Out & About

» Out & About in Archidona

Archidona, a municipality within Málaga, is a bustling little town that has grown steadily over the past decade. Archidona is the centre point in Andalusia and has approximately 10,000 residents. Located ten minutes from the Finca La Bodega, it is a perfect destination for visitors wanting to explore the surrounding area.

Churches & Historical Monuments:

Archidona’s castle dates back to the 9th century, but Alhamar ordered it rebuilt in the 1200s. This defensive structure sits on the slopes of the area mountains facing east, hence its nickname “Door of the Sun.”

Church of Jesus Nazareno is home to an elaborate statue of Jesus Nazareno. Built during the 16th and 17th centuries, the church’s impressive architectural details are credited to Pablo de Rojas.

Erected in the 16th century, Church of Santa Ana’s unique triangular bell tower interests many. The church was rebuilt in the 19th century, yet the impressive details were not altered. Baroque altarpieces, gothic details, and historic artwork are features worth seeing.

Church of Victoria’s roots date back to the mid-1500s when it served as a home for the Minimum Monks of San Francisco de Paula. After the War of Independence, most of this church lies in ruins. The highly detailed façade is worthy of a visit.

The Convent of the Order of San Francisco de Paula is an attractive convent that is still in use today. Restored during the 18th century, this convent is home to a number of nuns. From the outside, you can view the huge brick tower.

The Convent of Santo Domingo dates back to the early 1500s. The building surrounds a vast patio. Sadly, the Dominican nuns were forced to leave their homes more than a century ago. Since that time, the building is in a state of disrepair and awaits serious restoration work. Tourists can view the outside of the building only.

Hermitage of the Virgin of Gracia houses a former Arab mosque.  Restored in the 18th century, this Christian hermitage is home to the Archidona Cinema, a showcase for local theatre and film talent.

One of the town’s most popular attractions is the main Plaza Ochavada.  Constructed during the late 18th century, this octagonal plaza was built in a typical French style with some Andalusian nuances.  The plaza’s beauty is impressive and popular with tourists of all ages.  In the centre of this plaza is an attractive garden.  Each side of the octagonal plaza houses rows of homes.  Large stone archways lead into the heart of Plaza Ochavada.  Plaza Ochavada can be viewed from gated archways.

Dining:

Olive oil is a culinary staple in any kitchen. When dining in Archidona, one must expect typical Andalusian fare. Olive oil, Spanish wine, and garlic are used to enhance the flavour of many dishes. Porra Antequera, a cold soup made from fresh tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and salt, is common with many locals.

A perfect place for tourists to start is by heading to Plaza de la Victoria.  This is where the tapas route begins.  Tapas are small plates of local cuisine that are served alongside your drinks in any tapas bar.  You cannot leave Spain without spending a few nights sampling tapas in the local bars.  Casablanca, The Paquiros, and The Vane are three of the area’s best tapas bars.

For a sit down meal, there are a number of excellent restaurants.  All restaurants serve local cuisine.  For this reason, you can expect to find beef, pork, poultry, and seafood on the menu.  Meats are often grilled in wood-fired ovens leaving them low in fat and high in flavor.  The Vines serves a variety of meats cooked in wood ovens.  Also immediately within the vicinity are The Grates and The Doves.

Festivals:

During the first week of June, Feria del Perro, an annual dog show, brings more than 20,000 visitors to town. More than 4,000 dogs participate in the demonstrations, races, and contests. More than forty booths offer samples and dog-related information.

The February Carnival is also popular. During this event music, food, and fun are the three key features. Items like churros, tortillas, and chocolate are commonly served during this carnival.

August’s yearly fair is just as impressive. The August Fair is held from the 14th to the 18th every year. Theatrical presentations abound during the fair. Streets come to live at night, and visitors are welcome to view a number of musical and theatrical performances.

The town’s biggest event, however, is the Holy Week from Palm Sunday to Resurrection Sunday.  During this time, remarkable parade floats are created, the smell of local cuisine fills the air, and locals and visitors celebrate more than 500 years of cultural history.

Museums:

The Municipal Museum shares the Cilla with the city council. One wing of Cilla’s impressive structure houses the museum’s artifacts. The Municipal Museum takes up three rooms: Historical Memory, Collective Memory, and Room of Villa. The Historical Memory looks at Archidona’s history from prehistoric times. The Collective Memory is a tribute to some of Archidona’s largest festivals. Room of Villa highlights the roll of many esteemed town politicians.

Outdoor Activities:

Archidona’s mountainous location provides visitors with many recreational activities. There are many hiking and bicycling trails throughout the region. Hoz del Arroyo Marín branches off the Guadalhorce River, follows the river’s banks, and leads to Cortijo Pilatos’ camping area. Lagunas de Archidona winds up at the Lagunas Grande y Chica, twin salt-water lakes that have a high mineral content. Both trails offer stunning examples of the area’s fauna and wildlife.

The Lagunas are a protected natural reserve. You cannot pick the plants or capture animals. Make sure you understand and follow the posted rules when visiting the Lagunas.

Shopping:

Plaza de la Victoria is in the city centre attracts many shoppers and diners. A good variety of stores and cafes are situated within this central plaza. Four main attractions are located off Plaza de la Victoria: the Town Hall, Iglesia de la Victoria, the old granary, and the Cilla, a former oil press that now is home to the council.