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Index Greeting Letter........................................ 121 Localization............................................ 124 Benahavis............................................... 126 Benalmadena........................................... 136
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Casares.................................................. 146 Estepona................................................ 156 Fuengirola.............................................. 166 Istan..................................................... 176 Manilva.................................................. 186 Marbella................................................. 196 Mijas..................................................... 206 Ojen..................................................... 216 Torremolinos........................................... 226
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tourist and cultural guide
President
The municipalities of the Costa del Sol have a lot of aspects in common, especially the culture. For this reason, we celebrate the intention of the Local Cultural Office of the Association of Municipalities of Costa del Sol to create a Cultural Guide covering all aspects related to the culture of this region such as the most important annual events, the history, monuments and sightseeing of these towns. The geographical area covering from Torremolinos to Manilva has some cultural peculiarities which makes it unique, and because of that we must promote it and make it profitable by providing the widest diffusion in order for the neighbors and visitors to enjoy it completely. For that reason we greet from these few lines the birth of this Guide. We are sure it will be an effective tool for a greater union of the towns which compose the Association of Municipalities of Costa del Sol. This will make possible to achieve any objective we plan.
GREETING LETTER
The Costa del Sol is an area composed of eleven municipalities with their own characteristics and personality, but it is composing gradually a more united area creating an interrelation between them which makes us see the area as a whole.
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Juan SĂĄnchez GarcĂa President Association of Municipalities of the Western Costa del Sol
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Delegate for Culture
GREETING LETTER
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From the Delegation of Culture of the Association of Municipalities of Costa del Sol, which I am honoured to manage, I am very pleased to receive the creation of the “Tourist and Cultural Guide for the Municipalities of Costa del Sol” edited by this organization. It has been brought together by all the municipalities which are part of this organization and interested in offering their products and services within a scope of tourism excellence, from which we can enjoy in all those municipalities. In order to enhance more of this Guide if possible, we have included a wide range of leisure activities and festivals, as well as the cultural heritage and any additional and useful information as complement of this major presentation, to further information of every town. The design of this Tourist and Cultural Guide is aimed basically at encouraging residents and visitors in search of different channels of leisure and appropriate ways to spend their spare time, as well as getting to know our towns their charms and getting them closer to the tourists who are visiting. Yours faithfully.
Noelia López Aragón Delegate for Culture Association of Municipalities of the Western Costa del Sol
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Delegate for Tourism
From our Office, we are sure that this Guide will get you closer to history, traditions, gastronomy, cultural and tourist events of our municipalities. Finally, I would like to thank all towns whose participation was essential for this excellent Guide we put at your disposal. We hope you find it useful and those who visit us, they can better enjoy the Costa del Sol.
GREETING LETTER
The Local Tourism Office from the Association of Municipalities of Costa del Sol is delighted to present a new “Tourist and Cultural Guide of Costa del Sol”. The reason why this Guide arose is because of the enhancement of the wide variety of cultural and leisure offer, which the eleven municipalities of this association are trying to hoard. As far as that is concerned, we are aiming to put at your disposal an useful document in order to discover the wonders and charms of our towns and cities.
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Antonio Sánchez Pacheco Delegate for Culture Association of Municipalities of the Western Costa del Sol
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LOCALIZATION
The Association of Municipalities is headquartered in Marbella, because it is the geographic centre of the region extending almost 100 kilometers along the coastline and which includes some municipalities in the nearby mountains. Costa del Sol has been for four decades one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the world. The beauty of its beaches and the bounties of nature are the key factors, along with major hotel resorts, communication and leisure facilities which have been developed throughout years, turning the province of Malaga into a tourist destination able to satisfy the most demanding requests in any season. From Torremolinos to Manilva, there are eleven municipalities concentrating the most important tourist attractions, which include first class resources of sun and beach, along with golf, horse riding, conference facilities, marinas, water and theme parks, aquariums, nature parks, racecourse and hundreds of possibilities turning the area into a paradise for sports and leisure. Wide sandy beaches and hidden coves shape a hundred of kilometers of the western coastline. Under the climate and nature, Costa del Sol has developed a new offer in recent years: golf. The eleven municipalities of Western Costa del Sol concentrate as much golf courses in Europe. A few kilometers from the coast, nature provides a unique treasure, the whitewashed villages which are increasingly best-connected and equipped for those who prefer an alternative to the sun and the beach, such as mountain sports. Inland, Ojen, Istan, Benahavis, Casares and Manilva offer a natural wealth, which can be seen in its entire splendor. On the coast and inland, the municipalities alternate tradition with tourism development, marinas with fishing ports, international cuisine with the most delicious traditional gastronomy, modern housing developments with the conservation and promotion of the native customs, the bustle of tourism with the tranquility of the people and the brightness of the lime, the happiness of the busy nights with the peace and tranquility of nature. This is Costa del Sol, which attracts and enchants visitors: its people lavish hospitality and effort to make the visitors to this region feel at home.
