Canillas de Albaida: Trails, Waterfalls and History

The Puerto Blanquillo–Cerro Lucero route is approximately 5 km long, takes about 2.5 to 3 hours and has a moderate difficulty level. The route reaches a summit 1,739 metres high; because of the sandy terrain, there is almost no vegetation there. Canillas de Albaida is one of the municipalities in the province of Málaga located within the Parque Natural Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama.

Nature

The waterfalls of the Arroyo del Melero are located at the Fábrica de la Luz, amid lush vegetation. Camping is permitted there; the Fábrica de la Luz is also the starting point for several mountain and hiking trails that pass through the Parque Natural. The Fábrica de la Luz recreation area has barbecue facilities, tables, benches, toilets and drinking fountains. The Santa Ana–Fábrica de la Luz route passes through hilly countryside with olive, orange and avocado trees. The Fábrica de la Luz–Puerto Blanquillo route leads to a water source that supplies Canillas de Albaida with water.

Culture

The “Los Molinos” Río Turvilla route is a circular trail connecting Canillas de Albaida and Árchez. It starts at the Canillas de Albaida tourist office in El Llano de la Fuente, where vehicles can be parked. The route includes approximately 350 metres of metal walkways over an old irrigation channel. It leads to the Plaza Nuestra Señora del Rosario, where the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Expectación is located.

History

For centuries, the Ermita de Santa Ana served as a landmark and watch post for defending the area. Its original fortification was converted into a Christian temple. In the Paraje de las Cuestas, there are two old Roman roads that meet above the Río Turvilla at the Puente Romano. The Puente Romano dates from Roman times and has been rebuilt several times.

The former Fábrica de la Luz is a ruined building; it once housed turbines for generating hydroelectric power. Vehicles with fewer than ten seats can reach the former Fábrica de la Luz via a forest track that connects it with Canillas de Albaida and is appropriately sized for them. The Ermita de San Antón is a small, well-preserved building in the lower part of Canillas de Albaida. The Antiguo Lavadero is located near a natural spring. Dressing the Niño during the Misa del Gallo is one of the traditions in Canillas de Albaida.

Festivals

The Festividad de San Antón is celebrated on the weekend closest to 17 January. The Festividad de San Antón includes a Romería with horses, mules and pets, followed by the traditional blessing of the animals. Visitors to the Festividad de San Antón are invited to sample roast meat, chorizo, morcilla and drinks.

Other destinations on this page: Valle De Abdalajís, Benamocarra, Benalauría, Sierra De Yeguas, Genalguacil, Antequera, Teba and Frigiliana.

Getting Around

The Punto de Información Turística is open around the clock and provides visitor information, a rest area, a place to charge mobile phones and running water. The A-7206 road leads from Torrox via Cómpeta to Canillas de Albaida.

To the main travel overview: Málaga.