Benamargosa best things to see and do

A typical and fruity village !

Benamargosa, a picturesque village on the Axarquia-Costa del Sol


benamargosa-calle tipica en Axarquia
Benamargosa, calle tipica

In this article you will find the essential information to see the best of Benamargosa :

  • A few words about Benamargosa
  • The origins of Benamargosa, the “Little Gibraltar
  • What to see in Benamargosa?
  • What to do in Benamargosa?
    • Activities
    • Guided tours
    • Ferias and fiestas
  • Where is Benamargosa?
  • Booking accommodation
  • Some useful links
  • Experiences to discover in the province of Málaga

benamargosa del pueblo
Entrance to the village of Benamargosa

A few words about Benamargosa


Benamargosa is located in Axarquia in the province of Málaga.


Fruit growing is the main source of income for the village, although for a long time the village lived on smuggling (see below).


benamargosa-cartel-calle

The origins of Benamargosa


This village of Arab origin has been known for centuries for its fruit production. Today, the cultivation is diversified (mango, avocado, litchi, kiwi,…)


lychee in Benamargosa

Originally, it was concentrated on the cultivation of lemons and oranges.


benamargosa limones
limones

It was the famous botanist Ibn Beithar who initiated the cultivation of these citrus fruits in the 13th century, according to a document dated 1216.


During the Al-Andalus period, the village had two sugarcane honey factories. Today, they have all disappeared. There is only one left in continental Europe…in the village of Frigiliana about 40km away.


You can also find a beautiful macadamia tree.


benamargosa nuez macadamia
nuez de macadamia en el parque del pueblo

The little Gibraltar (Gibraltar el chico)


Benamargosa was nicknamed Little Gibraltar in the 20th century. Many villagers were smuggling tobacco and cloth from Gibraltar at that time.


benamargosa antigua ventana

Tobacco smuggling was at its peak during the civil war (1936-1939) and until the 1950s. This risky but lucrative smuggling activity was passed down from father to son.


benamargosa ventana de madera sin vidrio
Benamargosa ventana de madera sin vidrio

The village’s “fame” for its smuggling activity has even been sung about.


Here is a verse from a song:

Viva mi pueblo señores / que soy de Benamargosa
donde se vende el tabaco / como si fuera otra cosa.


There is also a mention in this fandango (with some humour):

Cargao de Contrabando / me llevan a un tribunal
cargao de contrabando / yo le canté un fandango
el fiscal se echó a llorar / y el juez firmó la libertad


The website of the village council tells in detail about this period: page of the bandits and smugglers of the village.


benamargosa rincon

There is still an important element from this period. In fact, the local inhabitants are called benamargoseño. However, in the region, the inhabitants of Benamargosa are still referred to by some as “mangurrinos”. This nickname comes from the word “mangón” which means “traffic, contraband”.


What to see in Benamargosa?


Santa Maria de la Encarnacion Church


benamargosa-ceramica-iglesia

The Mudéjar style can be seen on the facades of the church, as in other churches in the area.


benamargosa-iglesia

The church was built in the 16th century over the old village mosque.


benamargosa-iglesia-vista-parcial
Vista parcial de la iglesia

Its narrow streets in its historic centre


Walking through the streets and alleys of Benamargosa is a real pleasure.


benamargosa-calle-vista comares

Its tropical fruit fields


Benamargosa, a charming village surrounded by fruit orchards (lemons, mangoes, avocados) is an ideal place for rural tourism.


benamargosa cultivo de tropicales en Axarquia
cultivo de tropicales, Benamargosa

It is only a few kilometres from the sea and from Velez-Malaga. It is known for its many orchards as is the neighbouring village of Triana.


Taste the village drink: the baty cate


Here is a drink that was created in the village: the baty cate. It is a drink made from avocado, cinnamon, sugar and milk.


What to see near Benamargosa?


Right next to Benamargosa, there is a place with a very curious name: El Salto del Negro. Here you can learn about the origins of the village’s name and take the opportunity to buy some cakes from the bakery. They are typical, authentic and very good!


benamargosa con vista a comares
Benamargosa con vista a Comares

And, continuing on this road you arrive at the amazing village of Comares, a village perched on top of a mountain.


Comares vista mar
Comares

What to do in Benamargosa?


Activities in the area


There are many interesting activities to discover in the area:


corals while a dive in Nerja
diving in Torrx and Nerja

  • horse riding, on the beach or in the mountains
  • diving in Torrox and Nerja
  • guided tours (villages of Axarquia, Cordoba, Alhambra,…)
  • via ferrata (Caminito del Rey,…)
  • hiking (rio Chillar, El Saltillo with the hanging bridge,…)
  • canyoning (in the rio Verde,…)
  • astrotourism
  • snorkeling
  • visit the Cave of Nerja

Use the following link to access all the activities to do. This link provides you with all the details of each activity.


Guided tours


A very good local guide, Cipriano, offers thematic and seasonal guided tours of the villages of Axarquia. These tours leave from Nerja, Torrox and Torre del Mar.


local guide andalucia
Cipriano

For example, Cipriano organises the Wine and Sun Route.


ceramica torrox ruta vino sol

This day trip allows you to discover several authentic white wine producing villages, visit a bodega, and participate in a wine tasting!


competa village de l'Andalousie authentique
Competa, on the route of wine and sun

The guided tours are always done in small groups (2 to 8 people max.) to discover the authentic Axarquia.


In the following link you will find all the details and prices of the tours he offers.


The themes of the tours are: The Olive oil Route, the Raisin route, Frigiliana and El Acebuchal Tour….


Here are all the guided tours from Torrox, Nerja and Torre del Mar.


Fairs and Festivals


benamargosa-fiesta-del-campo-2024




benamargosa-festival-flamenco-2023


Where is Benamargosa?



Booking accommodation


Enter the desired dates to check availability.


Booking.com

Some useful links (car hire, ideas for visits)


Easy and economical bookings






If you are in Andalucia as part of a tour with several major cities to visit, here are some links that may be of interest:


Seville


Seville, the capital of Andalucia, is a city full of treasures to discover and monuments to visit.


visita-sevilla-dias-catedral-puerta-del-perdon
Door of Forgiveness – Seville Cathedral

Here you will find everything you can see in Seville in 3 days. And for those who will stay longer you will also find information on secret Seville and the Santa Cruz and Triana districts.


Cadiz


cadix cadiz cathedrale catedral cathedral cattedrale

Visit Cadiz, a city with an incredible past and great beauty, on the Costa del la Luz.


Malaga


When you reach the Costa del Sol you will find in this link all must-sees in Malaga :


visiter-malaga-art-de-rue-place-juderia-proche-musee-picasso
Street art next to the Picasso Museum Malaga

Granada


Discover what to see in Granada, and visit the Albaicin and Sacromonte districts:


sacromonte-in-granada-view-on-alhambra-2

Cordoba


And of course, visit Cordoba, the caliphate city, and the Juderia district


visiter-cordoue-facade-sculptee-de-la-mosquee-cathedrale

Experiences to discover in the province of Malaga


If you are in the area for a few days, here is a selection of great activities:



Find more ideas for visits to authentic Andalucia: see the blog pages on Andalucia.


Here is the link to receive our newsletter from the andaluciamia.com blog


The latest articles on Andalucia


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