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LOCALIZATION Association of Municipalities of the Western Costa del Sol
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BENAHAVIS
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Origins and History.................................... 128 Monuments and Cultural Heritage.................. 129 Festivals and Cultural Events........................ 131 Flavors of the Village................................. 133 Did you know‌?....................................... 134 Additional Information............................... 135
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Origins and History
Benahavís dates back to the Arab times when they built the pre-tenth century Castle of Montemayor. The town began to grow around it. The village of Daidín was another nearby village which today belongs to the municipality of Benahavís. After the storming of Marbella in 1485, Benahavís and the surrounding villages were conquered by the Catholic Monarchs. Initially, the jurisdiction of the area was entrusted to the Count of Ribadeo, but years later it was given to the Count of Cifuentes, in gratitude for his help in the conquest of Granada. This fact caused a strong tension between Benahavís and Marbella, which had previously belonged to. The King Felipe II granted the Town Charter to Benahavís in 1527, getting complete independence from Marbella. Montemayor Castle area and the Hill of Alcuzcuz were scenes of heavy fighting during the Independence War against the Napoleon’s troops.
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Monuments and Cultural Heritage
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Old Town. Typical andalusian village with white houses and narrow streets leading to sunny squares where you can admire the memory of the Arab past.
Townhall. It is a XVI century palace with a small inner courtyard surrounded by an arcade. It was built according to the canons of the Moorish style. Rural Chapel of Nuestra Señora del Rosario and San José de Alcuzcuz. It was built in 2001 in honor of the town’s patron saint, whose pilgrimage has been held for years in that place.
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Virgen del Rosario Church. It dates from the XVIII century. It is a building with one nave and has been restored repeatedly since it was built.
Montemayor Castle. It is a pre-tenth century castle. Part of the wall is well preserved, as well as the Queen Tower in the enclosure where it has been found vestiges of chambers and vestiges of a well.
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Monuments and Cultural Heritage
Leonera Tower. It remains in very good condition. Nowadays it is surrounded by a park, from whose viewpoint you can appreciate the magnificent view of Las Angosturas, through which Guadalmina River flows. Medieval Towers. Vestiges of some of the Beacon Towers, dating from the Moorish period, are still in good condition. These towers were part of the defensive barrier of Benahavís, such as the towers Campanilla, Tramores, Estéril and Daidín. Golf. There are eight nationally and internationally recognized golf courses. Some of them will be hosting this year the Golf Tournament Circuit “We recycle for you”, organized by the public company ACOSOL and the Delegation of Tourism of the Association of Municipalities of the Costa del Sol.
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Festivals and Cultural Events
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Holy Week (March – April). The most notable aspect is the presence of the stewards. This custom is based on the appointment of two unmarried boys and two unmarried girls who are responsible for collaborating in the organization of the Holy Week and they are in charge of preparing a meal for all neighbors with products stolen of the gardens, among other duties. During this week they also prepare the Garden of the Baby Jesus, a hut where it`s placed an image of the Baby Jesus. On Easter Sunday, the stewardesses in charge of guarding the image of the Baby Jesus invite the neighbors to take sweets and liquor in exchange for some money for the Church. Meanwhile the stewards raffle and sell the garden products and animals given by the town residents. This day the boys hang a doll, made by the stewards, to a eucalyptus tree. This doll represents Judas and it is shot throughout the day as a sign of punishment for his betrayal.
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Pilgrimage of San Jose (March 19th). It has been held since 2008 and it is a day out in the countryside.
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III Gastronomic Journey in the Catering School of Benahavís (May – June). The hotels and restaurants of the town prepare tasting menus at the Catering School during these days. Pop Night (July). It is a free concert with performances by renowned artists from different musical genres. Benahavís Fair (August). Five days of festivities in honor of the patron saint, Virgen del Rosario. The fair starts with the lighting event and during these days you can enjoy dancing in the streets of town with live music. Pilgrimage of Virgen del Rosario (October 7th). The neighbors come in carriages or on foot to the Rural Chapel of Nuestra Señora del Rosario, where it is celebrated a mass. After that, a day of celebration starts in the different m a r q u e e s set for the occasion.
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Flavors of the Village
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Among its typical dishes include the chorizo al agua, rabbit with garlic, rice with rabbit, lamb and partridge stew, oxtail and marinated or grilled bief tenderloin. The most popular desserts are brandy cakes, rice pudding, homemade custard, rich custard dessert and homemade cakes.
Roscos de aguardiente Fry oil, anise and lemon peel in a skillet. Then strain the oil into a bowl with the cinnamon, the lemon rind, the orange juice and the brandy. Then add the flour with the baking soda and mix. When the dough is ready, make the cakes and put them in the oven 25 – 30 minutes. Finally, sprinkle sugar over them. Two kilos of flour. The juice of an orange. Lemon peel. A spoonful of anise.
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Ingredientes: One liter of oil. Two spoonful of cinnamon. One teaspoon of baking soda. Lemon rind. A quart of brandy Half cup of sugar.
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The “Dining Room of the Costa del Sol”
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This is the nickname given to Benahavís, deservedly won by the over 30 restaurants offering a big variety of dishes. We can find at the Andalucía Avenue the Arabic-Hispanic School Foundation of the Mediterranean Diet, Rufino Restaurant, La Sartén, Mesón de Benahavís, El Molino, Las Rosas and El Fogón de la Aldea at the end of the street. At España Square, there are La Torre Restaurant, Las Cañas Viejas, El Mirador, Las Cañas de Eugenio and Lindaraja Grill. We can find Los Amigos, Los Abanicos, Los Faroles and La Escalera in Málaga Street. We also have the restaurants of Amanhavís Hotel and Gran Hotel Benahavís. On the outskirts, there are Cortijo de Torres and Álvarez Restaurant. On the road to Ronda, there are located La Parada, Venta Los Almendros, Mesón El Coto, Lords Sea Food, Gestión Hotelera, La Taberna del Alabardero and La Casita de la Heredia. They are also well-known the bars and wineries offering delicious and varied tapas such as Bodeguita El Chico, El Paisano, El Ambiente, Bodega Villa Josefa, Donde Kike, La Brasserie, La Alacena, Tasquita Paca and La Bodega. On the other hand, we can choose between the restaurants belonging to the eight golf courses in Benahavís and from other hotels located in the municipality: Los Arqueros Golf, Marbella Club Golf & Resort, La Cantina in Flamingos Golf Course, Casa Club La Zagaleta Golf Course, Casa Club La Quinta Golf, Los Arcos, La Veranda in Villapadierna Hotel y Casa Club of Montemayor.
