Positioned between Malaga and Velez-Malaga lies El Borge, a small town known as “The Capital of the Raisin” with 1,063 inhabitants. Its prime location in the Borge River Valley, at the foot of “El Cerro Egido”, offers the best of rural tourism and proximity to the beautiful beaches of Torre del Mar and El Rincon de la Victoria, just fifteen minutes away by car.
This municipality is characterised by the traditional architecture of La Axarquia, with low-lying houses made of brick, sandstone, and slate, featuring gabled roofs and Moorish tiles. The town’s name, derived from Arabic Al-Borg, hints at a history of resilient Moorish communities against Christian troops. Notable sites include the Parish Church of “Ntra. Sra. Del Rosario”, built on an ancient mosque, and the picturesque district of “El Rinconcillo”.
History
El Borge’s story begins with its Arabic roots, reflected in its name derived from ‘Al-Burch’, meaning ‘the bastion’. This charming village, known today as the ‘raisin capital’, was once a stronghold of Moorish resistance during the Reconquista. Its strategic location in the Axarquia region made it a site of significant historical events, including a notable battle in 1483 when Moorish forces triumphed over the Christian army marching towards Malaga.
After the Christian conquest, El Borge’s history was marked by the Morisco uprising in the 16th century, showcasing the local spirit against oppression. The village’s resilience is also mirrored in its recovery from the phylloxera plague that devastated its vineyards in the 19th century. Today, El Borge invites visitors to explore its storied past, wander through streets lined with traditional Andalusian homes, and celebrate its cultural heritage through festivals like ‘Día de la Pasa’.
Places to Visit
El Borge is a treasure trove of cultural heritage and natural beauty. Known as the ‘raisin capital’, it invites visitors to discover its rich history, traditional architecture, and scenic landscapes.
Parish Church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario
A historical gem of El Borge, the Parish Church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario dates back to the 16th century. It stands proudly on the foundations of an ancient mosque, offering a unique glimpse into the town’s layered past. The church’s architecture is a testament to the religious and cultural transformations that have shaped the region.
El Rinconcillo District
El Rinconcillo is a picturesque district in El Borge, known for its labyrinthine stairways that meander through the town. These stairways are not only charming but also serve a practical purpose, helping to navigate the hilly terrain. Exploring El Rinconcillo offers a delightful experience of the town’s traditional Andalusian character.
Arco de la Pasa
The Arco de la Pasa, or Arch of the Raisin, is a beautiful entrance arch that serves as a tribute to the town’s title as the ‘raisin capital’. It is adorned with murals and sculptures that celebrate the local heritage and the traditional profession of grape picking.
Fuente de la Vendimia
Just beyond the Arco de la Pasa lies the Fuente de la Vendimia, or The Vintage Fountain. This fountain is not only a work of art but also a homage to the grape pickers who historically traversed long distances to bring grapes from the vineyards.
Mirador El Borge
A short ascent from the fountain leads to Mirador El Borge, a viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the town. It’s an ideal spot to take in the beauty of El Borge and its surrounding landscapes.
Galería del Bandolero
Welcome to the ‘Galería del Bandolero’ of El Borge, an interpretive centre that delves into the phenomenon of banditry in Romantic Andalusia, as well as its real and imaginary world. This gallery revives the complete collection of the old Bandolero Museum of Ronda, making sense in a municipality like El Borge, where one of the most feared bandits of his time, Luis Muñoz ‘el Bizco Arboge’, was born.
Raisin route
El Borge is part of the ‘Ruta de la Pasa’, along with the towns of Comares, Cútar, and Moclinejo. This route is a journey through fields of vineyards under a generous sun, which turns the muscat grape into raisins. The production of raisins is a completely artisanal process, a delicate product that is worked entirely by hand.
The Sarmiento Museum of Popular Arts
The Sarmiento Museum of Popular Arts in El Borge is a cultural haven dedicated to showcasing objects that represent the region’s past and folk culture. Located in the lower part of the town, it provides visitors with a profound insight into the traditions and everyday life of the area through an extensive collection of popular arts.
Festivities
El Borge, known for its rich traditions, celebrates several festivities throughout the year that attract visitors from all over.
Day of the Raisin
The main festive event taking place in El Borge is the “Day of the Raisin”, celebrated on the 24th of September. Thousands of visitors attend this event to celebrate the harvest of the grape raisin, an emblematic product of the region. During this day, one can taste the delicious raisins and other local products, and enjoy traditional music and dances.
Patronal Feast of San Gabriel Archangel
The festivity of its Patron, San Gabriel Archangel, is another popular celebration. The inhabitants of El Borge and visitors come together to pay tribute to the patron of the village with a procession, music, and dances.
The Sanmarqueo
“The Sanmarqueo” is a genuinely Borgian feast, celebrated on the 25th of April. During this festivity, the inhabitants of El Borge go out to the countryside to enjoy a day of coexistence and celebration in nature.
Gastronomy
El Borge, famous for its rich gastronomy, offers a variety of typical dishes that reflect the cultural and agricultural heritage of the region.
The most typical dishes of El Borge are the cold vegetable soups. The soup with broad beans and the one with cucumber stand out. These refreshing and nutritious soups are perfect for the hot summer days in Andalusia.
In addition to its delicious soups, El Borge is known for its wines and brandy made with local grapes. The wines of El Borge, with their unique and characteristic flavour, are the perfect complement to any meal. The brandy, distilled from these wines, is a strong and tasty liquor that is best enjoyed after a good meal.
How to get
El Borge is a charming village located in the region of Andalusia, in the south of Spain. Here’s how you can get there:
By Car
If you’re coming from Malaga by car, you can take the A-7 and then the A-356 towards Velez-Málaga. From there, follow the MA-3113 and then the MA-3111 to El Borge. The journey takes approximately one hour.
If you’re considering car hire in Malaga, we invite you to check our competitive rates. Remember, we offer free cancellation, allowing you to book well in advance, secure availability, and save money. Your peace of mind and satisfaction are our top priority.
By Bus
There are regular bus services from Malaga to El Borge. The bus company ALSA offers several daily departures from the bus station in Malaga. The journey takes approximately 2 hours.