Alcaucín: Archaeology and the Route to La Maroma
Accommodation in Alcaucín
Two topics stand out when deciding whether Alcaucín is right for your stay: archaeological evidence and the challenging Alcázar–La Maroma hiking route. There is also the Pedro Aguilar viewpoint and the Fiesta de la Castaña. So, when looking for a hotel in Alcaucín, you can weigh up whether you are most interested in prehistory, a long mountain hike, or a traditional celebration.
Archaeology at Cueva del Boquete de Zafarraya
Cueva del Boquete de Zafarraya is located within the municipality of Alcaucín (Málaga) and is classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC) in the archaeological zone category. Human remains discovered during excavations in the cave confirm the continued presence of Neanderthals in Andalusia. Other finds from the Upper Paleolithic and Neolithic indicate that the cave was continuously inhabited. The archaeological record therefore spans several periods and includes both Neanderthals and later prehistoric traces.
The CIVA: Prehistory and Alcaucín as a Borderland
The Centro de interpretación Valle de Alcaucín (CIVA) displays replicas of Neanderthal bone finds, models of Neanderthal families, and information panels. Its 600 square meters and two floors cover different topics: one floor is devoted to prehistory, the other to the history of Alcaucín as a borderland. This adds an account of Alcaucín’s history to the perspective provided by the cave finds. The exhibition may change.
Alcázar–La Maroma hiking route
The Alcázar–La Maroma hiking route leads to La Maroma, which is 2,068 meters high. It is a linear route rated difficult to very difficult; the one-way distance is 10,523 meters. Its length and rating give you a concrete basis for assessing the day’s hike: this is a long route considered challenging, not a short circular walk.
The route starts at the Cortijo del Alcázar recreational area, which you can reach from Alcaucín via the Camino del Alcázar after about 6 kilometers. Road conditions and route status may change; check the information before setting out. Two different durations are given for the hike: 8:30 hours and 5 hours. So don’t plan around a single fixed duration; check the tour information for your hike.
El Alcázar and the Pedro Aguilar viewpoint
El Alcázar is distinguished by its abundant water and vegetation, as well as numerous facilities for public use; individual facilities may change. Nearby are the ruins of an old Arab fortification and the Los Tajos del Alcázar natural monument. These offer a different way to explore the area than the archaeological cave or the long route to La Maroma.
The Pedro Aguilar viewpoint can be reached on foot or by bicycle from Cortijo del Alcázar. It is also possible to drive there using a small, drivable farm track that branches off the route between Alcázar and Alcauca; conditions on the track may change. From Pedro Aguilar, you can see the La Viñuela reservoir and the Mediterranean Sea, weather permitting.
Fiesta de la Castaña on All Saints’ Day
The Fiesta de la Castaña keeps an old Alcaucín tradition alive on All Saints’ Day. Chestnuts, traditionally harvested in the region, play a part in the celebration. Alongside archaeology and hiking, the festival adds a seasonal highlight. If the celebration is important to your travel plans, check the dates and program for the relevant year.
Discover more destinations: Cortes De La Frontera, Fuengirola, Comares, Atajate, Parauta, Cartaojal, Torre de Benagalbón, Villanueva Del Rosario.
For the main travel overview: Málaga.
