Carratraca: Cultural Heritage, Spa Resort and Hiking Trails

The historic centre of Carratraca is registered in the General Catalogue of Andalusian Historical Heritage as an Asset of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural) in the category “Historic Site”. It lies on a slope in the Sierra de Baños, opposite the Sierra de Alcaparaín, and is surrounded by dry farmland.

Landscape

Small gardens and orchards are integrated into Carratraca’s urban structure; channels bring them water from the spa resort. Carratraca’s urban character developed through the Balneario de Carratraca, which shaped the communal use of the water and the town’s urban planning.

Culture

The Balneario de Carratraca opened in 1855. It has a central entrance hall, a bathing gallery in one wing of the building and communal baths at the other end. The classification of the historic site as an Asset of Cultural Interest takes into account its preserved historical, architectural, monumental, ethnological, landscape and environmental values.

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Salud dates from the 18th century; its predecessor was a chapel built earlier. The Palacio Trinidad Grund is a Neo-Mudéjar building commissioned around 1885 by Doña Trinidad Grund de Heredia as a country retreat for herself and her family. Since its restoration, the Palacio Trinidad Grund has been used as an office of Carratraca Town Hall. The Plaza de Toros de Carratraca is an octagonal bullring. The Sima de la Curra, also known as Sima de los Murciélagos, was registered as a Monument of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural) on 11 December 1985.

Events

The “Carratraca, Embrujo Andalusí” festival began in 1997 and presents Andalusian cultural heritage in a medieval setting with a market, crafts, theatre, dance and other performances. The “Embrujo Andalusí” festival was recognised by the Province of Málaga as an event of tourist interest.

The festival’s souk recreates a medieval market with exhibitions, handicrafts, theatre, dances, storytelling events and street processions. The festival evenings feature Andalusian dance, Andalusian music and flamenco; the town is illuminated by the light of 25,000 candles and torches.

Hiking

Stage 21 of the Gran Senda de Málaga from Álora (El Chorro Station) via Carratraca to Ardales passes through the municipal area of Carratraca at kilometre 15.7. The Ermita-Llano de Arenalejos circular hiking trail (SL-A-302) begins in the centre of Carratraca, on the street leading from the former Casa de Doña Trinidad Grund – today’s Carratraca Town Hall – to the old bullring, and passes the remains of the former Nuestra Señora de la Salud chapel.

Other Places

Other places in the travel region include Cuevas Del Becerro, Villanueva De La Concepción, El Burgo, Marina de Casares, Alpandeire, Bermejo, Mollina and Sedella.

Visitor Information

The Oficina Municipal de Turismo de Carratraca is located at C/ Glorieta 2, 29551 Carratraca, Málaga, Andalusia.

To the higher-level travel overview: Málaga.