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Web www.benahavis.es www.circuitoreciclamosporti.es www.webmalaga.com www.visitacostadelsol.com www.pueblosandaluces.com www.malaga.es www.andalucia.org
Phones 952 85 50 25 952 85 50 25 952 78 72 30 952 86 90 90 952 85 55 44 091 952 85 55 27 062 061 952 78 70 79
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Townhall Tourism F. del Espanto Tourism Office Taxi BenahavĂs Local Police National Police Civil Guard Civil Guard (Emergency) Health Emergency Marbella Fire Brigade
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BENALMADENA
BENALMADENA
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Origins and History.................................... 138 Monuments and Cultural Heritage.................. 139 Festivals and Cultural Events........................ 141 Flavors of the Village................................. 143 Did you know‌?....................................... 144 Additional Information............................... 145
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Origins and History
There were prehistoric settlements in the Upper Paleolithic, Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians and Romans. Phoenician and Roman vestiges have been found, especially on the coast. After the central European invasions, the Arabs settled in the municipality and named the town. After the conquest of the Catholic Monarchs, the town was practically deserted. The repopulation of the municipality started in 1491. From the XVIII century, the town experienced a major economic boom due to the vineyards and the arrival of the Genoese Felix Solecio, who created an important industry of paper. The plag of phylloxera sunk the economy of the town until the first half of the XX century. From this moment, the tourism development of the town starts.
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Monuments and Cultural Heritage
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Old Town of Benalmadena Pueblo. The construction of the old town dates back to the XV century, and it still retains the taste of the Andalusian whitewashed villages with narrow streets and facades decorated with flowers. Santo Domingo de Guzman Church. It is located in the Jardines del Muro in Benalmadena Pueblo. It was built in the XVII century and renovated in the XX century. There is a viewpoint in the surroundings with superb views to the coast. Archeological and Pre-Columbian Art Municipal Museum. It is located in Benalmadena Pueblo. It houses the remains found in the town and one of the most complete pre-Columbian art collections outside of America.
Garden of Eagles. At the summit of Mount Calamorro, there is a reserve for breeding and recovery of raptors, owls, eagles, hawks, vultures and other species. La Paloma Park. It is located in Benalmadena Costa. There is an artificial lake where you can see ducks, pelicans, peacocks, turtles and other species; as well as a small zoo and a cactus garden. Espa単a Square in Arroyo de la Miel. It is the origin of the villaje of Arroyo de la Miel. It was built in the XVIII century and still retains the original structure and a stone arch at its entrance.
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Stupa of Enlightment. It is one of the largest Buddhist temples in the West. You can admire the splendid sea views.
Bil Bil Castle. It is an Arabic-style building dating to the early XX century. It hosts numerous cultural events, exhibitions, concerts and conferences. The red colour of the facade is very impressive. Colomares Castle. It was built on the second half of the XX century in honour of Christopher Columbus and the discovery of America. The glass windows are especially beautiful.
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Monuments and Cultural Heritage Beacon Towers. There are three preserved beacon towers along the coast. The Bermeja Tower has Muslim origins, and Quebrada Tower and Muelle Tower were built by the Christians. Promenade. It extends throughout the municipality. There are beautiful designs made in the pavement and you can find some sculptures along it. There is also a wide range of restaurants, shops and ice cream shops.
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Puerto Marina. It is a sport, residential and leisure complex and it is also an international landmark in terms of fishing tournaments and regattas. It has been named repeatedly as “Best Marina in the World” because of its architecture. Beaches. There are 15 beaches with different characteristics, from long sandy beaches to small coves. The most popular beaches are Santa Ana, Malapesquera and Las Yucas, for diving. Cable Car and Selwo Marina. The cable car connects Arroyo de la Miel with Mount Calamorro, where you can practice different activities. Selwo Marina is located in La Paloma Park, and you can enjoy there the dolphinarium and the only ice penguin reserve in Andalucia. Tivoli World. It is located in Arroyo de la Miel and is the only and most emblematic them park in Costa del Sol. It offers a wide range of activities, rides, dance shows, musical performances and restaurants. Sealife. It is located in Benalmadena Costa, next to the Marina, and offers the opportunity to discover the flora and fauna of the surrounding marine. The Little Girl of Benalmadena. It is a bronze sculpture of a little girl at the centre of the fountain in España Square in Benalmadena Pueblo. It has become a symbol of the municipality.
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Tango Festival (January). It is aimed at bringing the tango to the neighbours and visitors. Prestigious national and international artists meet at this festival. Carnival (February). During several days, the streets of Benalmadena and Arroyo de la Miel are full of costumes, dances, parades and competitions.
Holy Week (March – April). As well as the processions through the streets of Benalmadena and Arroyo de la Miel, the neighbours represent the Passion of Jesus Christ on Holy Thursday. Corpus Christi (March). It is celebrated in Benalmadena Pueblo. The neighbours make a beautiful carpet of flower petals and herbs to the procession passes by it.
