Sierra de las Nieves

Located in the mid western part of the province, this region is home to one of the most unusual and varied landscapes of the whole region. Stretching out behind Marebella, it is a rugged and small mountain range of exceptional ecological richness, which was declared a National Park in 1989. The park has a diverse and unusual collection of rare flora, amongst which you can find the Gall Oak and the Pinsapo (Spanish pine). In the low areas of the park there are some outstanding examples of the Holm Oak and the Corn Oak, as well as small clusters of carob trees and chestnut trees. There are many species of protected animals that live within the park, such as the wild cat, the golden eagle and the otter, of which there are few specimens left.

UNESCO acknowledged the exceptional features of the area and included it in their list of special places in 1999 under the name of 'Sierra de las Nieves y su entorno' and it is today part of the International Network of Biosphere Reserves.

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Ojen

Ojen is situated between Las Sierras Blanca and Alpujata in a place of great natural beauty. It is a colourful town between the sea and the mountains with a typical Andalusian flavour, with its narrow streets, architectural style and abundance of flowers.

Caves in the area indicate the existence of neolithical families, although it is was in the 10th Century that Islamic records first made reference to this village in which a castle, now destroyed, passed from ruler to another during a series of rebellions and conquests. It was re-populated by Christians from the Valle del Guadalquivir.

So close to the cosmopolitan atmosphere on the coast, this town in the rural inland area offers a great deal to passing travellers.

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Monda

Midway between the valley and the mountains, protected from the wind by a hill on which is situated the Castillo de la Villeta, now a luxury hotel, is the beautiful town of Monda, which was declared the Paraje Pintoresco (Most Beautiful Place) in 1971.

In Monda you can still see the most interesting remains in the whole of the Sierras de las Nieves of the Medieval and Roman road. Situated about 700 metres from the town in the direction of Coin, it is made up of three parts, one Roman, another with Medieval alterations and a third, the most recent, which has a series of small steps.

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Guaro

The intense aroma of the white and pink almond blossom in the spring tells the traveller that they are in the proximity of Guaro, a beautiful town, which thanks to its strategic location goes back to the history of the Iron Age.

The coat of arms of the Condado de Guaro is a reminder of the government that existed in this locality, which was handed over to the catholic kings after the taking of Coin in 1485. In 1614 it was declared a small town and was designated the capital of the county by King Felipe IV.

The water of the Rio Grande is a symbol of the economic life of Guaro and is a toast to the natural beauty.

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Tolox

Tolox is situated in the heart of the Sierras de las Nieves, an area of extreme contrasts between white limestone and pink rocky outcrops where you can find the emblematic crest of the Pico Torrecilla and the Sima GESM. Its origin goes back to neolithical times, as can be seen from the Cueva de la Tinaja, which has remains of decorative ceramic vases. There are a few references in the names of the streets to what was once a castle, which was the centre of Moroccan rebellions and fierce battles between Christians and Muslims.

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Alhaurin el Grande

After the Romans arrived in the already established Iberian settlement in the Sierra de Mijas this village became known as Lauro Nova, an area reputedly blessed with fertility, a mild climate and rich in nearby mineral deposits. Nothing much happened of note until the Moors arrived, building a fortress they named Torres de Fahala. The town was called Alhaurin, which means the Garden of Allah. The fortress was destroyed by the Christians, although the village survived not only the invasion, but also a subsequent earthquake in 1680, epidemics of plague and a period of occupation by the French during the Peninsula War between 1808 and 1814. These days it is a pretty and bustling town, with tree lined streets, pavement cafes and some rather lovely restaurants.

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Casarabonela

A town of mixed cultures, Casarabonela is one of the Malaguenan pueblos that has best united its Muslim and Christian past, conserving a good part of the old Casr-Bonaira arabe road.

Its steep and narrow streets are filled with blind alleys and elevated buildings, with the road passing underneath them. There is always a spring or water fountain nearby for the thirsty traveller.

The Roman Castra Vinaria is today a pool of peace that from its raised height looks down over a beautiful swathe of fertile farmland, sprinkled with white farmhouses. In Casarabonela the wild mountainside merges with the street, the river with the fountain, yet still existing in its tranquil corners you can hear the echoes of bygone battles.

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Alozaina

Alozaina, which means little fortress, marks the thoroughfare between the Hoya de Malaga and the Sierra. Its land, rich in architectural remains, is a harmonious combination between the cultivation of olives, fruits and cereals and the majesty of Sierra Prieta, which climbs to a height of 1.525m.

This highland village, with many signs of Muslim culture, saw the birth of Maria Sagredo, the heroine of the pueblo, who defended it against the Moors by throwing beehives at them, at a time when the village was only occupied by women, children and old people.

This beautiful location offers visitors delightful views and delicious food.

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Yunquera

With some of the most extensive forests of the Spanish pine tree, pinsapo, in the world, Yunquera owes its name to the huge quantity of juncos (reeds) that exist in the area, giving an idea of the abundance of water in the locality.

Possibly of Roman origin, although there are no remains of this era, the Christians established themselves in this beautiful land before the arrival of the Berbers in the 8th Century.

The castle stronghold that dominates this zone from the top of the mountain offers a majestic view over Yunquera and the luxuriant natural beauty of the area.

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