Discover Villanueva de la Concepción

Villanueva de la Concepción combines a landscape shaped by the El Torcal massif with Verdiales traditions, Roman traces and historic routes. This gives you different ways to plan your stay: you can focus on nature and hiking, or explore the region’s festivals, buildings and history.

Landscapes between El Torcal and the fields

Nearby El Torcal de Antequera lies between the city of Antequera and the municipality of Villanueva de la Concepción. The imposing massif shapes the municipality’s landscape; olive groves, almond trees and cereal fields are also part of the scenery. El Torcal offers opportunities for hiking, cycling and climbing. Access conditions can change, so it is advisable to check them before planning a specific outing.

Verdiales and communal celebrations

The Festival de Verdiales is considered the oldest festival in Málaga province and was recognised as a Fiesta de Interés Turístico Nacional in 2001. Since 1981, Villanueva de la Concepción has brought together the most important Pandas de Verdiales for the festival. During the event, you can join the groups as they move through the town to the rhythm of Verdiales and sample typical local products.

The festival thus brings together music, movement through the town and local tastings. As the annual event format may change, check the dates and programme for your trip.

Roman traces and historic buildings

Cerro del León is also known as Ciudad Romana de Oscua. Friezes, sandstone blocks and several opus signinum basins have been preserved there. Roman pottery finds recorded at Cerro del León date from the 1st to the 6th century AD. The dating therefore spans several centuries; it does not indicate the construction date of a single building.

The Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora Inmaculada Concepción dates from the late 19th century. Its architectural features include a white façade, a small bell gable, a single-nave interior and a Neoclassical altarpiece.

The Mirador Puente del Horcajo is an 18th-century bridge on the former Vía Real between Madrid and Málaga. It crosses the Campanillas River and dates from 1787. The bridge can be visited free of charge and is accessible to people with reduced mobility; check the conditions before your visit. Another historic bridge is the Puente del Paraíso on the Camino Real de Carlos III, which is described as being in relatively good condition.

Hiking routes and directions

The routes differ in their courses and descriptions. The Sendero de la Escaleruela starts in town at the local Instituto de Educación Secundaria and heads towards El Torcal. The Ruta por los Manantiales del Sur del Torcal, by contrast, is an unmarked 14.31-kilometre circular hike. If you are considering the Camino Mozárabe, two stages are relevant: the stage from Villanueva de la Concepción to Antequera reaches Puerto de la Escaleruela in El Torcal; the stage from Almogía to Villanueva crosses the Puente del Horcajo and then follows the Camino Real into town.

The Camino Real de Carlos III is the former road from Málaga to Madrid and is now used as an agricultural and tourist route. To find the Torcal Alto Visitor Centre, follow the A-7075 from Villanueva de la Concepción towards Antequera until the turn-off. Trail and road conditions, as well as access requirements, can change; check them before your outing.

Festivals and local traditions

The Romería de San Isidro Labrador includes an overnight stay in a tent, a Rocío Mass and subsequent flamenco performances. The romería also features a food festival at Hoyo de la Turca, at the foot of El Torcal. Hoyo de la Turca is equipped for camping and offers a place to stop for a meal. If you are planning to camp there, check on-site availability; the annual event programme may also change.

On Día de San Marcos, traditional hornazos made with bread and egg are prepared, followed by a meal or picnic in the countryside. The Fiesta del verdeo, also known as “Día de la Haba,” promotes the broad bean as a typical crop of the village of El Torcal. At the start of the event, broad beans with oil are sampled in local bars.

Plan your trip around your interests

For planning purposes, hiking options can be distinguished by their described format: an unmarked circular route, a trail starting in town and heading towards El Torcal, or stages of the Camino Mozárabe with named destinations and connections. Those interested in culture can focus instead on the Roman remains, the church, the bridges and Verdiales. This lets you plan your trip around the topics that interest you most and look for a hotel in Villanueva de la Concepción that suits your stay.

Discover more destinations: Alfarnate, Alameda, Benaoján, Casabermeja, Jimera De Líbar, San Pedro de Alcántara, Genalguacil, Bobadilla

For the broader travel overview: Málaga.