Riogordo is, as you would imagine, named after the river that flows through it, the Rio Gordo, which was, in turn, named due to the abundance of minerals found in its waters. However, the village was originally known as Aprisco de Majianza, becoming Puebla de Riogordo until the 16th century when, receiving full municipal status in 1552, it became simply Riogordo.
There are remains from both the Phoenician and Roman eras in the area, but like so many towns and villages in the Axarquia, it owes its heritage to the Arabic period when it prospered as an agricultural community. The village was reconquered by the Catholic Monarchs in 1487 and placed under the control of Comares.
The village also played a part during the War of Independence, with the local priest, José Muñoz Sánchez, leading a band of guerillas and inflicting heavy casualties on the French invaders.
The village is actually divided into two separate sections, the upper ‘Cerillo’ and the lower ‘La Plaza’.
Statistics
Area: 40 square kilometres
Altitude: 400 mtrs above sea level
Population: +/- 3,000
Distance from Nerja: 54 km
Driving Time: +/- 1 hour
Location
Places of Interest
16th century Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora de Gracia
18th century Ermita de Jesús Nazareno
Remains of Aute castle
Museum of Popular Arts
Local Cuisine
Local specialities include: Caracoles (snails),Chacinas, Porra Campesina, Pimentón, Ajoblanco, Gazpacho (chilled tomato soup), Tortas de Aceite, Hornazo, Mantecados.
Local Festivals
Carnival (Feb)
Semana Santa
Feria de Ganado, Dia del Caracol (May 27th – 29th)
Romería Virgen de la Cabeza (June 14th)
Feria Virgen de Gracia (Aug 14th – 18th)
Feria del Candil (September 7th)
Useful Info
Town Hall
95 273 21 54
Where to Stay
Hotel Retamar
Ctra Partido Bujeo
Finca Retamar
29180 Riogordo
Tel: 952031225
Fax: 952031209
There are also numerous ‘Casa Rural’ in the area
Visit www.ruralandalus.es for details
Where to Eat
Bar Molina
calle Iglesia 5
29180 Riogordo
Tel: 630963216
Cortijo Veleta
Ctra Arco, km 21
29180 Riogordo
Tel: 952111260
Marisquería El Niño
Calle Real 1
29180 Riogordo
Tel: 952732116
Meson La Era
calle San Jacinto 11
29180 Riogordo
Tel: 952732320
Pernías
calle Real 2
29180 Riogordo
Tel: 952732245
Retamar
Finca Retamar
29180 Riogordo
Tel: 952031225
Fax: 952031209
Bar Los Cazadores
calle Pozo 1
29180 Riogordo
Restaurante Magiaza
Camino Magiaza 4
29180 Riogordo
Tel: 657256619
Bar Antoñin
Camino Magiaza 4
29180 Riogordo
Tel: 952732222
Bar La Chapa
Ctra de Benamargosa
29180 Riogordo
Tel: 952732464