In the region of the Serranía de Ronda, another of those small jewels in the form of a village awaits us, this time in the Genal Valley; Jubrique.
Jubrique has the traditional charm of a white village with an area that doesn’t reach 40 square kilometers and a population that fluctuates between 500 and 600 people.
Between the Monardillo River and the peaks of Sierra Bermeja and Alto Porrejón, today we have a date with a historic town like Jubrique.
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History of Jubrique
From a historical point of view, the Serranía de Ronda area has been inhabited since the Paleolithic era, being home to great peoples like the Iberians, Romans, Visigoths, and Arabs.
The latter gave the area its greatest splendor, giving it its current name, which is thought to come from the word “luber”, meaning place of abundance.
After the expulsion of the Arab people by the reconquest of the Catholic Monarchs, we must wait until the 18th century to find a written reference to the town, called Jubrique la Nueva.
Jubrique has been, and still is, known for its wines and, above all, spirits. It boasts a large number of distilleries, one of its main attractions, and thanks to these products, it experienced a great era of splendor and prosperity in the mid-19th century.
What to see and do in Jubrique
In addition to enjoying the nearby villages of Júzcar to the south and Genalguacil to the southwest, Jubrique offers several visits to its most historic monuments and beautiful hiking trails to discover its innate beauty.
What to see in Jubrique
Although the Church of San Francisco de Asís is the main monument in Jubrique, it has others that catch our attention, as we will see below. However, its landscapes, thanks to the richness of its flora and fauna, are must-visit places, such as the Charco Picao, El Estrecho, Las Vegetas, La Tomilla, and the Genal River Valley.
Church of San Francisco de Asís
A church from the late 16th century, although the main construction was originally a Muslim mosque. Its nave is rectangular and simple, and its characteristic tower with an octagonal top gives it its particular appearance.
It was restored in 1970, and inside, we can highlight the images of San Francisco de Asís, the Virgin of La Candelaria, and Jesús Nazareno in wood, dated from the 18th century.
Ermita del Castañuelo
Built in the 17th century, or so it is believed, this Hermitage is located on the outskirts of Jubrique, on the road that connects the village with Estepona. It was built on the remains of an old Arab mosque in honor of the Holy Cross.
It has an octagonal plan and a portico of pilasters, and inside, it holds an altar with a green cross. It has a fantastic viewpoint where you can enjoy a stunning view of Jubrique and the Monardilla River Valley.
Ermita de la Santa Cruz del Chorrillo
The Chorrillo Hermitage, as it is known by all, has characteristics and an appearance almost identical to the Ermita del Castañuelo. Its construction is more recent, dating from the 19th century, although it possibly sits on an earlier structure.
Dedicated to the Holy Cross and the Virgin of Fatima, it has a circular plan, about three meters in diameter, and inside, it holds an image of the Virgin of Fatima. Curiously, there is a legend that the figure of a headless priest appears on some nights.
This is where the pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady of Fatima is celebrated on May 13th.
Santa Cruz de la Llanada
We must go to the upper area of Jubrique to discover our last stop among its monuments. It is an old penitential station, part of an ancient Via Crucis or Calvary.
Over time, images such as that of the Virgin of Carmen or Mary Help of Christians have been added to the original cross. Next to the Cross, we find another place well known in the village, the Llanada Fountain or Estanco Fountain, with its peculiar three water spouts.
Nature and Hiking in Jubrique
Hiking Route Jubrique – Charco Picao
The slightly more than six kilometers of this route can be covered in a couple of hours, walking at a leisurely pace and enjoying the surrounding nature. Starting from the MA-536 road, heading towards Algatocín.
We just have to leave the junction we find at kilometer five of our route behind on the left, to reach the old Venta San Juan, which will take us, a few meters further, to the trail that connects us with different pools and waterholes of the Genal River.
Between the villages of Jubrique and Algatocín, Charco Picao has green and blue waters, abundant nature around it, and on our way, we will find, in addition to a waterfall, the points known as La Tomilla, located in a high area with a plain, and El Estrecho.
