Serrato: GR-7, springs and Andalusian culture

The GR-7 Sendero runs between Serrato and Ardales. It is officially designated as a long-distance hiking trail. White and red trail markers indicate its route. The landscape along the GR-7 includes cereal cultivation and olive growing. It also encompasses pine forest, the valley and the banks of the Río Turón. Thus, along this section, agriculturally shaped areas, wooded zones and the waterscape of the Río Turón come together.

Nature and trails

Almorchón lies south of Serrato and is also called Cerro de las Peleas. Its elevation is 986 metres. Ancient holm oaks and pine forests surround Almorchón. The name refers to the same mountain south of the town, whose landscape is characterised by these tree species.

The Sierra de la Cueva is shared by the municipalities of Serrato and Cuevas del Becerro. It consists of limestone. Scrubland and pasture cover the limestone, with individual holm oaks growing among them. Thus, in this area, the geological substrate, the open use as pastureland and the scattered trees stand directly alongside one another.

Mountains and water

The Cañamero aquifer lies in the vicinity of Serrato. It contributes to the formation of the Guadalteba River. It also contributes to the formation of the Barranco stream. During the rainy season, springs may form there. Waterfalls may also develop there. The waterscape is therefore linked to the aquifer and, at the same time, to seasonal rainfall.

The Fuente de Cañamero is located at the entrance to Serrato’s town centre. It has three basins. These basins are arranged in cascades and built from stones from the surrounding area. Their location at the town entrance and their stepped design connect the spring with a distinctive feature of the townscape.

The Fuente del Caño formerly supplied the inhabitants of the municipality of Serrato with water. Excess water from this spring is channelled into the Abrevadero de la Fuente del Caño watering trough at the entrance to Serrato.

Culture and history

The work “Cabeza de Baco en bronce” in the Museo de Málaga comes from the Cortijo de los Villares in Serrato. The work is made of bronze. Grapes are bacchic attributes of the figure depicted. Leaves are also among these attributes. The work thus connects a find site in Serrato with its present-day home in the Museo de Málaga and the aforementioned visual motifs.

“Día de la vieja” is a tradition of Andalusia’s intangible cultural heritage in Serrato.

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario was built in the 16th century. Construction took place after the Christian reconquest of the settlements in the Serranía. The last renovation of the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario took place in 2009. The building therefore bears both the character of its period of construction and the trace of a later renovation.

Serrato’s tourist information office is located in the town hall.

Crafts and cuisine

Traditional crafts associated with Serrato include esparto grass weaving and basketry. Both crafts mentioned use weaving techniques and form part of the town’s traditional local craft heritage.

Local dishes from Serrato include Tortilla de espárragos, Olla de tagarninas and Sopa hervida. Roscos de vino and Roscos de naranja are considered sweet specialities of Serrato. Tortas de azúcar y almendra and filled empanadillas are also included. The cuisine therefore comprises both savoury dishes and a range of traditionally known sweet pastries by name.

Other places: Rincón De La Victoria, Cártama, Ronda, Arroyo Coche, Canillas De Aceituno, Parchite, Los Morales, Mijas.

To the overarching travel overview: Málaga.