out with its grand entrance, adorned door, and triangular tower.
Inside, the great altarpiece is a highlight, as well as the images of Santa Ana and the Virgin of Candelaria, among others. The side naves contribute to the excellent decoration and space of the church.
- Address: Pl. Iglesia de Sta. Ana, 1D, 29300 Archidona, Málaga
- Price: Free admission
- Phone: 952 714 082
Archidona Municipal Museum
The Archidona Municipal Museum is a space where various original utensils from the Stone and Bronze Ages, models of historical buildings, written documents, and even different ancient clothing are exhibited.
The museum is located in the old “La Cilla” building, which dates back to the 16th century and was a former grain storehouse of the Dukes of Osuna.
- Address: Pl. la Victoria, 1, 29300 Archidona, Málaga
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday and holidays: 10:00-13:30 and 16:30-18:30. Sundays: 10:00-13:30
- Price: Free admission
- Phone: 952 714 480
Salón de la radio
Travel through time by visiting the Salón de la Radio Juan Sánchez Ferrer, where a large collection of radios and other sound equipment is preserved. You can see the first radios and gramophones in perfect condition.
- Address: 29300 Archidona, Málaga
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 12:00-14:00 and 16:00-18:30, Sundays 12:00-14:00
- Price: Free admission
- Phone: 952 716 479
Other Points of Interest
Other interesting sites that you shouldn’t miss are the four hermitages scattered throughout the town. The most remarkable one is the Hermitage-Sanctuary Virgen de Gracia, built in the 10th century on top of a hill.
Nature and Hiking
Archidona is the perfect starting point for nature and hiking enthusiasts. The surroundings of the town offer a variety of hiking trails that will take you through beautiful natural landscapes.
A very popular route is the Arroyo Marín trail, which is almost 8 kilometers long and circular. This path starts near the Archidona Health Center, where you will find an information sign for this route.
The trail is well signposted, so you won’t get lost. It passes through a gorge where a stream flows, and you can observe the different natural spaces this place offers. At the end of the trail, you will find the ruins of a farmhouse and an old barbecue area.
Caution is advised near the stream as there may be slippery areas.
If you want a longer route, the Cueva de los Grajales trail is the best option. It is a circular route with a distance of almost 11 kilometers. It starts at the municipal pool of Archidona, and during the journey, you can enjoy the wonderful views of the mountainous landscape.
Continuing on, you will reach the Cueva de las Grajas, where Neanderthal settlements once existed, and it is now a popular climbing spot. After reaching the summit, you will find the Cerro de la Virgen de Gracia and the Hoya de la Sierra de Archidona.
Another option is to walk to the Natural Reserve of the Archidona Lagoons, which is 9 kilometers from the town. Here, you can enjoy birdwatching and a unique connection with nature.
If you’re looking to enjoy outdoor activities with family or friends, the Molino de Madaura Camp offers different multi-adventure activities for children and adults. You have the opportunity to participate in activities such as climbing, rafting, zip-lining, or archery, among others.
- Address: Carretera Jerez-Cartagena, km 181 29300, Archidona, Málaga
- Price: To be determined
- Phone: 619 008 726
Popular Festivals and Gastronomy
La Candelaria Festival
Every year on February 2nd, Archidona celebrates its traditional La Candelaria Festival. During this day, it is common for the residents to light bonfires in the town squares as night falls.
According to tradition, the bonfires are lit as an ancient ritual to purify the town through fire.
Cruces de Mayo (May Crosses)
The day of the Cruces de Mayo is a significant date for the residents of Archidona. In the morning, children parade through the streets carrying small thrones representing the Cross of Christ.
Later on, the City Hall holds the Children’s Crosses competition in Plaza Ochavada, where children display the crosses they have decorated in an artisanal manner. Additionally, they decorate the streets with flowers, creating a festive atmosphere full of joy, color, and tradition.
Feria del Perro (Dog Fair)
The Feria del Perro is an event declared a National Tourist Interest Festival, where the dog takes center stage. At the end of May, this event celebrates various canine activities, such as beauty contests, parades, and training exhibitions.
This festival has been celebrated since 1993 and has become very popular throughout the province of Málaga, attracting hundreds of people each year who come to enjoy the festivities with their four-legged companions.
August Fair
The Archidona Fair, held in mid-August, is an opportunity to enjoy the liveliest atmosphere in the municipality. Throughout a whole week, you can witness a variety of entertaining performances for both adults and children.
Día de la Oruga (Caterpillar Day)
Another traditional festival in Archidona is the Día de la Oruga, celebrated alongside the August Fair. On this day, the procession of the Virgen de Gracia takes place through the streets of the town.
The origin of the festival dates back to 1743 when there was a severe caterpillar plague in the municipality’s fields, threatening the crops.
A few days later, coinciding with the procession of the Virgen de Gracia, the caterpillar plague ended. From that moment on, the townspeople attributed the event to the Patroness of the town.
Traditional Dishes of Archidona
The gastronomy of Archidona is a delight for the most discerning palates. You must try traditional dishes such as “porra de Archidona“, a refreshing local specialty. Also, the exquisite “papandujas de bacalao,” “cazuela moruna,” and “sopa de maimones” are highly recommended. Local products, such as olive oil and wines from the region, are a true testament to the gastronomic richness of Archidona.
How to Get to Archidona
Getting There by Bus
If you prefer to use public transportation, you have several options to reach Archidona by bus from Málaga. The ALSA transport company offers regular and comfortable connections that will take you directly to the heart of the town.
The best option is to take a bus heading to Antequera and get off at the Archidona stop. The ticket price is around 8 euros, and the journey takes almost two hours.
Getting There by Car
You can also reach Archidona by car from Malaga Airport in about 45 minutes. To do so, take the MA-20 road, merge onto the A-45 towards Antequera, and then take exit 114 to the A-92M. Finally, follow the signs to Archidona.
Renting a 7-seater car at Malaga Airport allows you to explore the surroundings of Archidona, allowing you to discover places like Villanueva del Rosario, Fuente de Piedra, or Riogordo, and enjoy all the treasures that the Costa del Sol has to offer.
Archidona Map
To help you explore Archidona more efficiently, we have prepared a map with all the relevant points marked. Consult the map below and plan your visit so you don’t miss anything in this charming town. Enjoy your trip to Archidona!
Useful Information
Best Time of Year to Visit: Between the months of April and August.
Can’t Miss: Hiking along the Arroyo Marín trail and discovering the surrounding nature of Archidona. Visiting the town during festive times is a good option to explore its true essence.
Nearby Places to Eat: Any of the bars and restaurants in Archidona are a good choice to satisfy your appetite. Some of them include Bar La Veleta, Restaurante Asador Las Viñas, and Restaurante Rincón de Pepe.
For more information about the town, you can visit the Archidona City Council’s website: https://www.archidona.es/
