Alfarnatejo is one of the seven towns that form the Ruta del Aceite y Los Montes, and is also popularly known as "the Southern Pyrenees". This is because the peaks in its surrounding areas, such as the Doña Ana, the Alto de Fraile and the Tajo de Gomer, are some of the most breathtaking of the province. All of these are referenced whenever talking about the Ruta de los Tajos.
The Iglesia Parroquial del Santo Cristo de Cabrilla, one of the better-known buildings of Alfarnatejo, is in the highest part of the town, initially constructed in the 18th century, and then rebuilt in the 20th century.
But it is in the town's outskirts where you will find the most interesting places, like the archaeological sites that tell us about Alfarnatejo's distant history. Neolithic remains dating back almost 5000 years have been found in the gorge of the river Sabar and also on the Tajo Gomer site. The ruins of the Castillo de Sabar, situated on top of the Alto del Fraile, remind us of the town's Arabic heritage.
The most well known products from the town are its homemade desserts like tortas de aceite (light, crispy and flaky biscuits), roscos carreros (biscuits made with brandy), pavas and hornazos de San Marcos (a round-shaped pastry with a hard boiled egg in the middle).
As well as the desserts already mentioned, other typical plates from Alfarnatejo are migas (breadcrumbs served with chorizo, fried egg, melon, radishes, olives and other local products ), choto al ajillo (kid and garlic stew), el morrete de setas (potato and mushroom dish), ensalada de huevos duros con hierbabuena and ajos (egg, mint and garlic salad), and cocido de garbanzos (chickpea and meat stew).
One of the more traditional town celebrations is called Cencerrada and takes place on Resurrection Sunday. Traditionally, the town's servants would be set free by the sound of ringing bells, and then proceed to run through streets sounding their own bells. The Fiesta de la Candelaria is celebrated on 2 February; the Romeria de San Marcos on 25 April; the Romeria de San Isidro on 15 May. At the Fiestas Patronales del Cristo de Cabrilla y laVirgen de Monsalud on 12 September, you can enjoy free wine tasting, theatrical and musical shows, sporting events and the processions of San Miguel y el Santo Cristo de Cabrilla are some of the activities available to do or see on this day. This is also when they celebrate the Moros y Cristianos fiesta (12-15 September), known popularly as La Embajada.
Alfarnatejo is located around 50km from Malaga city, around 36.5km from Velez-Malaga and about 14.5km from Periana.
Min: 21C