Cuevas Bajas is a charming village in the province of Málaga, surrounded by hills and vast olive groves. It belongs to the Antequera region and is known for its tranquility, rich history, and the beauty of its natural landscapes.
With about 1,500 inhabitants, Cuevas Bajas preserves the typical charm of Andalusian rural villages, where life passes calmly, in full harmony with nature.
In today’s post, we invite you to learn more about this beautiful place, a must-visit if you’re in Málaga. Keep reading and discover it!
Table of Contents
History of Cuevas Bajas
The history of Cuevas Bajas dates back to the Paleolithic era, over 40,000 years ago, as evidenced by tools found in the nearby Cueva de Belda and the terraces of the Genil River, indicating that the area was inhabited by primitive communities of hunters and fishermen.
During Roman times, around the 2nd century, a road known as the Via Antoniana crossed what is now Cuevas Bajas, and this led the Romans to use these fertile lands for the production of vines, olive trees, and cereals.
During the Muslim period, the town was called Cuevas de Belda and prospered as a small agricultural center. However, after its conquest by the Christians in the 15th century, the Muslim population was expelled, and the area experienced a period of abandonment.
It wasn’t until the end of this century that the arrival of settlers and the distribution of new lands repopulated the area, reaching its peak in the 18th century.
Today, Cuevas Bajas stands out for its historical heritage, traditional agriculture, and the beauty of its natural landscapes.
What to See and Do in Cuevas Bajas
Cuevas Bajas is the perfect destination for those looking to disconnect and discover the cultural heritage of the province of Málaga.
In the following sections, we will tell you about some of the places and monuments you can’t miss during your visit to this town.
What to See in Cuevas Bajas
Church of San Juan Bautista
One of the most iconic monuments of Cuevas Bajas is the Church of San Juan Bautista, an 18th-century temple that stands out for its Baroque architecture and imposing bell tower.
Inside, you can admire several religious images, including the town’s patron saint, San Juan Bautista, who gives the church its name.
Key Information:
- Location: Calle de la Reja, 2, 29220, Cuevas Bajas, Málaga
Cueva de Belda
Although not exactly in Cuevas Bajas, the Cueva de Belda, located in Cuevas de San Marcos, is an archaeological site of great interest that gives its name to the area. Here, Paleolithic remains have been found, making it a key site for archaeology lovers and history buffs to learn about the region’s most ancient past.
Key Information:
- Hours: Open 24 hours.
- Price: Free
- Location: Urbanización los Llanos B, 29210 Cuevas de San Marcos, Málaga
Villages of Moheda and Cedrón
These two villages are where the municipality of Cuevas Bajas originated and were built during the Middle Ages to repopulate the area and dedicate it to agriculture.
Both hamlets still preserve traces of their agricultural past. Cedrón, with about ten houses, had a communal oven for baking bread, while La Moheda housed an old 19th-century oil mill, whose ruins can still be visited.
Additionally, ceramic remains have been found indicating the presence of Roman and medieval settlements in the area, reflecting its agricultural importance over the centuries.
Nature and Hiking in Cuevas Bajas
Cuevas Bajas is an ideal starting point for those seeking to connect with nature and enjoy some of the best hiking routes on the Costa del Sol.
Surrounded by the Genil River Valley and various ravines, Cuevas Bajas is an excellent base for discovering breathtaking landscapes.
Genil River Ravines
The ravines bordering the Genil River are one of the natural gems of Cuevas Bajas, where water has carved deep valleys surrounded by native vegetation over the centuries.
It’s an ideal spot for hiking, walking, or cycling while enjoying panoramic views of the valley and nearby orchards.
Cerro de la Cruz
With an altitude of 768 meters, Cerro de la Cruz is the highest point in the municipality.
From its summit, hikers can enjoy an impressive view of the entire valley and the olive groves that dominate the landscape. Near the peak, there is a rare species of oak and the majestic “Borondo” Holm Oak, a centuries-old tree that symbolizes the ancient pastureland that once existed in the region.
Nearby, you can find remains of an old “sumac field,” a plant formerly used to tan leather.
Marquis’ Orchards
Here, typical regional products such as olives and some cereals are grown. This area is perfect for peaceful walks through orchards that evoke the town’s agricultural past, still alive today.
