Attractions and Places To See around Cártama - Top 20

The Arab castle of Álora, also known as Castillo de Álora, sits atop Cerro de las Torres overlooking the town and is one of the most important historical structures in the region. The fortress, in its present form, dates back to the Moorish rule of the Middle Ages, although the site had been used and fortified in earlier periods. Due to its strategic location, the castle controlled the Guadalhorce Valley and served both military and administrative purposes. It was captured by Christian troops in 1484 during the Reconquista. Remaining are sections of the imposing curtain walls, square towers, and a horseshoe-arched gate, typical of Islamic military architecture. Within the complex are also remnants of later Christian buildings, including a chapel built over a former mosque. The castle has been a listed building (Bien de Interés Cultural) since 1931 and offers a wide view over Álora and the Guadalhorce valley from its elevated position.

The “La Faenera” monument in the center of Álora is dedicated to the women who once worked in agriculture, particularly in the harvesting and processing of citrus fruits in the Guadalhorce Valley. The bronze sculpture, created in 1974 by sculptor Marino Amaya, depicts a young woman in traditional dress carrying a basket full of fruit. It symbolizes the arduous yet essential work of the so-called faeneras and honors their contribution to rural life and the economic development of the region. Located at a prominent intersection in the town center, the monument is considered one of Álora's most emblematic landmarks. It not only commemorates the historical role of women in agriculture but also reflects the cultural identity and traditions of the community.

The Castillo de Álora, also known as the Castle of Álora, stands on a hill above the town and forms an impressive landmark. The castle's origins date back to Roman times, but the current structure dates largely from the Moorish period (Al-Andalus), particularly from the 9th and 10th centuries. The Moors used the fortress's strategic location to monitor the Guadalhorce Valley and protect themselves from Christian attacks. The horseshoe portal, a typical element of Islamic architecture, is particularly noteworthy. Sections of the castle walls, a Moorish tower, and a small Christian chapel added after the Reconquista still remain. From the castle grounds, you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views over the valley, the village of Álora, and the surrounding Sierra de Huma mountains. Today, the castle is a cultural landmark and a popular viewpoint. It tells the eventful history of the region – from Romans to Moors to the Christian reconquest.

Álora is a small town in the province of Málaga in Andalusia, about 40 kilometers northwest of Málaga city. It is located in the Valle del Guadalhorce, an agricultural region, and has a population of around 13,000. The town is known for its typical Andalusian architecture with white houses and narrow streets. Álora has a long history dating back to Roman times. Later, under Moorish rule, it was of strategic importance, as can still be seen today in the Castillo de Álora – a castle located on a hill above the town. Today, Álora is primarily a starting point for visitors to the Caminito del Rey, a well-known hiking route through the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes gorge. Despite its growing tourist importance, the town remains relatively quiet and has retained its traditional character. There are a few bars, small shops and a few sights such as churches and museums, but overall, Álora is a rather tranquil place.

The trail can be done on an enduro bike, but unless you're a pro, you'll often have to push the bike, as the narrow trail is often blocked. However, you can ride quite well where possible. The uphill trail is definitely not doable by bike unless you want to carry the bike for miles.

The La Faenera Monument is a beautiful bronze sculpture that honors the hard work of the women, known as "faeneras," who work in the orange and lemon groves of the region. The sculpture is a work by Spanish artist Marino Amaya and is strategically placed on the corner of Calle Carmona and Calle Cantarranas. The sculpture shows a young woman with a simple hairstyle and a serious face, dressed in the traditional verdiales garment with a basket full of oranges and lemons. The monument commemorates the dedication and hard work of the women who work in the huertas of the Guadalhorce River.

It's free

Puerto de la Encina is well signposted, with a wide esplanade and signs making it clear that we have arrived. It offers views of Malaga city and the mountains of Granada, which we can sometimes see snow-capped (very far away, of course 😅). By bike it is inevitable to continue down towards Alhaurín el Grande or towards Firme de Jarapalos, on foot we can go up a path towards "La Bola", an antenna with this shape at the top of the mountain with incredible views of the coast, which is highly recommended. The distance to La Bola is not very long but it is steeper, going up by bike means carrying it a good stretch (I did it once, but it is not highly recommended).