Benamargosa: Culture, Landscape and Hiking Routes

Benamargosa combines a historic townscape with rural scenery and several hiking routes. The Río Benamargosa flows through the town; its vegetation-lined banks offer views of the agricultural landscape. The area is known for its lemon, mango and avocado groves, as well as its connection to the Axarquía’s tropical agriculture. Benamargosa is also on the Ruta del Sol y Aguacate, one of five routes in Axarquía Costa del Sol.

Landscape and Hiking Routes

The Ruta de la Corta starts at the bridge in Benamargosa and follows the Río Benamargosa, via the Puente Salto del Negro, to Laguna La Corta and back. It is 9 kilometres long, rated easy and takes approximately two hours. The Ruta de la Fuente de la Gota runs from Pechuelos Altos via El Castañar and the Fuente de la Gota to Benamargosa, along the upper Arroyo Limón. This 3.5-kilometre route is also listed as taking approximately two hours; it is rated moderate.

The Ruta de Málaga also takes approximately two hours and is rated moderate. It runs from the bridge in Benamargosa along the road to Cútar, as far as the boundary of the municipality of Almáchar, and back; it is 4 kilometres long. Comparing the routes highlights their different ratings: the longer Ruta de la Corta is rated easy, while the shorter Ruta de la Fuente de la Gota and Ruta de Málaga are rated moderate. Check local river, weather and trail conditions before setting out.

The Ruta del Tinao runs from Benamargosa via Arroyo Carvajal, Loma Banca, Zambucha, El Tinao and Los Cahorrillos, returning to the starting point. The Portugalejo–Benamargosa–Comares route passes through rural areas and showcases the region’s rural culture; it is rated moderate to challenging because navigation is difficult. A 1-kilometre Vía Verde leads to the Ingenio de San Rafael. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

Townscape and Architectural History

The townscape, set on a hillside, has an Arab-influenced layout with winding stairways, as well as Roman arches, murals, pillars and fountains. The Iglesia de la Encarnación stands in the lower part of town. It is considered the oldest and most important building in the municipality, and was built on the site of a former mosque. Construction began in the late 16th century on an octagonal ground plan; its features include three naves and an attached tower. An octagonal chapel and an octagonal Camarín for Jesús Nazareno date from the 17th century; both feature Rococo stucco work.

Buildings connected with agriculture also shape the town’s history. The Arco de la Huerta served to irrigate numerous cultivated fields in the Vega. The Puente de los Diez Ojos connects the banks of the Río Benamargosa and was built to provide access to the adjacent fertile land. The simple, vernacular Ermita del Cementerio was built by Doña María de Santiago in 1840 for her husband’s burial. The Ingenio de San Rafael was built in 1900 to produce sugar cane syrup. It is one of 37 surviving traces of the sugar industry in Málaga province.

Festivals and Local Specialities

The festival in honour of San Sebastián is celebrated on 20 January. The patron saint’s image is carried through the streets and visits the homes of the Mayordomos. The Romería in honour of the Virgen Inmaculada takes place in June. For the Corpus Christi festival, blankets and cloths adorn the balconies; on Corpus Christi Sunday, residents set up altars in the streets. During the procession, it stops at the altars, where prayers are said and the altars are blessed. Children throw flower petals at the monstrance.

The Feria de Agosto takes place on the first weekend of August and is considered one of Benamargosa’s oldest and most important festivals. On Saturday and Sunday, a daytime fair with music and drinks stalls for locals and visitors runs from midday. In the evening, the programme at the Caseta Oficial includes an orchestra, performances and concerts, as well as an amusement area. Dates and programmes may vary from year to year; check the festival dates for your travel period.

At the Feria del Campo, visitors can try Batycate, Ensaladilla Cateta, Zoque or “Limón Pera”, cherry tomatoes, Callos and Ajo-Bacalao; the selection of individual dishes may vary. Baty Cate is also a traditional drink from Benamargosa: an avocado milkshake made with avocado, cinnamon, sugar and milk.

Getting There and Planning Your Stay

The route to Benamargosa follows the A-7 Mediterranean motorway, then the A-356 towards Vélez-Málaga, followed by the signposted MA-3113. Check current road signs and road conditions before travelling. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, you can plan your travel dates around your preferred focus: festival dates, local history or one of the hiking routes, which have different difficulty ratings.

Discover more destinations: Istán, Sierra De Yeguas, Igualeja, Algarrobo, Mijas, Casabermeja, Riogordo, Arriate.

For the broader travel overview: Málaga.