Cradled by mountains, next to the pulsating heart of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, Montejaque rests to shelter anyone seeking natural beauty, peace, and a rich gastronomy and history.
The road leading to the village is the perfect route for driving enthusiasts, where you can enjoy every curve of a unique landscape.
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History of Montejaque
The history of the municipality of Montejaque begins when its first inhabitants, in the Stone Age, found refuge in the Cueva del Hundidero.
From the Roman era, the town preserves remains of a bridge that crossed the Campobuche river. In the Arab period, when it was called “Munt-Saqir” or Sacred Mountain, there was a small resurgence both in the number of inhabitants and in its evolution, with the appearance of an Alcazaba among its constructions.
Once reconquered by the Catholic Monarchs, it was handed over to the Count of Benavente, although it still had one more episode in its extensive history, the Spanish victory over French troops in the War of Independence on the Gaduares river bridge on October 20, 1810. There, 200 men from Montejaque and surrounding villages, such as Benaoján or Ronda, defeated 700 French soldiers.
What to Do and See in Montejaque
Don’t be fooled by the fact that it is a small municipality. Its geographical location makes it a fantastic place for outdoor activities as well as delving into its history, culture, and gastronomy.
What to See in Montejaque
Cueva del Hundidero
Together with the Cueva del Gato in the neighboring municipality of Benaoján, they form the largest speleological system in Andalusia and one of the largest in Spain, known as the Hundidero-Gato complex.
With over 50 meters in height in some points and with a subterranean journey of 4 km in length, the cave is located along the course of the Gaduares river. At the entrance, you will find the skeleton of an old dam, another must-visit place; the Embalse de Montejaque.
Embalse de Montejaque
This place is a true story of nature’s victory over man. In 1917, the dream of its construction began, and in 1947, the project was abandoned after multiple attempts and titanic efforts.
An immense 84-meter wall is the evidence of that attempt, which could not be carried out due to continuous water leaks through the stone that could not be remedied. When it rains abundantly, it fills up, although gradually the water disappears, as it has been happening for almost a century.
Church of Santiago el Mayor
Its construction took place in the 16th century and underwent a reform two centuries later. It is a must-visit place, with a late gothic architectural style and beautiful pictorial decoration in its chapel.
As interesting facts about the place, we can highlight that Doña Jerónima, wife of Don Miguel Mañara, the elder brother of the Holy Charity of Seville, is buried there. He was also famous for the rumor that said the character of Don Juan Tenorio was based on him. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Hermitage of the Virgin of Escarihuela
Place of worship for a Virgin of great cultural and historical value among the inhabitants of Montejaque.
Speleology Center
Located in the Plaza de la Constitución, in this multimedia museum and Speleology Interpretation Center, you will discover the formation of caves, the relationship of the sport with speleology, and it operates as an information point for the Grazalema Sierra Natural Park.
Lavadero de la Fuente Vieja
When it was created, it was the only authorized public fountain for women to wash clothes. Nowadays, its function has changed, and it is the interpretation center to transmit to the new generations the tradition of this municipality.
Nature and Hiking in Montejaque
In addition to the tourist route with the previously mentioned points, it is a fabulous place for photography enthusiasts, cycling, and, above all, hiking and nature lovers.
Vía Ferrata Montejaque (k4)
A sporty via ferrata, with very good equipment, short but intense and with impressive views. It has a 260-meter route and 178 meters of altitude difference. It has a long 72-meter zipline. Remember that it is only practicable from July 1st to December 31st.
Circular Hiking Route Montejaque
Although not excessively difficult, to be able to do this hike that starts and ends in the town of Montejaque, good physical fitness is required. The route starts at the parking lot at the entrance to the village.
Points of Interest
- Estimated Time: 2 hours and a half
- Kilometers: 8.22km
- Maximum Altitude: 880 meters
- Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking Route Montejaque – Cueva del Gato Benaoján
Departure from Montejaque, heading towards Ermita Montejaque, also known as de la Escarihuela, continuing through El Algarrobo area, close to Boquetes de Mures down to Cortijo Grande looking for the Guadiar river until reaching the Cueva del Gato and its locality, Benaoján.
Points of Interest
- Estimated Time: 4 hours
- Kilometers: 11.78 km
- Elevation: Positive 569 meters, negative 703 m.
- Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking Route Montejaque – Estación Benaoján
Beautiful route with a mix of different surfaces on the trail and beautiful landscapes. The points along this route are Montejaque, the starting point, the Hermitage of Escarihuela, the Old Road from Ronda, Cueva del Gato, the Real Cañada del Campo de Gibraltar, and the Nacimiento de los Cascajales in Estación de Benaoján.
Points of Interest
- Estimated Time: 5 hours and a half
- Kilometers: 12.17km
- Elevation: Positive 296 meters and Negative 520 m.
- Difficulty: Moderate
Popular Festivals and Gastronomy in Montejaque
Feria de Montejaque
It may be the most well-known and anticipated festival for everyone. It takes place between August 12th and 15th. The reason for these dates, very similar or close to other municipalities in the province, is that this was the time when the old cattle fairs took place.
Juegos del Cántaro
Celebration with the label of Provincial Tourist Singularity. It is celebrated on February 28th, in the midst of Carnival. Participants pass a pitcher among themselves, forming a circle. This circle will progressively open, causing the participants to be increasingly farther apart from each other. Whoever drops the pitcher loses.
Feria in honor of the Virgin of the Conception
Between May 16th and 18th, you will find all the basic and traditional elements that make up a fair; music, celebration, ladies-in-waiting, a lot of desire to have fun, and a great paella. What more do you need?
Feast of Santiago
July 25th and 26th not only bring heat but also party, tradition, and dances. They are the festivals in honor of Santiago Apóstol.
Gastronomy
Its gastronomy is another reason why you should visit this Malaga municipality. Its most traditional cuisine revolves around products derived from Iberian pork. In addition to a rich and healthy orchard.
To start our menu, we will choose loin and chorizo in “colorá” lard and a selection of artisanal jams. Then a portion of Torta de Chicharrones.
When it comes to main courses, don’t leave without ordering a stew of tagarninas. Although if the cold bites, don’t hesitate, potato stew and stew. Of course, for drinks, you can’t miss the mistela, typical of the area.
How to Get to Montejaque
Despite being away from the Malaga capital and amidst mountains, the municipality enjoys an excellent connection with the rest of the province, thanks in part to its proximity to other municipalities such as Ronda or Júzcar. If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can hyre an automatic car at Malaga airport.
How to Get There by Public Transport
The travel time by bus between Malaga and Montejaque is around 3h 10m, including an hour of layover, and covers an approximate distance of 122 km. Weekly, about 15 buses cover that route.
By train, you will travel from María Zambrano Station to Antequera-Santa Ana, with an average time of 20 minutes and a cost ranging between ten and thirty euros. Once there, take another train towards Benaojan-Montejaque. It will cover the route in an hour and a quarter, and the ticket price varies between 10 and 20 euros. Once at the station, you will need to take a taxi to the town of Montejaque, about 7 minutes from the station.
How to Get There by Car to Montejaque
Leave Malaga airport taking the A-357 road. Continue on the A-367 road and, later, the MA-7401. The final stretch to reach the municipality of Montejaque is done on the MA-8400 road.
Map of Montejaque
Below is a map with the most interesting points to visit on your getaway to the white village of Montejaque. Enjoy your time there and have a safe trip.