Bird Observatory
The Cuevas Bajas Bird Observatory, located on the banks of the Genil River, is a highlight for birdwatching enthusiasts. This wooden and reed-covered lookout, built to minimize environmental impact, allows visitors to observe migratory birds stopping at the Soto del Genil during their long journeys.
It’s an ideal place to enjoy nature’s tranquility and learn more about the diverse species that inhabit or pass through the area.
Festivals and Traditions
Carrot Festival
Declared of Tourist Interest, one of the most important festivals in Cuevas Bajas is the Carrot Festival, celebrated every first Sunday in December to honor this unique local agricultural product.
This festival pays tribute to the purple carrot, a tuber that, according to historical accounts, was introduced to the region during the Al-Andalus period by families from North Africa. This unique product is grown in the fertile banks of the Genil River and stands out for its violet color and health benefits, including anti-cancer and diuretic properties. Some even claim it has aphrodisiac qualities!
During the festival, visitors can buy this special carrot and taste typical dishes made with it, such as carrot crumbs or fresh salads. The event also features a local product market, free tastings, children’s activities, and performances by “verdiales” music bands and local artists.
Easter Week
Easter Week in Cuevas Bajas is one of the most important religious celebrations of the year, where processions fill the town’s streets with devotion and solemnity.
San Juan Pilgrimage
In June, the town celebrates the San Juan Bautista Pilgrimage, during which the patron saint of Cuevas Bajas is honored with a pilgrimage to the countryside.
It’s a day when the town’s residents come together outdoors, mixing religious acts with festive activities like music and traditional food.
August Fair
The August Fair is another of the most anticipated celebrations for the people of Cuevas Bajas. For several days, the town is filled with color, music, and fun with activities ranging from contests and musical performances to children’s games.
This celebration not only attracts the town’s residents but also involves neighbors from nearby villages like Cuevas de San Marcos, Villanueva de Algaidas, and Archidona, who come to enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Gastronomy
Purple Carrot
The cuisine of Cuevas Bajas not only stands out for its traditional dishes but also for the purple carrot, the region’s most emblematic product.
Although orange carrots became popular in Europe in the 17th century, Cuevas Bajas has maintained the tradition of cultivating this purple variety, which surprises not only with its intense violet color, similar to that of beets, but also with its large size, almost twice that of a conventional carrot.
Purple carrot cultivation is done organically, using natural fertilizers and requiring more space between plants.
If you want to learn more about this particular food, you can follow the purple carrot route, which will allow you to visit the fields where this tuber is grown. A gastronomic and cultural experience you won’t want to miss!
How to Get to Cuevas Bajas
How to Get There by Public Transport
Bus
There is no direct bus service from Málaga to Cuevas Bajas, so the easiest option is to take a bus from Málaga’s Bus Station Alsa to nearby towns like Archidona or Villanueva de Algaidas.
From these towns, you can take a taxi or local transport to get to Cuevas Bajas.
Train
If you prefer to travel by train, the nearest station to Cuevas Bajas is Antequera-Santa Ana Station.
From there, you can take a bus or taxi to Cuevas Bajas, which is about a 40-minute drive from Antequera. Once in Antequera, continue the journey by road to Cuevas Bajas.
How to Get There by Car
If you arrive at Málaga Airport and want to travel to Cuevas Bajas by car, the journey is very simple and allows you to enjoy the Andalusian rural landscape. From the airport, take the A-7 towards Málaga, then merge onto the A-45 towards Antequera.
Next, follow the signs for the A-92 towards Granada-Sevilla and take the exit towards Villanueva de Algaidas. From there, continue on the MA-6414 following the signs to Cuevas Bajas. The total journey takes about an hour and fifteen minutes and covers about 85 km.
The roads are in good condition, but it’s advisable to drive carefully on rural stretches, especially if you’re not familiar with mountain roads. If traveling with a group or family, a convenient option is to hire a 7-seater car at Málaga Airport to enjoy the trip with more space and comfort.
In addition, if you have time, you can take advantage of the trip to visit nearby places such as the Torcal de Antequera, which also offers spectacular scenery.
Map of Cuevas Bajas
In this map of Cuevas Bajas, we have marked the key points of interest mentioned in this article so you can plan and make the most of your visit to this town.
