Almáchar, a small village nestling on the side of a mountain, clearly owes much of its heritage to the Moors as can be seen by its steep, narrow streets and white-washed houses. The village’s name, like many in the Axarquia region, is of Arabic origin.
In the past it has also been known as Macharalhayate and, later, Almachar de la Cruz. During Moorish times, Almachar, El Borge, Cutar and Moclinejo formed ‘The Four Villages’ and were under the protection of Comares Castle.
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the town was famed for its hand-made cloth and there were a number of textile mills in the area. Nowadays, agriculture is the main occupation, with emphasis on muscatel grapes and raisins.
Statistics
Area: 14 square kilometres
Altitude: 255 mtrs above sea level
Population: +/- 2,000
Distance from Nerja: 39 km
Driving Time: +/- 45 mins
Location
Places of Interest
19th century Mudejar style Iglesia Parroquial de San Mateo
Cueva del Toro
General Moorish architecture.
Local Cuisine
Local specialities include: Ajoblanco (chilled almond soup with bread, oil and vinegar), Gazpacho (cold tomato, garlic and vegetable soup), Sopa amarilla (a yellow soup), Berzas (cabbage broth), Coles Moreadas (cabbage), Embutidos (cured meats) and Puchero (chick pea and meat stew). Muscatel wine is the local tipple.
Local Festivals
Fiestas del Santo Cristo de la Banda Verde (1st weekend in May) – Music, processions and fireworks in honour of the village patron.
Feria de la Virgen del Amparo (July 29th-31st)
Fiesta del Ajoblanco (1st Saturday in September) – Cullinary festival
Useful Info
Town Hall
Tel: 952512002
Where to Stay
Cortijo de El Zorro
Lomas de Villanueva, Poligono 6 Parcela 97
Telephone: 952512195
Tobalo
Paraje Lomas de Villanueva, s/n
Telephone: 952276229
Fax: 952276556
E-mail: [email protected]
www.ruralandalus.es
Where to Eat
Mesón Punto Europa
St. Cornellá, 25
Tel: 952519519
Fax: 952276556