Salares is a charming town located in the province of Málaga, Andalucía, Spain. It is part of the comarca of La Axarquía and is situated on the Mudejar Route. The town is also part of the Sierras of Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park. This picturesque town is surrounded by almond, orange and olive trees and is a perfect destination for those looking to explore the beauty of Andalucía by car. With its steep, narrow streets and whitewashed houses, Salares offers visitors a glimpse into its rich Arabic heritage. The town’s history can be traced back to the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans who once populated the area. Salares has much to offer visitors, from its rich history and stunning natural beauty to its delicious local cuisine and vibrant festivals.
Keep reading to discover more about this enchanting town.
History of Salares
Salares is a town with a rich history that can be traced back to the Phoenicians, Greeks and Carthaginians. During the Roman period, the town was known as Salaria Bastitanorum. This name is owed to the assumed existence of a salt deposit in its surrounding area. A bridge over the Salares river was built during this time, which is still in use today.
The town’s Arabic heritage is evident in its steep, narrow streets and whitewashed houses. These date back to the time of the Arab occupation. Like other towns in the area, Salares suffered during the Moorish uprising and subsequent reprisals. In more recent times, the town was seriously damaged by an earthquake at the end of the 19th century.
Despite its tumultuous past, Salares remains a charming destination for those interested in history and looking to explore Andalucía by car. Its rich history and stunning natural beauty make it a must-visit destination for any traveler.
Places to visit
Salares offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. The town is located in the Sierra de Almijares and is surrounded by almond, orange, olive and vine trees. This beautiful natural setting provides a great opportunity for outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring the local countryside.
One popular activity is hiking along the various trails that lead through the surrounding hills and mountains. The town is also located near the Sierras of Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park, which offers even more opportunities for outdoor activities.
In addition to outdoor activities, this town also has a rich cultural heritage that visitors can explore. The town is home to several interesting historical landmarks, including the bridge over the Salares River, built by the Romans; the Parish Church of Santa Ana; and the minaret, which was declared a National Monument in 1979.
Overall, Salares offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy, from outdoor adventures to cultural exploration.
Roman Bridge
The bridge over the Salares River is a must-see attraction for visitors to Salares. Built by the Romans, this bridge has been reinforced in later periods and is still in excellent condition today. It is a single arch bridge that joins both riverbanks and provides a great starting point for exploring the town.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/HzFYdBbo1QLK1dVU8
Parish Church of Santa Ana
The Parish Church of Santa Ana is another important landmark in Salares. This 16th century church is built in the Mudejar style and features a single nave with a transept. The main nave is covered with a wooden framework with ties and loops. The exterior of the church is simple, with an entrance on the Gospel side through a round arch.
Minaret
The minaret of Salares is another must-see attraction for visitors to the town. This minaret was declared a National Monument in 1979 and is one of the most beautiful pieces of Almohad artwork in the whole country. The minaret was originally part of a mosque and was later converted for Christian use.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ZrpaxEWCZ5ffnQwc8
Activities
Salares is a town with a rich cultural heritage and vibrant local traditions. Visitors to the town can experience this culture first-hand by attending one of the many local festivals. The festivities in honour of its Patron Saints take place on the day of San Antón and the day of Santa Ana. Another of the traditional religious feasts in Salares is Holy Week.
San Antón
San Antón is one of the Patron Saints of Salares and the town celebrates his feast day with great enthusiasm. This festival is a great opportunity for visitors to experience the local culture and traditions.
Santa Ana
Santa Ana is another Patron Saint of Salares and her feast day is also celebrated with great enthusiasm. This festival is another great opportunity for visitors to experience the local culture and traditions.
Holy Week
Holy Week is another important religious festival in Salares. This festival is celebrated with great devotion and is a great opportunity for visitors to experience the local culture and traditions.
Gastronomy
Salares is a town with a rich culinary tradition that visitors can enjoy. The town is known for its delicious local cuisine, which features a variety of dishes made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
One of the most famous dishes in Salares is “el rosco de naranja”, a type of orange cake that is popular throughout the region. Other main dishes include fennel stew, “las migas” (a dish made with breadcrumbs) and “las gachas de harina” (a type of porridge made with flour) served with “cuscurrones” (croutons) and flavored with honey, milk and sugar.
In addition to its delicious food, Salares is also known for its excellent wine. The town is located in the Axarquía region, which is famous for its wines with the D.O. Málaga and Sierras de Málaga designations.
Overall, Salares offers visitors a wide range of delicious local dishes to try and is a great destination for food lovers.
How to get to Salares
There are several options for getting from Málaga airport to Salares. One option is to take a bus from the Málaga bus station to Salares. To get to the bus station from the airport, you can take a train or a bus. Once at the bus station, you can take a bus to Salares.
Another option is to take a taxi or a town car from the airport to Salares, which takes around 1 hour and 7 minutes.
Malaga car hire is also a convenient option for getting to Salares. The drive from Málaga airport to Salares takes around 1 hour and 7 minutes. Renting a car would also give you the flexibility to explore the surrounding area at your own pace.