Almáchar: Vineyards, Ajoblanco and Arab History

The landscape of Almáchar is characterized by hills covered with vineyards. Orchards, olive trees and almond trees also shape the landscape, adding further agricultural areas to the slopes. As a result, the surroundings display several forms of agricultural use standing side by side in the landscape.

Landscape

The area around Almáchar includes Mount Santopitar and the beaches Playa Benajarafe, Playa de Las Gaviotas and Platja Rincón de la Victoria. Santopitar is located near Almáchar. Playa Benajarafe, Playa de Las Gaviotas and Platja Rincón de la Victoria are also located near Almáchar. The three destinations mentioned are all beaches in the vicinity of Almáchar, while Almáchar itself is characterized by its cultivated hills and agricultural areas.

Culture

The whitewashed, winding streets of Almáchar reflect the settlement’s history during the Arab period. The route “Almáchar respira poesía a través de sus calles” takes this townscape as the basis for a literary walking tour and leads through various places in the town center. In this way, the historic character of the streets in the town center is combined with an explicitly literary walking tour.

C.A.C. Centro de Arte Contemporáneo Francisco Hernández is a museum near Almáchar. Canteras de Almayate Museo de la Piedra is also a museum near Almáchar. Ancient sites in the surrounding area include Jardín (Phoenician necropolis) and Cerro del Alarcón (Phoenician site). Museo de la Pasa presents the work and process involved in raisin production. The cultural surroundings therefore encompass museums, ancient sites, local history and the processing of an agricultural product.

Cuisine

Almáchar is considered the place of origin of Ajoblanco, which is described as a symbol of the regional cuisine. Every September, Almáchar hosts a festival dedicated to Ajoblanco.

Traditional recipes from Almáchar include Gazpachuelo, Fritillo Gitano, roasted pepper salad, Coles Moreas, Sopa Amarilla and cod with oranges. The traditional dishes thus range from soups and salads to dishes featuring fish, vegetables and citrus fruits.

Trails

The natural surroundings of Almáchar are suitable for hiking trails and other active tourism activities. The officially approved Almáchar–Cerro Patarra hiking trail is designated SL-A 65.

Festivals

The celebration in honor of Santo Cristo de la Banda Verde is scheduled for the first weekend in May.

Getting There

Almáchar can be reached from Málaga via Rincón de la Victoria or via Vélez-Málaga. Both routes mentioned lead from Málaga in the direction of Almáchar. The travel description therefore names two different connections between Málaga and the town.

Other Places

Other places to discover: Canillas De Albaida, Malaga, Guaro, Alhaurin El Grande, El Burgo, Valdés, Almogía and Macharaviaya.

To the broader travel overview: Málaga.