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Seafood Fair (March). It takes place in Puerto Marina for several days. Tastings of different types of seafood are offered to visitors.
San Juan Fair (24th June). It is held in Arroyo de la Miel and consists of several days of leisure and conviviality. On the night of the 23rd to the 24th, the neighbours lit bonfires along the coast of the municipality. There also is a procession in honour of its patron saint, San Juan. Benalmadena Summer Festival (July – September). There are many activities during these months, such as theatre, dance and music performances.
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Festivals and Cultural Events Frog Day (July). It is a meeting between professionals and amateurs of the terrariums. Exhibitions and conferences are organized.
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Veladilla del Carmen (16th July). There is a procession by the sea in Benalmadena Costa, starting with a Mass and a sea salve. Ben-al-Madena Souk (August). The streets of Benalmadena Pueblo become a major Arab souk with craft stalls, workshops, storytelling, and dance and music performances. Virgen de la Cruz Festivities (around the 15th August). These festivities take place in Benalmadena Pueblo and there are organized numerous recreational and cultural activities. Tourist Day (27th September). There are different activities in honour of the tourists and visitors during the whole day. Benalmadena Blues Festival (October). This festival brings together some of the best artists of the national and international scene, playing different styles of blues. Benalmadena International Short Film and Alternative Cinema Festival (October). It is focused on show the films which do not reach the cinemas, as well as helping the new artists to develop their career.
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Flavors of the Village
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Benalmadena’s cuisine is based mainly on fried fish, espeton of sardines, cachorreùas stew, crumbs with milk and meat loaf. The most typical fried fish are the anchovies, the horse mackerel and mullet. A special mention must be made to the School of Catering la Fonda, which offers the visitor the possibility of tasting the most typical dishes of the Andalusian cuisine.
Fried Fish
Ingredient: White fish (hakes, cuttlefishes, and squids). Blue fish (anchovies and sardines). Flour. Salt. Lemon slices. Olive oil.
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BENALMADENA
Cut the fish into small pieces and add them a little salt. Then coat in flour abd fry in abundant oil. Drain and serve with lemon wedges.
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Ibn-al-Baytar
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Ibn-al-Baytar was an Andalusian doctor and botanist born about 1190 in Benalmadena and died in 1248 in Damascus. He was considered one of the most important botanist and pharmacists of the Middle Ages. He began his studies in Seville at the hands of the great sages of that time, and he started here his collection of plants. By 1220, he traveled through North Africa to the Middle East, from where he never came back. He settled in Cairo, where he was appointed as botanist chief of Egypt. He studied there the medical properties of plants. Two centuries after his death, the Armenian Amir Dowlat based on his work to write his medical encyclopedia. His work was translated and studied throughout Middle Ages, being his most notable work The Book of Simple Medicines and Foodstuffs. He named the plants and described the use of more than 1.400 species.
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Town Hall 952 57 98 00 Deputy Major’s Office of Arroyo de la Miel 952 44 46 89 Deputy Major’s Office of Benalmádena Costa 952 56 37 79 TourismOffice 952 44 24 94 / 952 44 12 95 Taxi 952 44 15 45 Local Police 092 Local Police of Arroyo de la Miel 952 56 21 42 Local Police of Benalmádena 952 87 98 49 National Police 091 National Police of Arroyo de la Miel 952 44 29 24 Civil Guard 952 56 26 55 Fire Brigade 952 56 34 29 / 080 Emergency 112 Health Emergency 061
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Phones
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CASARES
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Origins and History.................................... 148 Monuments and Cultural Heritage.................. 149 Festivals and Cultural Events........................ 151 Flavors of the Village................................. 153 Did you know‌?....................................... 154 Additional Information............................... 155
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Origins and History
The origins of Casares dates back to Prehistory, as evidenced by the vestiges found in the Caves of Ferrete, Crestellina and Utrera. Many people settled in the area attracted by the strategic location, such as Phoenicians, Iberians, Romans and Arabs. Casares has Muslim origins. You can see the traces of its culture in the urban structure of the village. Casares played an important role in the expansion of the Almoravids. In 1361, the troops of Pedro I the Cruel and Mohammed V meet in Casares to help Mohammed V to regain the throne of Granada. In the late XV century, it was conquered by the Catholic Monarchs. Casares played an important role during the French domination as well, so Casares kept up with the invading troop’s attacks until they retreated without submitting the village in 1813. In 1885, Casares was the birthplace of Blas Infante, the father of the Andalusian Nation. He wrote the Ideal Andaluz and was the Andalusian autonomy driver and creator of the Andalusian anthem and flag. He was shot and died in 1936, at the beginning of the Civil War.
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Ruins of the Arab Wall and Castle. As well as parts of the wall, it has been preserved some parts of the wall and towers of the fortress, some of the doors, the Villa Arch and the Arrabal Arch. Cemetery. It is located within the grounds of the castle and it is especially remarkable for the circular construction and the whitwashed niches, a particular tradition in Casares.
Vera Cruz Rural Chapel. It is located in the grounds of the castle and was built in the XVI century. It keeps part of the nave. Ethnohistory Museum. It is aimed to show the history and lifestyle of the ancient inhabitants of Casares. Archeological remains are exposed in it, as well as utensils and tools belonging to everyday life from the Neolithic to the XX century.
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Encarnacion’s Church. It was built in the XVI century in the grounds of the Arab fortress. The best preserved vestige is a Mudejar tower.
