Cartama ( Click to enlarge images) © Michelle Chaplow |
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Cártama
By Dianna Sierra
While the sprawling white town of Cártama undoubtedly impresses the visitor now, with its ruined hilltop fortress, how much more impressive it must have been in its Roman heyday, with a formidable castle protecting both the town and the river valley - Cartama stands at the head of the Rio Guadalhorce. A spectacular restored iron bridge spanning the river, known as the Puente Verde or Puente de Hierro (Green or Iron Bridge), connects the main town with Estación de Cartama. The town is a short drive from the Costa del Sol.
The municipality of Cartama, which extends over 105km2, is made up of 11 districts, namely: Cartama Pueblo, Estación de Cartama, Doña Ana, El Sexmo, Sierra de Gibralgalia, Loma de Cuenca, Nueva Aljaima, Estación de Aljaima, Cortijo Paco Perez, Las Tres Leguas, Los Mondeños, and El Pilarejo. The whole area is nestled in and overlooked by two mountains: Espartales and Llana, which are known collectively as the Sierra de Cartama.
History
Between the 19th and 20th centuries, Carratraca experienced significant mining activity. The region was renowned for its geodiversity and hosted deposits of minerals such as chromium, nickel, and even traces of diamonds, though never commercially exploited. More>
Things to see
Ermita de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios - the town's patron saint - is still a focus of reverent pilgrimage for devout locals, and is perched high above Cártama's twisting streets. The shrine is well worth the visit and can be reached by climbing the vertiginous zig-zag path from the main square near the Pilar Alto Fountain. If it is a hot day, take some water along for the climb. Read more>
Other things to see in Cartama are:
Fuente de Pilar Alto is dated 1872.
Iglesia Parroquia de San Pedro Apostol bears the date 1502.
Castillo (Castle) - a further climb from the shrine leads up to the 10th-century Moorish castle
Estación de Cartama, which was originally a railway station built in 1865.
Cruz de Humilladero is named after the forged iron cross attached to the top of a 2nd-century AD marble column
Ermita de Casapalma, dating from around the same time as the San Pedro Chruch
Museo de Ntra Sra de los Remedios was inaugurated in 2007.
Capilla de Sierra Gibralgalia is a lesser-known sanctuary on Sierra Gibralgalia.
Puente de Hierro is an iron-girder truss bridge over the River Guadalhorce, built between 1927 and 1931.
Read more about things to see in Cartama>
Literature
Cártama holds an unusual place in Spanish literature. In 1565, Antonio de Villegas published the Historia de Abindarráez y la hermosa Jarifa - a romantic morisco (Islamic) tale concerning the mayor of Cártama's daughter and a Moorish nobleman from Granada. In time the story was retold by writers as renowned as Cervantes, Lope de Vega and Chateaubriand, thereby guaranteeing its literary immortality.
Gastronomy
Cártama offers a variety of culinary tradition that blends Andalusian and Mediterranean influences.
Some traditional dishes are plato de los montes (a stew combining pork, chorizo, black pudding, potatoes, and peppers), porra cartameña (cold soup made from tomato, pepper, cucumber, and bread, very popular during summer months), and espeto de sardinas (sardines skewered on canes and grilled).
In addition, local confectionery includes tortas de aceite (crispy biscuits made with olive oil, flour, and sugar), pestiños (fried pastries coated in honey, typically enjoyed during local festivals), and roscos de vino (wine-flavoured ring-shaped biscuits).
Handicraft
Cártama has a tradition of local handicrafts that reflect its cultural heritage and the creativity of its artisans. Here's an overview of the handicraft scene in Cártama:
Ceramics: Hand-painted ceramics featuring local motifs and designs.
Espartería: Traditional items like baskets, rugs, and hats made from esparto grass (a tough, wiry plant native to the Mediterranean region).
For those interested in purchasing local handicrafts, the Municipal Market in Cártama is a great starting point. Additionally, the Plaza de la Constitución often hosts craft fairs featuring handmade products by local artists.
The monthly Artisan Market is held on the first Sunday of each month from 9:00 to 14:00 at the Los Naranjos park, adjacent to the Estación de Cártama market. This event showcases a variety of handmade products.
Festivals
Popular festivals in Cártame are the Carnival, the Holy Week, the Three Kings Parade, the Virgin of los Remedios, and the Patron Saint of Estacion de Cartama. More >
Getting There
From Málaga, take the A-357 road towards Cártama. The town is approximately 17 km from Málaga city centre, making it a short drive of about 20 minutes.
From Málaga Airport, follow the signs for the A-357. The airport is approximately 18 km from Cártama, which takes around 20 minutes by car.
Parking
Free public parking is available.
Train services
A railway station at Estación de Cártama is about 3 km from the town centre. Trains run approximately every hour between Málaga and Álora, though the frequency varies throughout the day, with around 16 services daily. The journey from Cártama to Álora takes roughly 18 minutes.
Please note that train times can change, so it is advisable to check the latest schedules before travelling: https://www.renfe.com/es/es/cercanias/cercanias-malaga/horarios
Bus services
Cartama is included in the Consorcio de Transporte Metropolitano del Área de Málaga.
The following routes pass through Cartama:
- M-131: Málaga – Cártama (extended service)
- M-134: Málaga – El Sexmo
- M-136: Cártama – Alhaurín de la Torre – Plaza Mayor – Los Álamos
- M-137: Gibralgalia – Pizarra
- M-144: Gibralgalia – El Sexmo
- M-231: Málaga – Pizarra – Álora
- M-232: Coín – Málaga – Cártama
For the most up-to-date timetables and journey planning, please visit the official website of the Metropolitan Transport Consortium of the Málaga Area: www.ctmam.es.
