Periana – Olive Groves, Trails and History

Periana is surrounded by fruit fields and olive groves. The Olivo Caracol de Fuente Piojo is a monumental olive tree and received the AEMO award for Spain’s best monumental olive tree in 2017. The I Ruta de los Olivos Milenarios de Periana also focuses on the history of the “Verdial de Vélez-Málaga” olive trees. It ends at the Cooperativa Olivarera San Isidro; check this endpoint locally before setting out.

Olive Landscapes and Routes

The first stage of the GR-242 is the Periana–Alcaucín section, which begins in the town centre of Periana. The GR 249 has a different connection to the landscape and history: at kilometre 22.6, it enters the Periana area alongside the archaeological site of Capellanía, which is more than two millennia old. Its Periana section passes through centuries-old olive groves. Traditional dry-stone walls run between the plots; small albarradas stretching for kilometres help reduce the slope of the terrain. Stage 08 of the GR 249 ends at the southern entrance to the town, near the Vereda de Cantillana, where it meets the first houses. These routes therefore have different reference points: the GR-242 begins in the town centre, while the olive groves and the southern entrance to the town provide landmarks for the GR 249. Since access details can change, check them locally before setting out.

Olive Oil History and Local Traditions

In Mondrón, six kilometres from Periana, the Museo del Aceite de Mondrón preserves historical olive oil production methods. Visitors can see old millstones and other equipment. Admission is free, and visitors can also buy oil from the olive mill there. Confirm the current visiting arrangements before your visit.

The Día del Aceite Verdial takes place each spring; the date varies. The event is recognised as a festival of provincial tourist interest in Málaga. It includes a traditional molinero breakfast of bread, cod, green beans and Verdial olive oil. During the event, visitors can see traditional olive oil production equipment, such as millstones, presses and a capacho, at both local cooperatives. Check the date and programme for your plans.

Townscape and Architectural History

The Antiguo Lavadero Municipal is in the centre of Periana, on Calle Cerco and a few metres from Plaza de la Fuente. Today, the former washhouse supplies drinking water and is also a peaceful, picturesque spot by the water. It recalls the former social role of communal washhouses. Periana also retains the old tradition of carrying water from the spring home in botijos. The Iglesia de San Isidro Labrador was built in the Neo-Mudéjar style after the earthquake.

Baños de Vilo and Archaeological Remains

The bath in the village of Baños de Vilo is considered an Arab bath. Baños de Vilo is 2.5 kilometres from Periana and just over 610 metres above sea level. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Balneario de Baños de Vilo was considered one of Andalusia’s most important spa resorts. Check current access conditions before visiting.

In the vicinity of Periana, the surviving edge of the pool at the Poza de Vilo has a stone surround that was crafted more than a thousand years ago. The water is considered sulphurous, magnesium-calcium-rich and nitrogenous, and has a constant temperature of 21 °C. Traces of settlement at Cerro de Capellanía date from the Middle Neolithic to the 1st century AD. Prehistoric rock paintings are also found in caves beside the Abrigo de Marchamonas; the cave is listed as a Bien de Interés Cultural.

Discover more destinations: Arroyo Coche, Frigiliana, Alfarnate, Los Puertas, Los Villalones, Parchite, Saladillo Benamara, Carratraca

For the wider travel overview: Málaga.