Town Centre. It is declared as Historical Artistic Site. It is worth to walk through the maze of streets of this typical whitewashed Andalusian village, which still retains the Moorish flavor. Present Encarnacion’s Church. It was originally a Capuchin-Franciscan convent. The Moorish-styled tower dates back to the XVI century. The preserved garden in the backyard belongs to the old convent. San Sebastian’s Church. It is a rural chapel and holds the image of Nuestra Señora del Rosario, the patron saint of Casares.
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Monuments and Cultural Heritage Carlos III Fountain. It was built in 1785 under the reign of Carlos III. It is located in the middle of the España Square.
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Blas Infante Birth HouseMuseum. The tourism office is housed in it. It also shows part of the works and life of Blas Infante. La Hedionda Baths. They are declared as Item of Cultural Interest. These ferruginous sulfur baths date back to the Roman period and were renovated by Arabs. Aqueduct Bridge of the Baths. It was built in the XVI century for the irrigation and passage of people between the Baths and the Way of Vallecillo. The Flour Mills. Eight Moorish water mills have been preserved. They were concessions from the Duke of Arcos in 1508 and 1512. Some of these mills retain typical elements of the milling. Tower of the Salt. Also named “the jump of the Moorish girl”, it is located on the coast of Casares. Although Arabs used it, the tower origins date back to the Phoenician times. Lacipo Roman Village. The preserved remains are part of the wall, an altar to Youth and other one to Fortuna Augusta, four checkpoints and two small towers. The Visigoths used it as cemetery. Virgen del Rosario Rural Chapel. It is located at the junction of the rivers Genal and Guadiaro. In winter, the rural chapel could be isolated because of the flooding of Genal River. Beaches. There are 2,2 kilometers of coast divided into three different beaches: Ancha Beach, La Sal Beach and Piedra Paloma Beach.
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Carnival (February – March). There are children’s parades in the afternoon and adult’s parades in the evening, costume competitons and parties the whole day. Holy Week (March – April). It is very emotional when the bearers raise the Christ of the Good Death in the Castillo Square and pray for the dead brothers. It is a unique tradition in Casares that women are also bearers of thrones. Cultural Week (April). The town organizes many activities, traditional games, board games, competitions, dancing, hiking, fashion shows and a street party.
Cultural Summer (July – August). There are concerts, flamenco shows, dancing shows and film screening during these months. Secadero Fair (July). The days are brightened up with parades and children’s parties, musical performances, competitions and a large sardine tasting.
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Virgen del Rosario Pilgrimage (last Saturday in May). Women go with the image of the Virgin from San Sebastian’s Church to the Virgen del Rosario rural chapel, making a tour of 11 kilometers.
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Medieval Market (July). It recreates the atmosphere of such markets which offers handcrafted tools, products and food. They also organize storytellers, exhibitions of old arts such as basket making and set up a medieval tavern for the occasion. August Fair (first week in August). You can enjoy for days horse parades, competitions, recitals, flamenco shows, alternative music and folk dances such as de fandango of Casares. Day of Nuestra Se単ora de la Virgen del Campo (first Saturday in September). The residents celebrate the Nativity of the Virgin. Saint Christ Fair (mid September). This festivity coincides with the end of the summer and harvest. There are organized musical and dancing events in an intimate atmosphere during three days. Toston of Chestnuts (1st November). From midafternoon, the residents meet at the Vera Cruz Rural Chapel, near the cemetery, to deliver roasted chestnuts, anise cakes, coffee, tea, anisette and rum.
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Flavors of the Village
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The most typical dishes are the stew with “pringá”; fried goat; goat sausage; conejo a la montañesa (rabbit meat); potato stew with goat; maimones soup; Casares gazpacho served with the goat milk cheese of Sierra Crestellina, produced using traditional methods; and baked breads in wood-fired oven with manteca colorá. The most typical dish in the coast of Casares is the moruna of sardines. Among the traditional desserts, you can choose the fried cakes, especially in autumn, and the Casares cupcakes, sprinkled with honey or chocolate.
Maimones Soup
Ingredients: Two or Three cloves of garlic. Bread. Olive oil. Salt. Water.
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Soak the pain and drain. Put oil in a skillet and add the chopped garlic, bread and salt. When the bread and garlic are slightly golden brown, add a little water and stir until boiling. Serve with olives.
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Did you know‌? Sierra Bermeja, Sierra Crestellina y Canuto de Utrera
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Sierra Bermeja is a volcanic mountain massif which gets the name from the reddish colour of the peridotites, allowing the growth of plants considered as endemisms, such as the Spanish fir. The name of Sierra Crestellina is given because of the inaccessible crests which crown the summit of the mountains, chosen by the griffon vultures to nest; you can see that spectacle from the Castle of Casares. The union of the limestone rocks and the peridotites of both mountain ranges form the Duke Mountain with dense forests of oaks, cork oaks and gall oaks. The Canuto de Utrera is a spectacular natural place, similar to the Torcal of Antequera, emerged from the depths of the ocean and formed by a maze of karstic terrain where the Bonelli’s eagle lives.
