Alfarnatejo: Nature, History and Olive Oil

Nature and Landscape

The Los Tajos area around the municipality of Alfarnatejo includes the Tajo de Gómer, the Tajo de Doña Ana and the Alto del Fraile. On the Ruta de los Tajos, visitors can discover the landscape of Alfarnatejo. The Junta de Andalucía lists the Polje de Alfarnatejo as landscape area MA-10.

Alfarnatejo is located in Andalusia, an autonomous community in the south of Spain. Andalusia comprises eight provinces and has Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines. The region's geographical character includes large cities, white villages, mountain ranges and protected natural areas. Moorish heritage, flamenco traditions, coastlines, rural inland areas, mountain landscapes and local cuisine form part of the regional context. In Alfarnatejo, this broader regional setting meets the specifically named landscapes of Los Tajos.

The Pozas del río Sábar consist of two adjacent pools. They lie between large boulders that have been smoothed by strong currents. The pools are surrounded by limestone mountains, olive groves and lush riverside vegetation. Oleanders and tamarisks are part of this riverside vegetation.

The landscape and cultural sites are not all located at the same point. Los Tajos is associated with the area around the municipality, the Arab castle lies outside Alfarnatejo near the Tajo de Gómer, and the Neolithic remains are located in the gorge of the Río Sábar. The Cueva de Pela Horá is mentioned as a separate site with rock paintings. The church and olive mill, by contrast, are directly associated with Alfarnatejo.

Active Pursuits

Territorio Tejón is an open interpretation centre. It includes a route through Alfarnatejo following the tracks of badgers. The facilities belonging to Territorio Tejón are free of charge, include via ferratas, walkways, zip lines and hiking trails, and are suitable for families. Climbing is offered or highlighted in Alfarnatejo as an outdoor activity.

Culture and History

The Iglesia del Santo Cristo de Cabrilla in Alfarnatejo dates from the 18th century. It was reconstructed in 1977. The church has a rectangular floor plan with two naves. The two naves are separated by round arches. The exterior is dominated by a solid square tower made of fired bricks in the Mudéjar style.

Outside Alfarnatejo, near the Tajo de Gómer, lie the ruins of an old Arab castle. Neolithic remains are located in the gorge of the Río Sábar. These remains are dated to approximately 5,000 years ago. The Cueva de Pela Horá contains rock paintings dating from the Palaeolithic to the Chalcolithic.

Local Traditions

The Fiesta del Gazpacho in Alfarnatejo is a gastronomic festival dedicated to Andalusian gazpacho. The fiesta has been recognised as a festival of provincial tourist interest. An old olive mill in Alfarnatejo preserves its original machinery. It produces high-quality olive oil of the “verdial” variety.

More destinations: Cuevas Bajas, Pizarra, Casabermeja, La Cala del Moral, Mondrón, Casarabonela, Estepona, Villanueva De Algaidas

To the main travel overview: Málaga.