Tourist Office
The Tourist Office of Cártama is located within the Town Hall building, in the centre of the municipality.
Address:
Calle Rey Juan Carlos I, 62. Postal code: 29570. Cártama, Málaga.
Phone:
+34 952 422 126 / +34 952 422 195
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 15:00
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
Weather
The weather forecast for the next few days for Cártama. More>
Next villages
Nearby villages, up river from Cartama, are Pizarra, Alora, Carratraca, Ardiales.
Towards Marbella are Coin and Monda; in the direction of Malaga, Alhaurin el Grande, Alhaurin el Torre, and Churriana.
Cártama - Hotels
Book hotels in Cártama
History
Between the 19th and 20th centuries, Carratraca experienced significant mining activity. The region was renowned for its geodiversity and hosted deposits of minerals such as chromium, nickel, and even traces of diamonds, though never commercially exploited.More >
Things to see
Ermita de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios
Nuestra Señora de los Remedios is the town's patron saint - is still a focus of reverent pilgrimage for devout locals, and is perched high above Cártama's twisting streets. The shrine is well worth the visit and can be reached by climbing the vertiginous zig-zag path from the main square near the Pilar Alto Fountain. If it is a hot day, take some water along for the climb. More>
Other things to see in Cartama are:
Fuente de Pilar Alto is dated 1872.
Iglesia Parroquia de San Pedro Apostol bears the date 1502.
Castillo (Castle) - a further climb from the shrine leads up to the 10th century Moorish castle
Estacion de Cartama which was originally a railway station built in 1865.
Cruz de Humilladero is named after the forged iron cross attached to the top of a 2nd Century AD marble column
Ermita de Casapalma, dating from around the same time as the San Pedro Chruch
Museo de Ntra Sra de los Remedios was inaugurated in 2007.
Capilla de Sierra Gibralgalia is a lesser-known sanctuary on Sierra Gibralgalia.
Puente de Hierro is an iron-girder truss bridge over the River Guadalhorce, built between 1927 and 1931.
Read more about things to see in Cartama >
Literature
Cártama holds an unusual place in Spanish literature. In 1565, Antonio de Villegas published the Historia de Abindarráez y la hermosa Jarifa - a romantic morisco (Islamic) tale concerning the mayor of Cártama's daughter and a Moorish nobleman from Granada. In time the story was retold by writers as renowned as Cervantes, Lope de Vega and Chateaubriand, thereby guaranteeing its literary immortality.
Gastronomy
Cártama offers a variety of culinary tradition that blends Andalucian and Mediterranean influences.
Some traditional dishes are plato de los montes (a stew combining pork, chorizo, black pudding, potatoes, and peppers), porra cartameña (cold soup made from tomato, pepper, cucumber, and bread, very popular during summer months), and espeto de sardinas (sardines skewered on canes and grilled).
In addition, local confectionery includes tortas de aceite (crispy biscuits made with olive oil, flour, and sugar), pestiños (fried pastries coated in honey, typically enjoyed during local festivals), and roscos de vino (wine-flavoured ring-shaped biscuits).
Handicrafts
Cártama has a tradition of local handicrafts that reflect its cultural heritage and the creativity of its artisans. Here's an overview of the handicraft scene in Cártama:
Ceramics: Hand-painted ceramics featuring local motifs and designs.
Espartería: Traditional items like baskets, rugs, and hats made from esparto grass (a tough, wiry plant native to the Mediterranean region).
For those interested in purchasing local handicrafts, the Municipal Market in Cártama is a great starting point. Additionally, the Plaza de la Constitución often hosts craft fairs featuring handmade products by local artists.
Artisan Market is held on the first Sunday of each month from 9:00 to 14:00 at the Los Naranjos park, adjacent to the Estación de Cártama market. This event showcases a variety of handmade products.
Festivals
Popular festivals in Cártame are the Carnival, the Holy Week, the Three Kings Parade, the Virgin of los Remedios, and the Patron Saint of Estacion de Cartama. More >
- Carnival - during February.
- Virgin de los Remedios - Virgin taken from the sanctuary above the town to the Iglesia Parroquia de San Pedro on 22 April and is paraded around the town on 23 April. The feria is followed by a cattle fair.
- San Isidro - Patron Saint of Estacion de Cartama, 15 May
- Verdiales - First Sunday in May at Ermita de las Cruces
- Return of the Virgin to the Ermita - early June
- San Juan - night of 24 June
- Dia de los Canastitos - St Anne's day baskets of food taken to the banks of the Rio Grande - 26 July
- Feria de Ganado (Cattle Fair) - 24 September
- El Sexmo Fiestas - four days in the second week of September.
Getting There
From Malaga take the A-357 Cartama is located after 20km just off the end of this dual carriageway road. From Malaga Airport follow the ring road for 6km to the A-357.
Bus Timetable
Cartama is included in the Consorcio de Transporte Metropolitano del Area de Malaga.
The following routes pass through Cartama:
- M-131 Malaga - Cartama
- M-134 Malaga - El Sexmo
- M-136 Cartama - Alhaurin de la Torre - Plaza Mayor
- M-137 Gibralgalia - Pizarra
- M-144 Gibralgalia - El Sexmo
- M-231 Malaga - Pizarra - Alora
- M-232 Coin - Malaga y Cartama
- M-134 Malaga - Pizarra
Train Timetable
There is a railway station in Estacion de Cartama, 3km from the town on the other side of the river Guadalhorce. Hourly trains run from Malaga to Alhora. (36.73394, -4.60849)
Next Villages
Nearby villages, up river from Cartama, are Pizarra, Alora, Carratraca, Ardiales.
Towards Marbella are Coin and Monda; in the direction of Malaga, Alhaurin el Grande, Alhaurin el Torre and Churriana.