Hiking Route Jubrique – Benalauría
We raise the difficulty level with this eleven-kilometer route for hiking experts. The estimated time to complete it is about six hours, although this is just a guideline.
Starting from the village square, heading towards Faraján, chestnut trees, pines, and cork oaks accompany our way, offering beautiful views of the Hacho and Bermeja Mountain Ranges in the first kilometers of the route. A few meters further, we will see Alpandeire and the Cerro de los Frailes.
The sound of the Genal River will be the backdrop as we see the villages of Benarrabá, Algatocín, and Benalauría along the way. We must continue until we stop just hearing the river and finally see it. The path is in good condition as this route is quite well known and traveled.
On our ascent, we will reach the Crestellina Rock. As the kilometers pass, the ascent turns into a descent, until we reach the Veguetas Stream, at an altitude of 450 meters, surrounded by abundant flora. Leaving the stream behind, the holm oaks, gall oaks, and walnut trees lead us to Benalauría.
Popular Festivals and Gastronomy in Jubrique
Jubrique celebrates its patron saint festivities in early October, with the Masks and the Pilgrimage to the Hermitage of the Chorrillo Cross also being important events.
Fair and Festivities in honor of San Francisco de Asís
Its main festival takes place every year from October 3rd to 6th. It features a program full of activities, from chestnuts to dances, including its famous fire bulls and lots of live music.
Jubrique Pilgrimage
The Pilgrimage is celebrated during the second half of May, always near the Hermitage of the Holy Cross of Chorrillo. The weekend of the celebration divides the festivity into two parts.
On Saturday at sunset, the dance begins, lasting throughout the night until morning, while on Sunday, a Rocío mass is held, with carriages and horsemen, finishing the day with the procession of the Blessed Virgin of Fatima from the Church to the Hermitage.
The activity program is completed with tastings of local cold cuts from the Serranía de Ronda, dancing, awards, horse races, and much more fun.
Masks Festival
During Jubrique’s Cultural Week, the Masks Festival takes place. In this festival, the locals dress in medieval costumes and perform ancient trades that were once essential in the daily life of the village.
Holy Week in Jubrique
Holy Week is very special in Jubrique, where there are certain events and festivities that stand out during the already important week. On Good Friday, the emotional procession known as “The Encounter,” also known as the Virgin’s blessing of her son, takes place. Here we can see the Virgin cry as she blesses her son.
On Holy Thursday, the image of Jesus is carried in procession, repeating the following day. And we can’t forget the “Burning of Judas,” which takes place on Easter Sunday.
Typical food and what to eat in Jubrique
In addition to slaughtered meat and extraordinary cold cuts, the most traditional dishes of Jubrique are cod and garlic omelets, fennel stew, and hot gazpacho. You can’t miss trying the mosto wine with local grapes, and for dessert, the “hijuela,” made with flour, egg, oil, and honey.
How to get to Jubrique
How to get to Jubrique by public transport
Our reference point for Jubrique is Estepona. The journey between Málaga Airport and Estepona can be covered by bus in a little over an hour and costs no more than 15€.
The problem, however, is connecting Estepona with Jubrique, as there is no public transport line, so this last leg should be done by car, either private or taxi, in about 40 minutes.
How to get to Jubrique by car
We recommend hiring an automatic car at Málaga Airport to fully enjoy the drive to Jubrique. Our reference is still Estepona, so we will head towards the coastal town via the AP-7 (N-340).
Once there, take the A-557 to reach Jubrique. Although this section has the characteristics of a rural road, and we will notice the difference after coming from a highway, despite the curves and narrow sections, the landscape is really beautiful, and the drive is a true pleasure for driving enthusiasts.
Map of Jubrique
So you don’t miss anything in Jubrique and don’t leave behind even the smallest detail, here we bring you a map that marks everything you must visit in the town.
