The Río Benamargosa runs through the town; its vegetation-lined banks offer views of the agricultural landscape. The town also features buildings with religious and agricultural histories, as well as hiking routes of varying lengths and difficulty levels. If you choose Benamargosa for its culture, landscape or trails, you can weigh up these highlights when planning your trip.
Landscape and Townscape
Lemon, mango and avocado groves shape Benamargosa’s agricultural profile, which is linked to the Axarquía’s tropical crops. Its wider regional context is also specific: Benamargosa lies on the Ruta del Sol y Aguacate, one of five routes in the Axarquía Costa del Sol. The town, set on a hillside, has an Arab-influenced layout with winding stairways. Roman arches, murals, pillars and fountains are also among its features.
Buildings and History
The Iglesia de la Encarnación stands in the lower part of town and is considered the municipality’s oldest and most important building. It was built on the site of a former mosque. Construction began in the late 16th century on an octagonal floor plan; the church has three naves and an attached tower. It also has a 17th-century octagonal chapel and an octagonal Camarín for Jesús Nazareno, both featuring Rococo stucco work.
Other buildings reflect the importance of water and agriculture. The Arco de la Huerta was used 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 fertile fields nearby. The Ermita del Cementerio tells a different story: this simple, traditional cemetery chapel was commissioned in 1840 by Doña María de Santiago for the burial of her husband.
Comparing Hiking Routes
The Ruta de la Corta starts at the bridge in Benamargosa and follows the Río Benamargosa, crossing the Puente Salto del Negro to Laguna La Corta before returning. It is 9 kilometres long, rated easy and takes about 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, at the upper reaches of the Arroyo Limón. This 3.5-kilometre route is also listed as taking about two hours; it is rated moderate.
The Ruta de Málaga is also estimated to take about two hours. It runs from the bridge in Benamargosa along the road to Cútar to the boundary of the municipality of Almáchar and back; it is 4 kilometres long and rated moderate. The three routes therefore differ mainly in length and in the Ruta de la Corta’s easy rating, while their approximate durations are similar. Check trail conditions locally before setting out; for the Ruta de la Corta, also check river and weather conditions.
Other trail options have different described highlights, but do not have the same length and duration information. The Ruta del Tinao runs from Benamargosa via Arroyo Carvajal, Loma Banca, Zambucha, El Tinao and Los Cahorrillos, returning to Benamargosa. The Portugalejo-Benamargosa-Comares route passes through scenic rural areas and offers insight into the region’s rural culture. It is rated moderate to challenging because navigation is difficult. A one-kilometre Vía Verde in Benamargosa leads to the Ingenio de San Rafael; here too, check trail conditions locally. The Ingenio was built in 1900 to produce sugarcane honey and is considered one of 37 surviving traces of the sugar industry in Málaga province.
Festivals and Regional Cuisine
For the Corpus Christi festival, blankets and cloths decorate 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, while children throw flower petals at the monstrance. The festival in honour of San Sebastián takes place on 20 January: the image of the patron saint is carried through the streets and visits the homes of the mayordomos. The Romería in honour of the Virgen Inmaculada is celebrated in June.
The Feria de Agosto takes place on the first weekend of August and is considered one of Benamargosa’s oldest and most important festivals. Its recurring format includes a daytime feria with music and drink stalls on Saturday and Sunday from midday, as well as evening events in the Caseta Oficial, with an orchestra, performances, concerts and an amusement area. The annual programme may vary, so check the dates and programme for the year before travelling.
A local drink is Baty Cate, an avocado milkshake made with avocado, cinnamon, sugar and milk. Visitors to the Feria del Campo can also try Batycate, Ensaladilla Cateta, Zoque, also known as “Limón Pera,” cherry tomatoes, Callos and Ajo-Bacalao. The dishes on offer may vary.
Getting There
The drive to Benamargosa follows the Mediterranean motorway A-7, then the A-356 towards Vélez-Málaga, and finally the signposted MA-3113. Check current road conditions and signage before setting off.
Discover more destinations: Campillos, Bobadilla, Alameda, El Sexmo, Torre de Benagalbón, Alpandeire, Álora, Antequera.
For the main travel overview: Málaga.
