Almargen

The train station at Almargen © Michelle Chaplow
The train station at Almargen

ALMARGEN

The name Almargen, in Arabic, translates as "Los Dos Prados" ("the two fields"). It's a small town and is the perfect place for people who enjoy tranquillity and outdoor tourism. For those who love fresh air and open air activities, hiking can be found in the Sierra de Almargen, in an area known as Rio Salada (salty river) and in the Manantial de Casas Blancas ("the source for white houses"). This water contains high levels of iodine, useful for the treatment of skin conditions, and for the digestive system.

The town's origins, confirmed by some of the objects recovered from archaeological sites within the area, date back to the Copper Age. The site that stands out is the cemetery, placed in the manmade caves of El Almiron, which has several routes leading up to it. You may also want to visit the ruins of the Roman baths, dug up in the Manantial de Casas Blancas.

In the town centre you will find the Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción (church of the Immaculate Conception), built in the 16th century and renovated a century later, with a Mannerist facade and a Baroque steeple. The Mudejar coffered ceiling above the central nave, the presbytery and the Gothic panels are the most impressive features of the church's interior.

Local crafts in the town include iron objects, agricultural tools and encajes de bolillos (lace products).

Booking.com

If you want a taste of the local cuisine, then try the sopa de espárragos (asparagus soup), porra (thick cold soup), setas (mushrooms), traditionally produced pork products, and the locally made wine.

If you want a taste of the local cuisine, then try the sopa de espárragos (asparagus soup), porra (thick cold soup), setas (mushrooms), traditionally produced pork products, and the locally made wine.

The festival season for the locals starts on 26 and 27 September, when the celebrations for their patron saints, San Cosme and San Damián. On the last Sunday of May the pilgrimage of Nuestra Señora de Fatima takes place, while the Feria del Pueblo (town festival) is during the first week of August.

The distance between Almargen and Malaga city is around 100km and can be travelled either travel by road or rail. If travelling by car, one possible route is to take the N-311 until it joins with the A-92 towards Seville. Exit at junction 146 and join the A-382. After this, join the MA-467, and then the MA-459, which will take you straight to Almargen.