Belonging to the region of the Serranía de Ronda, the town of Arriate is settled with a history that spans centuries and pages in the history of the province of Málaga.
Twin town of La Junquera in the Alto Ampurdán, province of Gerona, Arriate is a traditional white village in the south of the province.
Join us on a journey where we will explore its history, trails, routes, and traditions, don’t miss anything about this charming town.
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History of Arriate
The first written reference to Arriate can be found in the census of Philip II, dating back to 1570. Clearly, its origin must be earlier, even before the time of the Catholic Monarchs, as its name comes from Arabic; “Arriadh,” which can be translated as: orchard.
To find Arriate as a town itself, we have to go back to 1630. That is when, according to written records, the municipality separated from the well-known town of Ronda, although five years later it was reunited with it.
The independence from Ronda was carried out definitively on February 14, 1661, which is why its patron saint is Saint Valentine. And if you’re curious, it wasn’t cheap, it cost the council the sum of three hundred fifty-two thousand seven hundred and thirty-nine maravedíes.
For centuries, its economic strength lay in the wealth of its fruit trees, from pear trees to apple trees and plum trees. Today, the locals see their population increase steadily thanks to its proximity to Ronda and lower housing prices. In the latest census, the population of Arriate is recorded at just over four thousand.
What to See and Do in Arriate
Despite being a small town, Arriate has various cultural and historical points of interest, along with natural landscapes full of life and beauty.
What to See in Arriate
Church of San Juan de Letrán
Mudejar characteristics, like its roof framework, and detailed woodwork dating from 1629 are some of the features that make this church so important to the town. Its bell tower, from 1965, is part of the town’s landscape.
As is often the case in these villages of the province, Arriate also suffered the terrible consequences of the Civil War, being assaulted, looted, and experiencing significant damage both internally and structurally. The theft of its relics, some over two centuries old, was one of the great tragedies for the local congregation.
Paseo de la Estación
An intimate walk through gardens and local trees that leads pedestrians to the train station, the main means of transportation for Arriate.
Mirador La Estacá
The viewpoint opens our eyes to the stunning nature that surrounds Arriate.
What to Do in Arriate
In addition to cultural and historical points of interest, Arriate is a fantastic place to enjoy the best cuisine in the province, as we will see later. However, one of the best activities you can do in Arriate is to enjoy its natural surroundings.
The Guadalcobacín Valley, through which the river of the same name flows, where we can reach the summit of the Sierra de las Cumbres and Cerro de las Salinas, both over 900 meters high.
Nature and Hiking in Arriate
Nature and the various routes that have emerged over the years are one of the town’s greatest attractions. Starting with the Arroyo de la Ventilla Gorge, which stands out as one of the most emblematic places in the area, we will explore some of the best hiking routes on the Costa del Sol.
Arroyo de la Ventilla Gorge
The gorge, with a length of just over five kilometers and varying heights depending on its location, reaching more than a hundred meters at some points, gives way to one of the most beautiful forests in the Serranía de Ronda.
The Arroyo Gorge trail is about six kilometers long, and it is the perfect viewpoint to admire and understand the nature that surrounds us. We can discover all the characteristic flora and fauna of the area.
The flora is dominated by trees such as willows, poplars, elms, ash trees, and holm oaks, depending on the altitude of our path. The fauna is mainly dominated by birds such as the imperial eagle-owl, barn owls, tawny owls, or the kingfisher.
On land, animals such as genets, badgers, weasels, and foxes dominate, in addition to all the typical amphibians and reptiles of the river areas.
Circular Hiking Route “Arroyo de la Ventilla”
We start our examples of hiking routes in Arriate with one that doesn’t require being an expert to enjoy the beauty of the place or the pleasure of a pleasant walk.
For just over three kilometers, we will circle the stream, starting next to the fairgrounds and heading towards the Arroyo de la Ventilla Gorge.
Alternating between asphalt and path, we will enjoy the natural beauty of the landscape thanks to panoramic views at some points and lookouts, as well as places like the Cañolillos Spring, the Tejilla Spring, the Ventilla Bridge, among many others, the Arroyo de la Ventilla, the Vigía Cave, and the Molino Quemao also known as Molino Verde.
