Alcaucín

Sally Harrison from Axarquia Properties leads us through the towns of the Axarquia.
 

Alcaucín is situated on the western slopes of La Maroma at the entrance to the Natural Park of the Sierras de Tejeda, close to the spectacular Zafarraya gap, where you can step out of Malaga and into the Granada province! 
 
The approximate translation of Al Cautín, now Alcaucin, is ‘the Arches’ possibly named because of the aqueduct!  At an altitude of 510 metres the village is approached either by driving up from Puente Don Manuel, across the valley through Venta Baja, or down from Zafarraya through Espino, where the views are absolutely stunning. Lower green mountains covered in pine trees, almond groves, vineyards and orchards, gradually rise up towards the rugged Boquete de Zafarraya, which is often shrouded in cloud and the Colmenar ridge. 
 
The village itself is typical of the area with narrow winding streets, whitewashed houses and interior courtyards brimming with beautifully coloured flowers. On entering the village one of the first points of interest is the fountain with five jets of fresh mountain water inviting you to stoop down and drink.  Village life centres around the pretty town square now renamed the Plaza de la Constitución with its 18th Century Parish Church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario and the Town Hall. The earthquake on Christmas day, 1884, badly affected this village with loss of life as well as the destruction of property, roads and trails and the alteration of subterranean streams. And if that wasn´t enough  heavy snowfall that year prevented much needed assistance to the villagers.
 
There are several bars and restaurants which serve delicious local cuisine. The eight areas that make up this municipality are Puente Don Manuel, Los Morales, Los Cortijillos, Las Monjas, Venta Baja, Venta Alta, El Pilarejo and El Espino. When you have finished your tour of the village you can walk back down the Paseo de las Barriadas and take your pick of any one of the decoratively tiled benches, which bear the names of these areas, to rest for a while.

If strolling through the village hasn´t given you enough exercise, then why not challenge yourself to reach the highest point of Axarquía by climbing to the top of La Maroma? Don´t forget your camera!

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