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Web www.casares.es www.webmalaga.com www.malagapueblos.com www.visitacostadelsol.com www.pueblosandaluces.com www.andalucia.org www.malaga.es www.a-andalucia.com
Phones 952 89 41 26 952 89 55 21 952 89 72 63 952 85 40 78 952 89 40 21 / 660 47 92 83 952 89 50 14 952 80 44 83 952 89 51 60 952 89 40 47 952 89 40 44
Association of Municipalities of the Western Costa del Sol
CASARES
Town Hall Tourism Office Coast of Casares Tourism Office El Secadero Deputy Major’s Office Local Police Civil Guard Estepona Fire Brigade Health Center Pharmacy Taxi
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ESTEPONA
ESTEPONA
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Association of Municipalities of the Western Costa del Sol
ESTEPONA
Origins and History.................................... 158 Monuments and Cultural Heritage.................. 159 Festivals and Cultural Events........................ 161 Flavors of the Village................................. 163 Did you know‌?....................................... 164 Additional Information............................... 165
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Origins and History
Estepona’s history dates back to the Neolithic, Copper and Bronze Ages mixed with Phoenician and Roman settlements, such as the ruins found at the mouth of Guadalmansa River which could belong to the Roman village of Salduba. In the X century, during the Caliphate of Cordoba, the town of Estebbuna was founded; it was the origin of the current Estepona. In 1456, the King Enrique IV of Castilla conquered the village and soon after, it was completely destroyed. In the early XVI century, the Catholic Monarchs ordered to rebuild the town motivated by the excellent strategic location and ordered to resettle it with 30 families. In 1729, the King Felipe V granted the Villa Privilege to Estepona. In that time Estepona was a thriving population with over 600 residents and it has continued to grow until today.
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Monuments and Cultural Heritage
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Plaza de las Flores. This large square was build during the XIX century when Estepona’s town planning started to develop. It’s worth to admire the nineteenth-century manor houses, a large central fountain and a garden full of flowers. Ruins of the Castle of San Luis. The Catholic Monarchs ordered to build it in the early XVI century. It was destroyed in 1810 by French troops. The preserved ruins are from a tower and the south wall. Town Hall. In the past, it was named “The House of the Wells” because of a well founded in the central courtyard. This rectangular shaped building is covered by a barrel vault.
Los Remedios Church. It was built in the XVIII century and was originally a Franciscan convent. Bullring. Opened in 1972, it has an asymmetrical design which makes it completely unique.
ESTEPONA
Clock Tower. It was originally the minaret of a mosque. When the Christians captured the town, they turned the mosque into a church. The church was demolished after the earthquake in 1755, and only the tower was preserved. In the XVIII century a neoclassical styled dome was added to the building.
Beacon Towers. Christians carried out defensive system based on a series of towers. Seven of those Muslim and Castilian towers have been preserved along the coast. Pedro Manrique Promenade. Built in the 20s of last century, it is decorated with fountains and gardens allowing you to enjoy the walk or rest facing the Mediterranean. It also has numerous restaurants, bars and ice cream shops along it.
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Monuments and Cultural Heritage Marina. It is a sailor-looking urban complex where residents and visitors can walk along and enjoy the many restaurants and shops setted up on it. Ethnographic Museum. It was developed with the purpose of showing and popularizing the customs, economy and other aspects of the life in the region over the past centuries. More than 2.000 objects of ethnographic interest are exposed.
ESTEPONA
Antonio Ordoñez Bullfighting Museum. You can admire many objects related to the traditional bullfighting, such as photographs, posters, bull’s heads and costumes of the best bullfighters in Spain. Municipal Museum of Paleontology. It has the largest collection of fossils from the Pliocene found in the basin of Estepona. You can also see the most important replicas of Argentinean dinosaurs in Europe from the Mesozoic Era. Prehistoric Necropolis Colominas Interpretation Center. It recreates the topography of the site and includes the five dolmens found in the original position, with an antiquity of 5.000 years approximately. Among the objects exposed, the beads stand out, which are made with semiprecious stones. Luis García Berlanga Image and Sound Museum. This museum is focused on the film and music history of the town. It is worth to see the extraordinary collection of cameras and projectors dating from the late nineteenth century to the 90s. Golf. There are eight nationally and internationally recognized golf courses in Estepona. Some of them are hosting international competitions, such as Atalaya Golf & Country Club and Valle Romano Golf & Resort. Beaches. They extend over more than 21 kilometers, resulting in a total of 17 beaches. Some of the most popular beaches are Playa de la Rada which is the largest beach and situated near the town centre, Playa del Cristo, Playa de la Galera and Bahia Dorada.
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Festivals and Cultural Events
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Carnival (February). During these days the costumes, comparsas and chirigotas are the protagonists on the streets of town, as well as the competitions and performances of local groups. Holy Week (March –April). Religious processions of the brotherhoods of the town go round the streets. The bearers make different the Holy Week in Estepona. The most memorable moments are the thrones crossing during the route and the closure.
San Isidro Labrador (15th May). The residents celebrate a pilgrimage in honor of San Isidro to the rural chapel in Los Pedregales. There are competitions of livestock and farm machinery and products expositions. Spanish Film Festival (May – June). Estepona is hosting the projection and presentations of Spanish films and numerous activities during this week.
ESTEPONA
Foreign Resident’s Festival (April). It is a day in which all the foreign residents of Estepona offer a sample of their cuisine, culture and folklore.
St John’s Day (night of 23th June). In this night the protagonists are the bonfires and barbacues on the beaches. The night ends with the burning of dolls and scenes in different neighborhoods of the town. Fair and Major Festivals (first week of July). These are fair days with carriages and horsemen parades, folk music shows at the fairground where you can taste the
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Festivals and Cultural Events typical dishes of the town in the different booths. Virgen del Carmen (16th July). It is a festival organized by fishermen in honor of its patron saint the Virgen del Carmen which is carried in procession by land and sea.
