Sayalonga: Round Cemetery, Churches and Trails

Culture and History

The Cementerio Redondo de Sayalonga is probably one of the few round cemeteries in Spain. Its vernacular architecture sets it apart. The Centro de Interpretación del Cementerio Redondo de Sayalonga is located directly at the entrance to the Cementerio Redondo de Sayalonga. The Cementerio Municipal has significant landscape value. Its architectural value is also high. It is considered one of the most remarkable examples of a traditional cemetery in the province of Málaga.

The Ermita de San Cayetano was probably built in the 16th century. This ermita houses an image of San Cayetano. The image dates from the 18th century and has significant artistic value in terms of sculpture. The Iglesia de Santa Catalina was built in the 16th century on the site of an earlier mosque. It features Mudéjar style and an octagonal tower.

The Museo Morisco provides visitors with information about aspects of the cultural heritage. Its topics also include aspects of culture and history. The Ruta de los Murales leads to murals at important locations in the town. The route’s illustrations convey information about the town’s history.

Sayalonga therefore focuses on both individual buildings and designed places of remembrance and interpretation. The round cemetery combines its unusual form with the Centro de Interpretación at the entrance, while the churches preserve historical construction phases and distinctive architectural features. History is also made accessible through information and illustrations at the Museo Morisco and along the Ruta de los Murales.

Nature and Trails

The Ruta de los Miradores Turísticos leads to the viewpoints in Sayalonga. Other viewpoints along this route are located in Corumbela. One route begins in Sayalonga. It runs via the Río Cájula and the rural area of El Molino to Corumbela. This route is suitable for hiking and mountain biking.

The Ruta de las Acequias Árabes runs along the municipality’s old Arab irrigation channels. The channels are located by the river. The river forms small natural pools. These pools are suitable for swimming.

The trails connect various landscape features: viewpoints in Sayalonga and Corumbela, the Río Cájula, the rural area of El Molino, and the old irrigation channels by the river. Hiking and mountain biking are mentioned for the route via El Molino; at the river’s natural pools, swimming is the main activity.

Food and Festivals

Bodegas Bentomiz is located at Finca El Almendro, Pago Cuesta Robano, in Sayalonga. A bodega offers tours of its facilities and vineyards. This offering also includes wine tastings. Cachorreñas is a soup dish typical of Sayalonga. Níspero is traditionally used to make níspero marmalade.

The Fiesta is celebrated on the first Sunday in May. Traditional music and traditional dances are part of this celebration. A fiesta in Sayalonga is recognized as a “Singularidad Turística de Málaga”.

Sayalonga’s culinary traditions therefore include both viticulture—with facilities, vineyards and tastings—and local produce and dishes. Finca El Almendro, with the designation Pago Cuesta Robano, identifies the location of Bodegas Bentomiz. Cachorreñas and níspero marmalade complement this wine tradition with a soup dish and a fruit preparation. The Fiesta on the first Sunday in May brings music and dances together.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations at Genalguacil, Humilladero, Atajate, Sedella, Comares, Arroyo Coche, Valle De Abdalajís and Benamocarra.

For the higher-level travel overview: Málaga.