Almachar is a small town in the Axarquia region of Malaga. It’s a place where life moves at a slower pace and simple pleasures are valued. The streets are narrow and full of twists and turns, much like many old Spanish towns. The houses are painted white, which is a common sight in this region.
The town has a deep-rooted history that is reflected in its buildings and streets. It’s a place where the past is still very much present. If history interests you, there’s plenty to explore here.
One of the highlights of Almachar is its local cuisine. The town is particularly known for a special dish called Ajoblanco, a cold soup made with almonds and garlic. They even have a festival dedicated to this dish, drawing food enthusiasts from all over.
But there’s so much more to Almachar than just this. Keep reading to find out more about what this charming town has to offer.
History
Almachar, like many towns in the region, traces its roots back to the Muslim era. This history is evident in the Moorish layout of its streets, which rise from the banks of the River Almachar to the top of the town. These winding paths lead to the “Paseo de la Axarquía”, a viewpoint offering stunning vistas of the district. The name Almachar itself derives from the Arabic word “Al Maysar”, translating to “the meadows” or “land of meadows”.
The first recorded history of Almachar dates back to the 16th century. During this time, several families who were primarily engaged in animal farming, took over these lands left vacant by the Muslims. This marked a significant shift in the town’s demographics and economy.
However, Almachar’s history is not without its share of trials and tribulations. In 1755, the town was hit by a series of earthquakes. The devastation forced the residents to seek refuge in the surrounding farms, which were also severely affected. This event marked a challenging period in Almachar’s history, but the resilient spirit of its people saw the town gradually recover and rebuild.
Tourist attractions
One of the main attractions is the town’s layout, which is of Arabic origin. The narrow, winding streets lined with white houses lead to the “Paseo de la Axarquía”, a viewpoint that offers excellent views of the district. This quaint village, though small, exudes charm. Its houses collectively form the old town, beginning with an entrance marked by a monument featuring a cluster of grapes. Meandering downhill, where the river flows, the village showcases steep inclines and declines along its streets. Adorned with flowers and ceramic pots, the white facades of the houses add to the picturesque allure of this delightful locale.
This town is in the region known as the Raisin Route, one can witness the grapevines carefully planted along the mountain slopes. These vines are later harvested to craft the sweet wine characteristic of this area, bearing a designation of origin.
In addition to its cultural attractions, Almachar is surrounded by beautiful landscapes. The town is nestled in the heart of the Axarquia region You will see while hiking vineyards, olive trees, cereal fields, and orchards.
Raisin Museum
While referred to as the Raisin Museum, one could argue it’s equally a 50% ethnographic museum. Details regarding raisins are succinct, and agricultural tools are swiftly observed. Subsequently, the remainder of the museum offers a journey through a period home, characteristic of these municipalities. It proves engaging and remarkably brief, ensuring the visit remains light and enjoyable.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZMcBkYC1x4MG8nqKA
Festivities
Almachar, a town rich in traditions, takes great pride in its local festivities and holidays. The town comes alive during “El Carnaval”, and the solemnity of Holy Week is deeply observed. In May, the town celebrates the pilgrimage “Romería de San Isidro”, a popular religious festival. The Corpus Christi procession and the fair in honour of the town’s Patron, “Ntra. Sra. Del Amparo”, are other significant events.
One unique celebration is the function of “El Santo Cristo de la Banda Verde”. This honorary patron, chosen by popular acclaim, is celebrated on the first weekend of May. But the festivities don’t stop there. On the first Saturday of September, the town hosts the feast of “Ajoblanco”. This event, declared of national tourist interest, is a tribute to a traditional dish and is a major attraction for both locals and visitors.
- El Carnaval: Celebrated in February, exact dates vary each year.
- Holy Week: Celebrated in the week leading up to Easter, usually in March or April.
- La Romería de San Isidro: Celebrated on May 15th.
- The Corpus: Celebrated on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, usually in June.
- Fair in honour of Ntra. Sra. Del Amparo: Dates vary, but it’s typically celebrated in August.
- El Santo Cristo de la Banda Verde: Celebrated on the first weekend of May.
- Feast of Ajoblanco: Celebrated on the first Saturday of September.
Gastronomy
The gastronomy plays a noteworthy role in the town’s touristic offers.The vineyards of Almachar produce excellent raisins from muscatel grapes. These grapes have their own denomination and are used to make excellent wines. They are also used to make the famous cold garlic and almond soup with muscatel grapes, known as ajoblanco con uva de moscatel. This dish is a signature dish of Almachar.
We also recommend “las sopas amarillas” and “las berzas de coles”.
How to get there
Getting to Almachar from Malaga airport by car is quite straightforward:
- Start by taking the Mediterranean motorway towards Rincón de la Victoria.
- From Rincón de la Victoria, continue to Moclinejo.
- From Moclinejo, you can continue directly to Almachar.
The total distance is approximately 48 kilometers and the journey should take around 43 minutes, depending on traffic