ESTEPONA
Book Fair (July – August). Many second-hand booksellers are installed along the promenade. Virgen Santa María de los Remedios (15th August). This Virgin was the past patron saint of Estepona. In this day, the residents carry it in procession through the streets of the town. Estepona Rock Festival (August). This festival brings together famous national and international rock bands. Tourist’s Day (August). It is a festival to honour the tourism in Estepona. Different activities are organized during this day. International Week of Fantastic and Terror Cinema (from 6th to 11th September). This festival presents a selection of the best films of the genre and this year it is dedicated to the figure of Frankenstein. A series of acts focused on this character will be organized.
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Flavors of the Village
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The most typical dishes of Estepona are the campera soup, grilled sardines, anchovy salad, roasted peppers and tomatoes, redfish, fried anchovies, mullets, garlic soup, gazpacho and fried fish. The most outstanding desserts are the borrachuelos and wine cakes. It is worth to mention the goat cheese of Estepona which is homemade and has been rewarded nationally and internationally.
Campera Soup of Estepona Cut up the bread and thrown into a skillet and then add the garlics, the and finally, the chopped tomatoes. make it soupy. Finally, add the egg the bread.
bowl of mud. Put the oil In a chopped peppers and onions Stir them and add water to to curdle and pour it all over
Association of Municipalities of the Western Costa del Sol
ESTEPONA
Ingredients: Olive oil. Onions. Tomatoes. Peppers. Two cloves of garlic. Bread from the previous day. Egg. Salt.
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Did you know‌? The reddish colour of Sierra Bermeja
ESTEPONA
This particular colour gives the name to the mountains and it is due to the existence of one of the largest outcrops of peridotite rocks in the world. This particular russet rock gives to this land some unique characteristics which make it a great geological, botanical, fauna and cultural value. The presence of numerous endemic plants is worth to admire, such as the Spanish fir and the Corsican pine. Also, these mountains have a great scientific importance in understanding how the earth’s surface layer works, being the origin of volcanoes and earthquakes.
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Additional Information
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Web www.estepona.es www.estepona.com www.infoestepona.com www.esp.andalucia.com/provincia www.a-andalucia.com www.webmalaga.com www.visitacostadelsol.com www.pueblosandaluces.com www.malaga.es www.andalucia.org
Phones 952 80 11 00 952 80 44 83 952 80 05 37 952 80 65 42 952 80 02 49 952 80 10 87 / 062 952 80 20 02 952 80 80 40 / 092 952 79 83 00 / 091 952 79 14 12 952 80 29 00/ 952 80 29 04 952 50 50 61 / 061
Association of Municipalities of the Western Costa del Sol
ESTEPONA
Town Hall Fire Brigade Post Office Red Cross Bus Station Civil Guard Tourism Office Local Police National Police Civil Defense Taxi Health Emergency
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FUENGIROLA
FUENGIROLA
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FUENGIROLA
Origins and History.................................... 168 Monuments and Cultural Heritage.................. 169 Festivals and Cultural Events........................ 171 Flavors of the Village................................. 173 Did you know‌?....................................... 174 Additional Information............................... 175
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Origins and History
Fuengirola was founded by the Phoenicians, although it is believed that previously there was an Iberian town. The most important settlers were the Romans; there still are vestiges of a bathhouse, the Finca del Secretariado Villa and a fish salting factory. In the early Middle Ages, the village was abandoned for unknown reasons until the Arabs conquered the area; then they named it Sohail. The best preserved testimony of that time is the castle. In 1485, the Catholic Monarchs conquered the village becoming a Mijas dependency until it got the independence in 1841. From the 30s of the XX century, when the first tourists began to visit Fuengirola, the city has changed c o m p l e t e l y its urban and e c o n o m i c structure.
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Monuments and Cultural Heritage
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Sohail Castle. Abderraman III ordered to build it in the X century. It was destroyed after the Christian conquest and restored in the XVIII century. It is worth to see the gardens and sea views around the castle. Finca del Secretariado Roman Ruins. The found vestiges date back from the V to the I century a. C. It is located on the right bank of the Pajares Stream. It has been found many farm tools and the Venus of Fuengirola; there also are the remains of baths. Torreblanca Baths. Along with the baths dating from the I century a. C. were also found the ruins of a fish salting factory from the IV century a. C. and a Visigoth necropolis with 32 tombs.
Church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario. It dates back to the XX century. It is worth to see the baroque facade consisting of two pilasters and a divided pediment with a niche at the top. Church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen. It is a very recent church, so it was built on the XX century. It is known as”the Church of the park”. It has a spacious and bright interior and houses the image of the fishermen patron saint, the Virgen del Carmen.
FUENGIROLA
Toreblanca. This tower was declared as Item of Cultural Interest. It is a typical defensive element used to warn the coast from attack by sea.
History Museum. You can see the objects found in the Phoenician and Roman sites of the municipality, as well as utensils of traditional professions, such as fishing, agriculture, trade, transport and craftsmanship. Peseta Monument. It is a reminiscent sculpture of the peseta, the old Spanish coin, located at
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Monuments and Cultural Heritage Rey de Espa単a Promenade. Roman Monument. It is the facade of a Roman temple, located on the promenade, next to Castilla Square which is named now San Rafael Square.
