Benagalbón: Culture, Traditions and Trails

Culture and History

The Museo de Artes Populares is located in Benagalbón. It was founded in 1995 through a civic initiative to preserve local roots and cultural traditions. One exhibition area is dedicated to a traditional farmhouse. Another area displays agricultural equipment and work utensils typical of the area. Most of the objects were donated by people from the municipality.

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria was built in the 16th century. It is the oldest temple in the municipality. The church houses murals by Francisco Hernández Díaz. They depict the Annunciation, the Purification of Mary and the Assumption. The Centro de Estudios del Folclore Malagueño is dedicated to preserving and promoting the musical traditions of Málaga Province, particularly Verdiales singing.

Festivals and Artistic Programs

The Feria de Benagalbón is dedicated to Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria. The 2026 Feria de Benagalbón included a procession through the town’s streets. In the Certamen de Pintura Joven al Aire Libre “Paco Alonso-Fundación Unicaja,” the works focus thematically on landscapes, views, aspects and artistic interpretations of Benagalbón. The competition takes place in Benagalbón as part of the Semana Cultural.

The Semana Cultural de Benagalbón was held over ten days, from 24 April to 3 May, for its 47th edition. Its program included more than 30 activities, and the event is recognized as a Fiesta de Singularidad Turística of Málaga Province. The program included a night orienteering event, with registration and the start at Plaza de la Iglesia. A chocolate session with dessert tasting was held at Plaza de las Flores.

As part of the Semana Cultural, the rural tradition of “sanmarquear” with hornazo was revived. The 47th Semana Cultural also included a performance in the Montes Verdiales style by the Escuela de Verdiales Benagalbón. In the Concurso Tradicional de Verdiales, two groups compete against each other in a “choque de pandas.” They accelerate the Verdiales rhythm until one group makes a mistake.

Trails and Activities

The linear SL-A 084 trail is listed as a 9-kilometre round trip; approximately three hours are estimated for the route, and its difficulty is low. The trail can be travelled on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. As an officially approved hiking trail, the SL-A 084 runs from Cerro Benagalbón to Cerro Tío Caña. The municipal R-1 bus route connects Centro Comercial with Benagalbón.

Local Traditions

The traditional olive mill in Benagalbón offers the opportunity to learn about the production process for cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil.

Those travelling to Benagalbón can consider booking a hotel in the town as a possible place to stay; the specific accommodation accompanying the stay remains an individual decision and is not determined in advance solely by individual features of the town.

For the higher-level travel overview: Rincón De La Victoria.