Campillos is a charming town located in the province of Malaga, part of the autonomous community of Andalusia in southern Spain. This town, to the west of Antequera and about 70 km from Malaga, has a population of about 8,000 inhabitants. A mix of stately large houses and modern buildings line the streets of Campillos, creating a serene atmosphere.
One of the most notable features of Campillos is its reputation in the world of education. The School of San Jose, one of the most prestigious boarding schools in all of Andalucia, has been open for over half a century and is located in this town.
History
Campillos has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1492. Despite the important archaeological findings made in the area, including ceramic remains and coins from Roman-Iberian settlements and a Visigoth enclave, there is no documentation pertaining to the existence of the settlement of Campillos until the fifteenth century, after the conquest of the area by Christian troops. Three capitals from the Visigoth enclave have been preserved in the “Moralejo” (presently housing the school of San José).
Later, in 1680, King Carlos II granted Campillos special privileges and independence from Teba, which it had previously been administratively dependent on. In 1821, Campillos was named head of its own judicial district.
Attractions
Campillos has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1492. The town has several monuments worth visiting, including the Church of Nuestra Señora del Reposo, the Hermitage of San Benito, and the Necropolis of Las Aguilillas.
In addition to its historical attractions, Campillos also offers plenty of activities for tourists. The town is home to the Circuito Karting Campillos, a popular destination for karting enthusiasts. In the area, several lakes are home to flamingos and storks, making it a great place for nature lovers.
Places to visit and activities
Here is a list of some of the top tourist attractions in Campillos:
- Church of Nuestra Señora del Reposo: Its construction spans from the 16th century to the 18th and 19th centuries, consolidating itself as one of the most significant constructions of the time (Map)
- Hermitage of San Benito: Construction of the Hermitage of San Benito began in 1578. Just 20 years later, the work was completed and blessed in 1596. In 1756, the temple was rebuilt in the mid-eighteenth century. The exterior porch was added in 1814. The last restoration took place in 1992. (Map)
- Necropolis of Las Aguilillas: (II Millennium BC) built in artificial caves in the south of the Iberian Peninsula. Discovered at the end of the 1980s and studied in 1991, it is composed of seven tombs between 2100 and 1900 BC. In a period of transition between the Copper Age and the Bronze Age. (Map)
- Circuito Karting Campillos: You can read more about karting in Malaga in our website.
- Multiadventure Park: This park is ideal for children if you are in the area. (Map)
- Lakes inhabited by flamingos and storks: Campillos covers an area of 188 km² extending from grain fields and olive groves and includes several lakes inhabited by flamingos and storks. These wetlands provide a great opportunity for nature lovers to observe these beautiful birds in their natural habitat. (Map)
Fairs and Events
On the 10th and 11th of July, the town shows its best face in honor of its patron saint, Saint Benito Abad. The streets are filled with joy and celebration as locals and visitors alike come together to honor the town’s patron.
With the arrival of summer comes another exciting event: the fair of the first forthright in August. Decorations adorn the main town square and the sounds of music and laughter fill the air. This fair is a great opportunity for tourists to experience the local culture and traditions of Campillos.
One of the most popular events in Campillos is the annual Feria del Jamón (Ham Fair). This festival showcases local ham products and other gastronomic delights and attracts merchants from all over Andalucía. The fair takes place in November each year and has held the title of Fiesta de Singularidad Turística Provincial since 2010.
Gastronomy
Nestled in the heart of Andalusia, Campillos is a town that offers a unique culinary experience. With its emphasis on local ingredients, particularly olive oil and flour, the town’s cuisine is a true reflection of its surroundings. From cold soups like porra and salmorejo, made with tomatoes, bread, and olive oil, to hearty pork dishes such as cocido, lomo en manteca, churrasco, and chacinas, Campillos has something to offer for every palate.
For those looking to sample the local cuisine, there are several restaurants in Campillos that are worth visiting. Restaurante Yerbagüena is one of the most popular restaurants in the area, offering an updated take on traditional Andalusian cuisine. Some of the specialties at this restaurant include ham and nut croquettes, Iberian pork shoulder, and king prawn ravioli.
Here is a list of recommended dishes to try in Campillos:
- Porra (cold tomato soup)
- Salmorejo (cold tomato soup)
- Cocido (hearty stew)
- Lomo en manteca (pork loin in lard)
- Churrasco (grilled meat)
- Chacinas (cured meats)
- Ham and nut croquettes
- Iberian pork shoulder
- King prawn ravioli
Getting to Campillos
If you want to visit Campillos from Malaga Airport or from your place of residence on the Costa del Sol, there are several options available to you. One of the easiest ways to get to Campillos is by car. From the airport, the journey takes approximately 50 minutes and covers a distance of around 76 kilometers. The route is straightforward and takes you along the A-357 highway.
If you’re traveling from another location on the Costa del Sol, the best way to get to Campillos is to first make your way to Malaga and then follow the directions below. Alternatively, you can use a GPS or mapping service to find the best route from your specific location.
- Head northeast on Av. del Comandante García Morato
- Take the ramp to N-348/Av. de Velázquez
- Merge onto N-348/Av. de Velázquez
- Use the right lane to take the ramp to E-15/A-7/Benalmádena/Algeciras
- Merge onto MA-20
- Take exit 7 for A-357 toward Cártama/Parque Tecnológico/Universidad
- Merge onto A-357
- Continue on A-357 to Campillos