This web page uses its own cookies and the third-party cookies to collect the information which help us make the service as good as possible. By no means is our intention to use it for gathering personal data.

Cookies policy

Diputación > Lugar > Arenas

Diputación de Málaga
Vista general, Arenas. Axarquía

Arenas is a typical white village with narrow streets and with corners of Andalusian charm. The town extends along the foot of a ridge on which stands one of the most important Arab fortresses in the region. Its remains, as well as other vestiges of Al-Andalus, place Arenas on the Mudejar Trail of Axarquia county.

Not far from the town, in the parish of Daimalos, are some of the sights one must see in this municipality. One of them is a curious spring that will put your superstition to the test.

 

MUST-SEE SIGHTS IN ARENAS

MONUMENTS AND BUILDINGS

On top of the ridge that overlooks the town are the ruins of Bentomiz Castle. This was a fortress until the year 1487 and served as a refuge for Moriscos who rose up against persecution in the 16th century. Today, one can see the remains of eight-sided tower, a number of rooms and part of the outer walls. From the site of this former stronghold the panoramic views are breathtaking.

The 16th century parish church of Santa Catalina Mártir, XVI, is the outstanding monument in Arenas. It was built on the site of a former mosque of which the minaret is still preserved. This Mudejar style church was ravaged by fire in 1926, in which the renaissance altarpiece and hand-crafted roof were consumed. A costly renovation was required to restore it to its former state.

At the entrance to this town in the country of Axarquia, there is a ceramic mural by the artist Virgilio Gonzalez and an old oil mill. Oil is the essence of the local gastronomy.

In the parish of Daimalos, its 16th century well remains as a reminder of the Arab past of these lands. Also from the period of Muslim rule, the minaret functions as the bell tower for the Mudejar style Church of the Conception, which is listed as a Site of Cultural Importance.

Nearby is the spring known as the Perdida or Fuente del Amor, so-called because whoever drinks its water will find their partner. At least, that is what the legend says.

Geographic Data
Surface 26 km2
Altitude 416 m
Latitude 36º 49'
Length -4º 02'
Distance to Málaga City 47,9 km
Demographics
City 1264
Men 650
Women 614
Nationality Areneros
Town Hall
Escudo de ArenasPlaza Ermita, 17, 29717 
Links of interest
  • Image

     In the years leading up to the Christian conquest of the area, the village of Arenas, then in Muslim hands, was home to a muleteer who sold silk and other products from the Axarquîa region, such as...

    Image

    The name Arenas comes from “El Arenal” (Sandy Spot) in reference to the deposits of sand and gravel which the river leaves behind as it passes the old farm house. Name of its inhabitants:...

Videos

Video

Feria de la Mula (Mule Fair). Arenas. October. Unique Festival