What to see in Benamargosa Malaga Spain
A typical and fruity village !
Benamargosa, a picturesque village on the Axarquia-Costa del Sol
In this article you will find the essential information to see the best of Benamargosa :
- A few words about Benamargosa
- The origins of Benamargosa, the “Little Gibraltar
- What to see in Benamargosa?
- What to do in Benamargosa?
- Activities
- Guided tours
- Ferias and fiestas
- Where is Benamargosa?
- Booking accommodation
- Some useful links
- Experiences to discover in the province of Málaga
A few words about Benamargosa
Benamargosa is located in Axarquia in the province of Málaga.
Fruit growing is the main source of income for the village, although for a long time the village lived on smuggling (see below).
The origins of Benamargosa
This village of Arab origin has been known for centuries for its fruit production. Today, the cultivation is diversified (mango, avocado, litchi, kiwi,…)
Originally, it was concentrated on the cultivation of lemons and oranges.
It was the famous botanist Ibn Beithar who initiated the cultivation of these citrus fruits in the 13th century, according to a document dated 1216.
During the Al-Andalus period, the village had two sugarcane honey factories. Today, they have all disappeared. There is only one left in continental Europe…in the village of Frigiliana about 40km away.
You can also find a beautiful macadamia tree.
The little Gibraltar (Gibraltar el chico)
Benamargosa was nicknamed Little Gibraltar in the 20th century. Many villagers were smuggling tobacco and cloth from Gibraltar at that time.
Tobacco smuggling was at its peak during the civil war (1936-1939) and until the 1950s. This risky but lucrative smuggling activity was passed down from father to son.
The village’s “fame” for its smuggling activity has even been sung about.
Here is a verse from a song:
Viva mi pueblo señores / que soy de Benamargosa
donde se vende el tabaco / como si fuera otra cosa.
There is also a mention in this fandango (with some humour):
Cargao de Contrabando / me llevan a un tribunal
cargao de contrabando / yo le canté un fandango
el fiscal se echó a llorar / y el juez firmó la libertad
The website of the village council tells in detail about this period: page of the bandits and smugglers of the village.
There is still an important element from this period. In fact, the local inhabitants are called benamargoseño. However, in the region, the inhabitants of Benamargosa are still referred to by some as “mangurrinos”. This nickname comes from the word “mangón” which means “traffic, contraband”.
What to see in Benamargosa?
Santa Maria de la Encarnacion Church
The Mudéjar style can be seen on the facades of the church, as in other churches in the area.
The church was built in the 16th century over the old village mosque.
Its narrow streets in its historic centre
Walking through the streets and alleys of Benamargosa is a real pleasure.
Its tropical fruit fields
Benamargosa, a charming village surrounded by fruit orchards (lemons, mangoes, avocados) is an ideal place for rural tourism.
It is only a few kilometres from the sea and from Velez-Malaga. It is known for its many orchards as is the neighbouring village of Triana.
Taste the village drink: the baty cate
Here is a drink that was created in the village: the baty cate. It is a drink made from avocado, cinnamon, sugar and milk.
What to see near Benamargosa?
Right next to Benamargosa, there is a place with a very curious name: El Salto del Negro. Here you can learn about the origins of the village’s name and take the opportunity to buy some cakes from the bakery. They are typical, authentic and very good!
And, continuing on this road you arrive at the amazing village of Comares, a village perched on top of a mountain.
What to do in Benamargosa?
Activities in the area
There are many interesting activities to discover in the area:
- horse riding, on the beach or in the mountains
- diving in Torrox and Nerja
- guided tours (villages of Axarquia, Cordoba, Alhambra,…)
- via ferrata (Caminito del Rey,…)
- hiking (rio Chillar, El Saltillo with the hanging bridge,…)
- canyoning (in the rio Verde,…)
- astrotourism
- snorkeling
- visit the Cave of Nerja
Use the following link to access all the activities to do. This link provides you with all the details of each activity.
Guided tours
A very good local guide, Cipriano, offers thematic and seasonal guided tours of the villages of Axarquia. These tours leave from Nerja, Torrox and Torre del Mar.
For example, Cipriano organises the Wine and Sun Route.
This day trip allows you to discover several authentic white wine producing villages, visit a bodega, and participate in a wine tasting!
The guided tours are always done in small groups (2 to 8 people max.) to discover the authentic Axarquia.
In the following link you will find all the details and prices of the tours he offers.
The themes of the tours are: The Olive oil Route, the Raisin route, Frigiliana and El Acebuchal Tour….
Here are all the guided tours from Torrox, Nerja and Torre del Mar.
Fairs and Festivals
- Fiesta del campo, Ribera Tropical, in April (gastronomic festival with the folklore of the verdiales)
- Benamargosa Fair, in August
- Benamargosa Flamenco Festival, end of August (see 2023 poster, below)
- Fiesta of San Sebastian, in January
Where is Benamargosa?
Booking accommodation
Enter the desired dates to check availability.
Some useful links (car hire, ideas for visits)
Easy and economical bookings
If you are in Andalucia as part of a tour with several major cities to visit, here are some links that may be of interest:
Seville
Seville, the capital of Andalucia, is a city full of treasures to discover and monuments to visit.
Here you will find everything you can see in Seville in 3 days. And for those who will stay longer you will also find information on secret Seville and the Santa Cruz and Triana districts.
Cadiz
Visit Cadiz, a city with an incredible past and great beauty, on the Costa del la Luz.
Malaga
When you reach the Costa del Sol you will find in this link all must-sees in Malaga :
Granada
Discover what to see in Granada, and visit the Albaicin and Sacromonte districts:
Cordoba
And of course, visit Cordoba, the caliphate city, and the Juderia district
Experiences to discover in the province of Malaga
If you are in the area for a few days, here is a selection of great activities:
Find more ideas for visits to authentic Andalucia: see the blog pages on Andalucia.
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