“Vuelta a la Romería” Hiking Route
Our second route is longer than the previous one, but it does not entail more difficulty. Its 10 kilometers make it a route with a maximum height of 644 meters that can be completed in less than two hours.
Without major slopes and with an easy walking surface, this popular hiking route, known both by sports enthusiasts and locals, is ideal for those who want to extend their walk around Arriate.
We start at the La Estacá park and head towards the Cortijo El Marqués. Upon reaching the top, we will have two paths: the right one takes us to Cerro de las Salinas, our next route, and the left one completes our walk.
We will encounter the forest known as “Los Pinitos del Marqués,” as well as lookouts with impressive views of Arriate and its surroundings, vineyards, the Hermitage of the Frontones, which was once an important site but is now in poor condition, the famous Venta el Polvorilla, and springs with water known for their health benefits.
Arriate – Cerro de las Salinas Hiking Route
We finish with a more demanding route, designed only for those with experience and who are looking for more difficulty in their hike. We aim to reach the Cerro de Las Salinas, to get impressive views of the Guadalcobacín Valley, Sierra de Grazalema, and Sierra de las Nieves.
This time, taking the right turn at the Cortijo del Marqués, we begin our ascent through holm oaks.
We pass by the Madrid farmhouse to reach the summit of “Cerro de Las Salinas,” which we will circle to enjoy every detail. The Geodetic Vertex of Cerro de Las Salinas is 954 meters high and offers completely breathtaking views.
Popular Festivals and Gastronomy in Arriate
The most deeply rooted popular festival in Arriate is, without a doubt, the day of its patron saint and the heartfelt Holy Week. However, these are not the only important dates.
The patron saint of Arriate is Saint Valentine, and as everyone knows, his day is February 14th. So, if you want a different kind of Valentine’s Day filled with festivities, Arriate is the place to visit.
Holy Week is very important, and each of the days that hold special significance in Christianity is reflected in the streets and among the locals of Arriate. From Ash Wednesday to Holy Week itself, including Corpus Christi.
A special mention goes to the Arriate Pilgrimage, celebrated in summer, which brings together all the locals as well as residents of other villages who are attracted by the lively festive atmosphere, with lots of music and celebration.
However, if there’s one Arriatean festival, it’s the “Día de la Vieja” or “Partir la Vieja.” This festival is all about breaking the fast, so it’s celebrated with a meal in the countryside. The locals go to Parchite, eating hard-boiled eggs, salmorejo, sausages, blood pudding, wine donuts, sweet lemons, and even mistela, an artisanal drink made with aguardiente.
Typical Food and What to Eat in Arriate
The best way to sample the typical products of Arriate is by going for tapas, without a doubt. Its gastronomy is largely based on cold meats, so we will enjoy products like chorizo, blood sausage, pork spread, salchichón, cured pork loin, and caña de lomo.
If we talk about traditional dishes, “migas” is one of its star dishes during the cold season, while the rest of the year, locally produced meats are widely consumed, always accompanied by their famous hard-boiled eggs.
How to Get to Arriate
How to Get to Arriate by Public Transport
The best way to get to Arriate from Málaga Airport is by train. The connection is good and punctual, and depending on the time of year, you can get there with one or two stops. Renfe provides constant information on its boards, and you can arrive in less than two hours.
How to Get to Arriate by Car
The 100 kilometers that separate Málaga Airport from the town of Arriate take about an hour and a quarter to cover on a comfortable journey. The road is in good condition, and traffic flows smoothly throughout the year.
For your convenience, we recommend hiring a car at Málaga Airport without a credit card, just pay attention to the road and the beautiful landscapes that await you on the way.
Head northwest on the A-357, then take the A-7278 towards Teba and Ronda, and the A-367 towards Arriate, crossing Cuevas del Becerro until you reach the town. And if we talk about nearby towns, don’t forget to visit Montejaque, less than half an hour from Arriate.
Map of Arriate
Here is a complete map with all the interesting areas you must visit, as well as points of great tourist, cultural, and historical importance. Don’t miss out on one of the most beautiful places in the Serranía de Ronda.
