If you are planning a trip to the Costa del Sol, you cannot miss the opportunity to visit Coín, a charming Andalusian town located in the region of the Guadalhorce Valley.
With a rich historical and cultural heritage, as well as a wide range of outdoor activities, Coín is the perfect destination for those seeking an authentic experience away from the usual tourist routes.
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History of Coín
Archaeological findings discovered in the Cerro del Aljibe sites indicate that Coín had a life dating back to before the 1st century AD. Ceramic pieces of Roman, Greek, and Phoenician origin have been found, suggesting that these were its first inhabitants.
However, Hish Dakwan (Coín) had its greatest development and splendor during the Muslim era. Thanks to its strategic position on the road that connected Málaga with the Ronda mountain range, Coín became a popular trading center with its exports of wine, oil, and raisins.
During this period, a fortress was built, which was demolished after being taken by Christian troops. The defense of the Arabs during this battle was reflected in various writings that praised their bravery.
The romance “The Story of Abindarráez and the Beautiful Jalifa” (16th century) takes place in Coín, and it tells the complex relationships between a Christian and a Moor during that era.
The Church of Santa María de la Encarnación was also built on the foundations of the mosque. Due to the slow repopulation, it took years for Coín to recover its economy and vitality.
What to See and Do in Coín
Coín is an ideal destination for those seeking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy nature. Here, we will tell you how to enjoy its magnificent natural resources as well as its unique points of interest in the town.
What to See in Coín
If you visit Coín, you cannot miss strolling through the streets of the historic center and exploring its corners and most interesting monuments. If you want to appreciate the town’s unique architecture, you can wander through its streets and discover the different churches and buildings.
In the heart of the town, you will find the Church of San Juan Bautista, an impressive construction from the 16th century that blends Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. This building was erected on the foundations of the Alcazaba, taking advantage of a square tower from the castle of that time.
The exterior facade has minimal decoration, but the best is inside the temple. It features three naves separated by arches resting on large stone columns with hybrid capitals and ornaments from the period.
- Address: C. Compás, 3, 29100 Coín, Málaga
- Price: Free admission
- Opening hours: 10:00–13:30 and 18:00-21:00 (Closed on Monday afternoons)
- Phone: 952 45 00 37
Another place worth visiting is the former convent of Coín (Church of Santa María de la Encarnación). It was built in 1485 on the foundations of the old Aljama mosque. After its restoration, it served as a convent-monastery and an orphanage for girls.
Centuries later, the building was rehabilitated once again and today it preserves some of its original constructions. Furthermore, its Baroque-style structure makes it an emblematic place that you must see when visiting Coín.
- Address: C. Compás, 3, 29100 Coín, Málaga
- Price: Free admission
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00–14:00
- Phone: 952 54 33 77
To access the interior of the former convent, you can do so by appointment only. Please contact the provided phone number.
This municipality also has great archaeological treasures. One of its most notable features is the cave paintings, a monumental complex dating back to the 8th century characterized by being excavated in the limestone rock itself. There, you can find architectural details from the era such as horseshoe arches, buttresses, niches, various types of vaults, and galleries.
It is only open to the public on specific dates as it is privately owned.
- Address: Ctra. de Monda, 2, 29100 Coín, Málaga
- Opening hours: 8:00–22:00
- Phone: 951 70 29 49
A plan you can’t miss is visiting the Mari Carmen Jiménez ceramics workshop, where they create various ceramic utensils using traditional techniques, as well as modern and avant-garde styles.
They also offer a workshop where you can knead and decorate ceramic bowls, pitchers, jugs, decorative plates, and more. It’s the perfect plan for a fun afternoon for both children and adults.
- Address: Ctra. de Monda, 8, 29100 Coín, Málaga
- Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00–14:00
- Phone: 655 98 25 06
Nature and Hiking
Thanks to its proximity to the Serranía de Ronda, Coín offers numerous hiking trails of varying difficulty levels that allow you to explore its impressive natural landscape. We recommend the following:
Sendero de las Canteras Azules
The Sendero de las Canteras Azules is a 5-kilometer trail. It starts at Los Llanos del Nacimiento de Coín, following the SL-A 59 trail towards the Mirador del Cerro Alaminos. Then, you’ll reach the viewpoint of Las Canteras Azules, where you can enjoy the wonderful views offered by the landscape.
