The various plazas in Almargen, with their fountains and greenery, are very pleasant places to rest at

The surrounding countryside is green and lush, the hills ranging in height from 450 metres to the 620 metres of the highest, the Salguera, and the soil is sandy and stony. The town¹s centre is 510 metres above sea level, and is watered by the rivers Guadalteba - from which the municipality is named - the Almargen and the Salado, flowing down from the higher ground. The water from the fountains of Majadaborrego and Majadaovejas are used for drinking, and the abundance of water in the municipality as a whole allows for the provision of water for neighbouring towns like Campillos and El Saucejo, this last one in the province of Seville. The name of the town derives from the Arabic word for "The Two Meadows". The town is quite small and there is not much historical documentation about its origins, although some archaeological remains have been found that point to an Iberian fortified settlement here, known as the Cerro de la Grana. The town itself is typical of its type in this region close to Seville, with the church being the main focus of attention among the low streets. The church of the Immaculate Conception dates from the 16th century, and has a mannerist entrance and Baroque steeple. There are numerous archaeological remains that confirm the existence of settlements here in the Copper Age, with some from the Bronze Age, the Iberoromanic and Moorish periods. Important among them are the artificial cave burial grounds of El Almirón, which can be visited on foot, respecting, of course, the local environment. On request, visitors will be shown these remains of extraordinary archaeological value, such as the idol with its hidden phallic shape, the stela (an upright sculptured gravestone) or the pre-historic swords.

Places to be visited

Natural environment The Guadalteba municipality is rich in natural surroundings, with a large variety of flora. The mountains are low enough to have abundant tress growing on them, mainly pines and Mediterranean vegetation, although most of the pine forests left are on state land. Almost all of what used to grow in the valleys has long since disappeared in the interests of cultivation. There are also oak and juniper woods in the area. On the banks of the Guadalteba and Turón rivers there are numerous ravines and smaller tributaries where a large variety of trees grow, such as the black poplar and reedbeds. Along with these, there is the scrubland with its varied flowers and plants, which include a wide range of herbs, palms, rock roses, asparagus and a rich variety of orchids. One must not forget either the cultivated landscape of the area, the olive and almond groves, the fruit plantations, the cypress, palm and banana trees grown for shade. Cereal and vegetable crops also abound here, carpeting the land in patches of green. The richness and variety of the landscape means that there is also a wealth of fauna in the region. Trekking The beautiful surroundings to the town of Almargen allow us to carry out activities such as trekking and cycling, for which the areas is ideal, especially in the region of the river Salado. Here there is a recreation area, where the water has a high content of medicinal minerals. There is abundant water in the higher Almargen Sierra, about ten hectares in area, where cattle graze. With its excellent gastronomy, its fascinating streets, it ancient crafts and its natural surroundings, this is indeed a great place to spend a holiday with a difference.

Where to eat

Restaurante El Coto. Specialising in grilled meat. Ctra. Jerez Cartajena. Tel: 952 182 151. Bar Demetrio. Specialising in breakfasts and varied tapas. C/Sevilla, 61. Tel: 952 182 418. Tasca El Faro. Specialising in prawns on the griddle. Avda. de El Saucejo, 42. Pub Halley. C/Salado, 17. Almargen. Bar Tagarnino. Specialising in varied tapas and local wine. Avda. de El Saucejo, 42. Bar Celestino. C/Cortina Estación, 32. Almargen.

Where to sleep

Rural Accommodation in the province of Malaga (in Spanish)

One of the streets of the town

FIESTAS
The festival of the patron saints of Almargen, San Cosme and San Damián, takes place on and around September 26th and 27th. The entire town takes part in the festivities, with music and dancing, although the religious aspect of this festival is very important in Almargen. On the last Sunday in May there is a romería (gathering at a local shrine) in honour of the Virgin of Fátima. And finally, during the first week of August there is the big summer feria, for which many people who have left the town come back to celebrate and meet old friends and family over the few days of music, dance and sporting activities.

GASTRONOMY
The gastronomy of the area is based mainly on local produce. The delicious asparagus soup is a good example of this, as is the exquisite pork and its derivatives, the pot stews, mushrooms and home-made wine of the area. All agricultural products here are produced in the traditional manner, using the very best local materials from the municipality of Guadalteba. The fruits and vegetables from the region are of the highest quality, such a tomatoes, lettuces, onions, peppers and above all, asparagus. Guadalteba is one of the principal producers of pork products in this part of Andalucía, the animals being killed by traditional methods. The elaboration of the meat is an ancient craft in these parts, and the produce - sausages, puddings, lard and other items - can by purchased in any of the good local grocery shops and market stalls.

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