Cártama: Archaeology, Festivals and Hiking Routes

Cártama combines an archaeological collection and historic architecture with recurring events and hiking and cycling routes. When looking for a hotel in Cártama, you can first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: are you interested in local history, an event date or a particular route? These themes offer different reasons to plan a stay.

Archaeology and Architectural History

The Colección Museográfica de Cártama comprises 183 pieces and presents the history of the town from prehistoric times to the Early Modern period. It has the largest collection of Iberian archaeology in the province of Málaga. Admission is free; as admission information may change, check it before your trip. The collection can therefore be considered a cultural history attraction in its own right: its time span ranges from early periods to the Early Modern period.

The Ermita de Ntra. Sra. de los Remedios offers a different perspective on history. It dates from the 16th century, at the latest in connection with the 1579 epidemic. Its 18th-century Baroque camarín features richly decorated stucco work. While the Colección Museográfica presents a broad historical period, the Ermita focuses on specific architectural and decorative features.

Events Throughout the Year

The Noches de la Bella Jarifa is held annually in late September and recreates a medieval atmosphere in the streets of Cártama Pueblo. The programme includes an Arab souk, falconry, oriental music and dancing, guided tours of archaeological sites, theatre and competitions. Exact dates and the programme may change from one edition to the next, so check them before your trip.

The Jornada del Pedal has been held regularly in Estación de Cártama for more than 20 years. It takes place around the Sunday closest to 19 March; dates may vary from year to year. The cycling route runs through the streets of Estación de Cártama, but its course may change from one edition to the next.

The Fiestas en Honor de la Virgen de Ntra. Sra. de los Remedios received the distinction of Festival of National Tourist Interest in Andalusia in 2002. On 23 April, a solemn procession in honour of the patron saint, Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, passes through the town's streets. Another recurring date is the first Sunday in May, when Verdiales groups meet at the Ermita de las Tres Cruces.

The Festival Flamenco José Hurtado “Ramoliche” is dedicated to the singer of the same name from Cártama. The festival gives special prominence to local artists and contemporary flamenco; the artists and performances vary from one edition to the next. The event themes therefore differ considerably: the Bella Jarifa offers a medieval programme, while the Flamenco festival focuses on music and local artists.

Hiking and Cycling

The hiking routes differ in both their layout and stated length. The Camino de las Tres Cruces starts in the town of Cártama and is a 14-kilometre linear trail. Torrealquería is an 8.8-kilometre circular hiking route around the valley formed by the Sierra de los Espartales and the Sierra Llana. The Espartales trail is an approximately 9-kilometre circular route of particular botanical and scenic interest. Based on their stated lengths, the two circular routes are similar; the botanical interest of the Espartales trail is also highlighted. Trail conditions may change, so check them before setting out.

A cycling route is also described: the BTT route from Cártama to Almogía is 30.69 kilometres long, difficult and not a circular route. These details distinguish it from the shorter hiking routes and also indicate a different route layout. The route information is older; check it before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Estación, Gibralgalia, Almachar, Almargen, Benamargosa, Casares, Archidona, Lagos.

For the broader travel overview: Málaga.