The train station at Almargen |
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ALMARGEN
By Diana Sierra
Almargen is a village located in the northwest of the province of Malaga. It is part of the Guadalteba area, a crossroads between the Serranía de Ronda, the plains of Malaga, and the countryside of Seville and Cadiz.
The name Almargen, in Arabic, translates as "Los Dos Prados" ("the two fields"). Almargen is one of the villages in the Serranía de Ronda. For those who love fresh air and open-air activities, hiking can be enjoyed in the area known as Rio Salada (salty river) and at 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.
History
The town's origins, confirmed by some of the objects recovered from archaeological sites within the area, date back to the Copper Age. During Roman times, its iodine springs at Casa Blanca and Río Salado were used for therapeutic baths.
Under al-Ándalus (8th–15th centuries), the settlement, known in Arabic as al-Maxen (“the two meadows” or military encampments), flourished as an agricultural community, evidenced by Islamic-period pottery, irrigation systems, and narrow, winding streets that survive in the old town fabric.
Following the Christian Reconquest, Almargen depended administratively on nearby Teba until it achieved municipal independence in the early 19th century, laying the foundations for the village we see today.
Almargen was linked to the town of Teba for several centuries. In 1821, following an administrative process that included approval by the Council of State and the signing by King Ferdinand VII, Almargen obtained its administrative independence and established its first Town Council. However, due to the restoration of Bourbon absolutism in 1823, Almargen was temporarily reincorporated into Teba. Finally, in 1833, with the territorial reorganisation of the State, Almargen was consolidated as an independent municipality within the province of Málaga.
Throughout the 20th century, Almargen underwent significant changes. The construction of infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, improved communications and transport. However, the Industrial Revolution had a limited impact on the area, allowing Almargen to maintain its rural and agricultural character. During the post-war period, the rural exodus was notable, with many inhabitants migrating to larger towns in search of employment opportunities.
Things to see
Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción
The Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción (church of the Immaculate Conception) is in the town centre. It was 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.
Caves of El Almirón
The Caves of El Almirón were used as a Bronze Age necropolis. Nearby, numerous archaeological sites span from the Copper Age through to the Islamic period, showcasing a continuous tapestry of human settlement.
Municipal Museum Tartessos
The Municipal Museum Tartessos has been housed in a former water cistern since 2009. This museum displays an array of local finds, including the 5,000-year-old marble Fertility Idol, the Tartessian Warrior Stele (Bronze Age), and artefacts from Iberian, Roman, and Islamic periods.
Casa Blanca & Río Salado Springs
The iodine-rich waters bubble up from the earth and have been used since Roman times for therapeutic baths, particularly for digestive and skin conditions.
Handicraft
Almargen maintains a tradition of artisanal craftwork. Blacksmiths still hand-forge iron tools and decorative metal pieces, while skilled craftspeople produce handmade farming implements.
Local crafts in the town include iron objects, agricultural tools, and encajes de bolillos (lace products).
Gastronomy
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.
Festivals
Popular festivals in Almargen are the Carnival, the Holy Week, the Three Kings Parade, and San Cosme and San Damián.
Weather
The weather forecast for the next few days for Almargen. More >
Festivals
Almargen celebrates a wide range of traditional festivals throughout the year.
Carnival
The carnival in Almargen takes place in February.
Holy Week
The holy Week (Semana Santa) in Almargen takes place during the week leading up to Easter Sunday.
Three Kings Parade
The Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Parade) is celebrated on 5th January.
San Cosme and San Damián
San Cosme and San Damián are celebrated last week of September. This celebration honors the patron saints of Almargen and includes both religious and festive activities.
Nuestra Señora de Fatima
The pilgrimage of Nuestra Señora de Fatima takes place on the last Sunday of May.
Feria del Pueblo
The Feria del Pueblo (town festival) is held during the first week of August.
Train service
Although there is no direct train from Málaga city to Almargen, it is still possible to travel there by rail with a transfer at Antequera–Santa Ana.
- From Málaga María Zambrano, take a Media Distancia or AVANT train to Antequera–Santa Ana (around 30 minutes).
- At Antequera–Santa Ana, change to a Media Distancia train heading towards Seville or Ronda, and get off at Almargen–Cañete la Real station.
It is advisable to check the latest schedules before travelling:
Trainline offers tickets to and from multiple destinations across Andalucia and Spain including the high-speed AVE train.
This station is located about 3 km from Almargen town centre, and you can walk or take a taxi to reach the village.
Bus service
There is a direct bus service between Málaga and Almargen, operated by ALSA. As the schedule may vary depending on the season or day of the week, it is recommended to check the timetable in advance on the official ALSA website: www.alsa.com
Tourist Office
The Tourist Office of Almargen is located within the Town Hall building.
Address: Calle Corredera, 36
Phone: +34 952 182 277
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 15:00
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
Next villages
Almargen is part of the Guadalteba comarca, along with the municipalities of Ardales, Campillos, Cañete la Real, Carratraca, Cuevas del Becerro, Sierra de Yeguas, and Teba.