FUENGIROLA
Promenade. It kilometers length can enjoy a wide restaurants, cafes throughout.
is eight and you variety of and shops
Marina. It is located on the promenade, near the fishing port. It offers a wide range of restaurants and pavement cafes. Many activities are also organized, such as dolphin watching, diving, fishing and water sports. Fuengirola Zoo. It is considered as one of the most modern zoos in Europe. It is situated in the heart of the town. It develops more than 35 breeding programs for endangered species. Beaches. There are seven urban beaches along the eight kilometers of coastline characterized by being low and sandy beaches with calm water. The most popular beaches are Los Boliches, To r r e b l a n c a and El Castillo.
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Festivals and Cultural Events
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Carnival (February). Costume competitions and performances of chirigotas and comparsas pack the streets of the town for several days.
Holy Week (March – April). All the thrones go outside from their respective temples. This is a very emotional moment for everyone who takes part in these events. Another emotional moment is the release of a prisoner during the procession of the Cristo Adyacente, which takes place in front of the Town Hall on Holy Friday. Crosses of May (May). The neighbours make crosses with flowers and celebrate this festival during some days. St John Festivals (23rd June). It is a magical night in which the neighbours burn the “júas”, dolls that symbolize everything that you want to eliminate. Many activities are organized for several days and a “jüas” competition.
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Feria Internacional de los Pueblos (April). It is held at the fairground for four days. It consists of a mix of cultures, religions and traditions of more than 30 countries showing their cuisine, art and folklore.
European Ralley of Harley Owners Group (June). More than 5.000 motorcyclists congregate for several days and organize different activities, such as custom bike shows, acrobatics, parades and parties. The Virgen del Carmen Festival (16th July). This festival is deeply rooted in Los Boliches, fishermen neighborhood par excellence in Torremolinos, where the Virgen del Carmen is carried in procession by the sea and a large beach barbecue is organized. Music and Dance Festival (July). It is an established festival, held in the Sohail Castle, which offers a wide program of performances, bringing us closer to great figures of music and dance. Castle Nights Festival (July – August). It is especially orientated to
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Festivals and Cultural Events the young people, used for major musical and recreational events. Musical Theater Festival Costa del Sol (July – August). This festival is housed in the Sohail Castle.
FUENGIROLA
Ciudad de Fuengirola Festival (July – August). The festival is especially dedicated to classical programming in the surroundings of the Sohail Castle. Oktoberfest (August). It takes place at Sohail Castle and emulates the traditional Oktoberfest from Munich, where you can taste the beers and typical products of the Bavarian region. Medieval Market (August). It is a medieval market in the Sohail Castle with many craft stalls, food and folklore. Street Party of the Vacationer (August). This festival is the preambule to the Rosario’s Fair, the major festival in Fuengirola. Virgen del Rosario Pilgrimage (October). It starts with a Mass of pilgrims and then, they go on foot, horseback or in carriages to the fairground where there are tastings of typical dishes. Bands and choirs entertain the neighbours during the walk to the fairground. Palacio de la Paz. It is a multipurpose space which holds different types of shows, theatre, concerts, dance, trade shows and many other cultural events. Rosario’s Fair (October). During one week you can enjoy typical products, dance, music and horse parades at the fairground. Bullfights are also organized for the occasion.
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Flavors of the Village
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The most typical dishes are fried fish, grilled sardines, fish in salt, baked fish and rice with seafood. There are other typical dishes, such as salmorejo with cod, pipirrana, ajoblanco, gazpacho, roe salad, reddish soup, emblanco soup, gazpachuelo, potatoes with cuttlefish, potatoes with dogfish, chickpea stew with squid, fish stews, pickled anchovies or in vinegar, marinated dogfish, stuffed squid and whiting enrollรกs. The traditional desserts are the French toasts and the Fuengirola cakes.
Pickled Anchovies
Ingredients: One kilo of anchovies. Four cloves of garlic. Four bay leaves Ten cl of vinegar. Paprika.
Olive oil. Flour. Salt.
Association of Municipalities of the Western Costa del Sol
FUENGIROLA
Clean the anchovies, add salt and coat them with flour. Fry them in a skillet with oil. Place the fried anchovies in a deep dish. Fry the chopped garlic in the same oil used to fry the anchovies, and add the paprika, the bay leaves and the vinegar. Pour all over the anchovies. Leave to marinate at least 10 hours.
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Did you know…? Sohail, the brightened of a star
FUENGIROLA
Sohail is the present name of the castle which was also the name given by the Arabs to the village known as Suel by the Phoenicians and currently, Fuengirola. According to legend, this name comes from the star Sohail (Canopus for the Romans), the brightest star of the southern hemisphere, and guide of sailors. This star could only be seen from this fortress, located on a 30 meters-high hill close to the sea.
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Fuengirola has received “visits” of Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, Christians and even by pirates! The most remarkable pirate attack was run by the legendary pirate Barbarossa, fearsome Turkish corsair of the XVI century. The King Carlos I ordered the construction of a moat to end their attacks.
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Additional Information
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Web www.fuengirola.org www.kguia.com www.webmalaga.com www.visitacostadelsol.com www.pueblosandaluces.com www.malaga.es www.andalucia.org
Phones 952 58 93 00 952 46 74 57 952 47 10 00 952 58 09 00 / 092 952 19 70 90 / 091 062 900 20 22 02 952 46 10 46 / 080 112 061
Association of Municipalities of the Western Costa del Sol
FUENGIROLA
Town Hall Tourismo Office Taxi Local Police National Police Civil Guard Sea Rescue Fire Brigade Emergency Health Emergency
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