Arenas: Mudéjar Traces, Olive Groves and the Feria de la Mula

Arenas combines landscape, village character and agricultural tradition. The town centre lies among hills covered with almond trees, olive groves, vineyards and pine forests. The surroundings give the town a clear setting for discoveries among visible architectural heritage, regional products and paths through the countryside. Its agricultural heritage includes the old olive mill building, the oil factory and extra virgin olive oil. The route connects both places through the countryside.

Townscape and landscape around Arenas

At the entrance to Arenas, there is a ceramic mural by the artist Virgilio González and an old olive mill building. This building has drainage openings in the wall that resemble a fountain. Together with the vegetation-covered hills, these two features shape the first impression of Arenas.

Castles, churches and Mudéjar traces in Arenas and Daimalos

The upper citadel of Castillo de Bentomiz preserves remnants of battlemented walls, four towers and two vaulted cisterns. Above the wall, there is a shaded resting area. From here, Andalusian vernacular architecture with whitewashed houses and tiled roofs can be observed along winding yet steep streets.

In Daimalos, the minaret tower has a square ground plan, four sections of different heights, blind horseshoe arches and a Mudéjar upper section with bell openings; it is considered one of the oldest in Spain. The Iglesia de Santa Catalina Mártir was a mosque until 1505 and preserves its brick minaret tower as well as its Mudéjar structure. The Rábita o Morabito de la Fuente Grande dates from between the 11th and 12th centuries. A legend says that drinking water from the spring there brings love.

Paths, horse rides and local traditions in Arenas

The Arenas–Daimalos 3 Fuentes Árabes route is considered a hike from Arenas to Daimalos that visits three fountains. It begins on Calle Calvario in Arenas. Alquiler de caballos San Roca offers horse rides in the surroundings of Arenas and Castillo de Bentomiz. The three fountains mark further stops along the route. The choice of route remains open between the path to the three fountains and horse rides in the surrounding area.

The Feria de la Mula de Arenas takes place on 12 October, honours the mule and serves to revive agricultural traditions. Anyone planning to attend the Feria de la Mula should plan around 12 October. It includes mule shows, competitions in load carrying, threshing and shoeing, traditional music, typical dishes and local Muscat wine. The competitions in load carrying, threshing and shoeing draw on activities associated with the honoured mule. At the Cooperativa Agrícola de Aceite Santa Catalina Mártir, you can visit the oil factory and purchase a bottle of extra virgin olive oil.

More Andalusian destinations

For comparison with other Andalusian destinations, you can also view Coín, Saladillo Benamara, Tolox, Cuevas Del Becerro, Ardales, Vélez-Málaga, Antequera and Bermejo.

To the main travel overview: Málaga.