After a gentle ascent, you’ll reach the highest point, the Cima del Cerro Gordo. From there, descend along the trail following the directions Enlace PR-A 338 con SL-A 59 and finish at the starting point of the route.
Some areas have rocky paths, so we recommend hiking during daylight hours.
Ruta a la Ermita de la Fuensanta
If you’re looking for a slightly more challenging hike, the Ruta a la Ermita de la Fuensanta is a good option. It covers a distance of nearly 9 kilometers and starts at Puerto Norte, near the Parque Periurbano, following the Cuesta de San Antón and continuing along the Camino del Molino.
Following this path, you’ll descend to the Pereilas River and cross the stone bridge located next to an old mill. The route finishes with an ascent to the hermitage.
This route is a bit more demanding, and there are no water supply points along the way. Be prepared before starting the hike.
Popular Festivals and Gastronomy
Coín hosts various traditional festivals throughout the year that you shouldn’t miss. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Romería Virgen de la Fuensanta
On May 1st, Coín celebrates the Romería Virgen de la Fuensanta, the patron saint of the town. Each year, the townspeople accompany the Virgin from the Church of San Juan Bautista to her sanctuary.
On the first Saturday of June, the residents dress up as pilgrims and travel to the hermitage in carts pulled by oxen or tractors. They hold a mass in honor of the patron saint and enjoy various performances of singing, dancing, and a contest for the best cart.
Salón del Caballo
The Salón Andaluz del Caballo is one of the most important equestrian events in Spain, held between the months of March or April. The event takes place at the Cantarranas industrial estate in a pavilion where you can visit the equestrian-themed trade area and taste typical local products.
During this event, a multitude of equestrian competitions are held, including the Qualifying Competition for the Morpho-functional Championship of Pure Spanish Breed Horses, the Doma Vaquera Competition, and the Morpho-functional Competition of the Donkey Breed.
Fiesta de la Naranja
This festival honors the end of the harvest season, particularly the oranges, and is celebrated every year in the month of May. During this special time, typical products and crafts of the area are promoted.
If you have the opportunity to visit Coín during this time, you can enjoy a variety of typical dishes for free. There is also a dessert preparation contest with orange as the main ingredient.
The gastronomy of Coín is very rich and varied. Typical dishes of the region include sopa cachorreña, puchero, and gazpachuelo. However, its most unique dishes are sopa poncima, mojete, and tortilla de tagarninas. Don’t miss the chance to taste these delicious flavors of the Guadalhorce Valley.
In terms of pastries, typical sweets include pan de higo, gachas con arrope, and roscos de huevo, which are traditionally consumed during Christmas or Easter.
Every Sunday, Coín hosts an agri-food market where you can find a wide variety of local and artisanal products such as fruits and vegetables, bread, pastries, meat, cheese, honey, and more.
Both residents and visitors from other towns frequently visit this popular market. If you visit Coín, don’t miss this bustling market and immerse yourself in the true spirit of the town.
- Address: Polígono Industrial “La Trocha, 29100 Coín, Málaga
- Opening hours: Sundays 9:00–14:30
- Phone: 952 45 30 20
How to Get to Coín
Getting there by bus
The best option to reach Coín from the center of Málaga is to take the M-345 bus heading to Coín operated by Avanza from the Málaga Bus Station. The ticket price is around €4.69, and the journey takes about an hour.
Getting there by car
To reach Coín from Málaga Airport, take the A-357 highway towards Cártama/Coín and take the exit onto A-404 towards Coín/Alhaurín el Grande. Then, follow the signs to Coín. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
An advisable option for those who want to visit Coín and its surroundings is to hire a luxury car at Málaga Airport. This way, you’ll have greater freedom to explore the area, discover all its charms, and visit neighboring towns like Monda, Guaro, and Alhaurín el Grande.
Map of Coín
Below is a map with all the relevant points of interest in Coín marked to facilitate orientation and planning for visits. Enjoy Coín and its rural charm on your next vacation!
Important Information
Best time of year to visit: Between the months of April and August, when most of the festivals take place.
Can’t miss: An excursion to Coín, a morning exploring its green routes, and an afternoon discovering its streets.
Nearby places to eat: Our favorite restaurants in Coín that you shouldn’t miss are Venta las Alberquillas, Restaurante Bohemia, and Restaurante Bodegón Casa Antonio.
For more information, visit the Coín City Council website: https://coin.es/
