This time we are going to visit Algarrobo from Malaga; a beautiful village that during the summer is a tourist attraction for its beaches but has much more to offer all year round. Located in the eastern part of the Costa del Sol, we are sure that it is a visit that may interest you.
We will get to know Algarrobo in depth; from its coastal area to its monuments and we will suggest things to do and events that take place throughout the year. Are you up for a visit to Algarrobo? We constantly take clients requesting airport transfers from Malaga to Algarrobo.
Discover Algarrobo
There is a known prehistoric presence in the area, with the earliest known human settlements dating from the Palaeolithic period, although the origin of a population dates back to the Copper Age. Some of the most important Phoenician remains to date have been found at the mouth of the river.
After the conquest of the Arabs, they established the population further inland. This culture would remain until 1487, when the Catholics conquered Vélez-Málaga and the Bentomiz fortress in the neighbouring town of Arenas.
Algarrobo Costa
This locality is of recent creation and owes its appearance to tourism. Despite this, it is known that ancient civilisations preferred the proximity to the sea rather than the interior. We can say that it really sits on land with more history than the town of Algarrobo itself.
Algarrobo Costa is made up of different urbanisations around the coast. It is one of the favourite places of residence among German visitors. If you go in summer you may want to visit the beach (map), in which case we recommend you wear suitable footwear as visitors warn that the entrance to the water is rocky.
Gastronomy
From Algarrobo we highlight some of its dishes, being the tortas de aceite (oil cakes) one of the most popular recipes.
- Tortas de Aceite de Algarrobo: Typical of this village it has been made since Muslim times and is an exquisite cake. This is the official website in English: https://tortascarmenlupianez.com/en/
- Ajoblanco
- Fish casserole with rice
- Potaje de hinojos y algarrobeño (typical soups)
Things to see in Algarrobo
If you are wondering if there are monuments and things to see in Algarrobo, the answer is of course. Let’s discover some of them:
- Church of Santa Ana: This religious building dates back to the 16th century (Map).
- Hermitage of San Sebastian: Dating from the 17th century, it had to be rebuilt in the 20th century due to the danger of collapse (Map).
In Algarrobo Costa you can visit:
- Torre Ladeada: Watchtower dating from the 16th century and located within a residential area. (Map)
- Torre Nueva o Derecha: Near the Torre Ladeada, is another Asset of Cultural Interest. (Map)
Archaeological remains
Of this village in Malaga we would undoubtedly highlight its archaeological sites located near the mouth of the river. In this area we find what is perhaps one of the oldest settlements on the Iberian Peninsula.
There are three main sites:
- Morro de Mezquitilla: It is a Phoenician settlement from between the 9th and 6th centuries BC. Roman remains from up to a century before our era have also been found, so we can deduce that this was an area of great historical importance maintained over time.
- Chorreras: A Phoenician settlement dating from the 8th to 7th centuries, which lasted only a century, its decline may have been due to the appearance of other settlements of greater importance in the area.
- Trayamar:Situated on a hill a short distance from the mouth of the river. There are Phoenician tombs dating from the 7th century to 600 BC.
The archaeological remains found there can now be visited in the Museum of Malaga. (Mapa)
Popular activities and festivals
There are many activities throughout the year in Algarrobo, let’s get to know them:
- San Sebastian: On 20 January there is an all-day party with attractions for children, food and dancing.
- Semana Santa: They celebrate in a special way in Algarrobo, so if you are in Malaga during the month of April or May, come and see first hand what the Semana Santa is like in Algarrobo.
- Feria de Algarrobo: It starts on the first Thursday of August and lasts until Sunday. Mechanical attractions, food, drink, music, concerts and many activities during 4 intense days.
- Quema de Algarrobo: On the third weekend of September, a re-enactment of an episode of the War of Independence that took place on 23 and 24 September 1811 takes place.
In Algarrobo Costa you should not miss some of its popular festivals such as:
- St. John’s Eve on 23 June with music, barbecued sardines at a good price and lots of fun next to the mouth of the Algarrobo River.
- Oktoberfest: Locals among German and English tourists share live music and plenty of beer at this popular festival in October.
- Algarrobo Rock with alternative rock bands on the Paseo Marítimo.
Nearby places
You can visit nearby places if you want to get more from your visit:
- What about visiting Torrox.
- Caleta de Vélez is just beside Algarrobo Costa.
- Castillo de Bentomiz in Arenas (map), is just less than 20 minutes by car from Algarrobo Pueblo.
- In Nerja there are many things to do and places to visit.
- Frigiliana is another of those interesting white villages to visit, and is also near.
Transfer to Algarrobo from Malaga
The quickest way to get from Malaga airport to Algarrobo is to take the A-7 towards Torrox, Nerja and Almeria. Take the south exit from the airport towards Malaga and follow the MA-20 towards Motril and Almeria until you join the A-7, which you will not leave until you reach the exit for Algarrobo, our destination.
Near the exit and just at the roundabout where we will decide whether to go to Algarrobo Costa or Algarrobo Pueblo, there is a Repsol petrol station and service station. There is also an Amazon Hub, in case you want to order from this location.
Remember that if you don’t have a car or don’t feel like driving we can take you there. The journey from Malaga airport takes approximately 40 minutes, so you can get to know Algarrobo in a very short time.