Fuente de Piedra is a charming town in the province of Málaga, Andalusia. Known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history, it offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life with a population of just over 2,000.
The town’s history dates back to Roman times and its name comes from an ancient fountain that still exists today. In addition to its rich history, Fuente de Piedra is also home to several attractions, including its famous lagoon and the Church of Our Lady of Virtues.
Whether you’re interested in history, nature or local culture, there is something for everyone. Come and discover this hidden gem in the heart of Andalusia and inside the province of Malaga!
History
Fuente de Piedra is a town located in the geographic center of Andalusia, less than two hours away from major provincial capitals such as Málaga, Sevilla, Granada and Córdoba. The town’s name comes from an ancient fountain that still exists today.
The history of Fuente de Piedra dates back to Roman times, when its salt was commercially exploited until the 1950s. The town’s famous lagoon, the Laguna de Fuente de Piedra, is the largest natural reserve in Andalusia with an area of 1,400 hectares. It is home to the largest colony of flamingos on the Iberian Peninsula and the second most important in Europe after Camargue, France.
The lagoon and the fountain have had different histories. While the lagoon continued to be exploited intermittently in its salt flats between 1930-51, there was an attempt to exterminate the colony of flamingos that were said to prevent the crystallization of salt.
Today, it is a peaceful town that offers visitors a glimpse into its rich history and stunning natural beauty.
Attractions
Fuente de Piedra is a charming town in the province of Málaga, Andalusia. It’s known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history. With a population of just over 2,000, it offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
One of the best ways to explore the area and its surroundings is by renting a car. With your own vehicle, you’ll have the freedom to visit nearby attractions and off-the-beaten-path destinations at your own pace. If you’re flying into Málaga, you can easily arrange a Malaga car hire and start your adventure right away.
Places to visit
The town’s history dates back to Roman times and its name comes from an ancient fountain that still exists today. Fuente de Piedra is also home to several attractions, including its famous lagoon and the Church of Our Lady of Virtues.
Fuente de Piedra Lagoon
This natural reserve is the largest natural reserve in Andalusia. It has an area of 1,400 hectares and is home to the largest colony of flamingos on the Iberian Peninsula and the second most important in Europe after Camargue in France.
The history of the lagoon dates back to Roman times, when its salt was commercially exploited until the 1950s. Today, it is a protected area that offers visitors a unique opportunity to observe a wide variety of bird species in their natural habitat.
In addition to its rich birdlife, the lagoon is also surrounded by beautiful landscapes and charming towns. This town has a rich history and several attractions, including an ancient fountain that still exists today and the Church of Our Lady of Virtues.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/UvCyke2DCHAdYeRJ9
There are many options in the surrounding area for hiking and enjoying the fantastic natural environment in the region.
Church
The Church of Our Lady of Virtues is a beautiful church located in Fuente de Piedra. It is named after the Virgin of Virtues, who is said to have appeared to a shepherd on a hill near the town.
According to local legend, many sick people came to drink water from the fountain and give thanks to the Virgin for granting her “virtues” to the water and healing them. The church is located on Juan Carlos I Street and is a popular attraction for visitors.
Whether you’re interested in history, architecture or local culture, the Church of Our Lady of Virtues is definitely worth a visit.
Fountain
The fountain in Fuente de Piedra is an ancient fountain that still exists today. It is said to have healing properties and people used to travel for miles to drink its water.
Local legend has it that the Virgin of Virtues granted her “virtues” to the water. As a result, many sick people who drank from the fountain experienced healing. Today, the fountain is a popular attraction for visitors and a reminder of the town’s rich history.
The fountain is just one of many attractions in Fuente de Piedra. The town also has a rich history and stunning natural beauty, making it a great destination for travelers looking to explore Andalusia.
Other attractions
In addition to its famous lagoon and the Church of Our Lady of Virtues, Fuente de Piedra has several other attractions that are worth visiting. Some of these include:
- El Refugio del Burrito: A sanctuary for donkeys and mules that provides a safe and loving home for neglected or mistreated animals.
- Bodegas Málaga Virgen: A winery that produces a wide range of wines, including sweet wines, dry wines and fortified wines.
These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Fuente de Piedra has to offer. This charming town offers something for everyone, whether you’re interested in history, nature, culture or gastronomy.
Festivals and Fairs
There are several popular festivals throughout the year that celebrate its rich culture and traditions. Some of these include:
- Noche de las Candelas: On February 1st, the town celebrates the Night of the Candles to commemorate the feast of the Virgin of Candelaria. Women sing traditional songs around a bonfire.
- Carnival: Like many towns in Andalusia, they celebrate Carnival with parades, costumes and music.
- Fiestas Patronales: The town celebrates its patron saint festivities in honor of the Virgin of Virtues.
- Fair: In July, Fuente de Piedra celebrates the Fair of Santiago with music, dancing and traditional food.
These are just a few examples of the many festivals that take place throughout the year. Attending one of these events is a great way to experience the town’s vibrant culture and traditions.
Getting to Fuente de Piedra
There are several ways to get to Fuente de Piedra from Malaga airport, depending on your preference and budget. Here are some options:
- By bus: You can take an ALSA bus from Malaga bus station. The journey takes approximately 1h 30m and tickets cost between €13 and €20, you will need to take the suburban train to Maria Zambrano train station.
- By taxi: You can take a taxi from Malaga Airport to Fuente de Piedra.
- By car: You can rent a car at Malaga Airport and drive to Fuente de Piedra.
Choose the option that best suits your needs and start your adventure in this charming town!
If you decide to go by car from Malaga airport, there are two options for getting there. The first is via the A-45 road and the second is via the A-46. The estimated travel time is about 50 minutes and it is about 80 kilometres away. There are no tolls on either route. Both pass near Casabermeja, Antequera, Mollina and Humilladero, in case you want to stop at any of them and do some sightseeing.