Alcaucin is a village of approximately 1600 inhabitants and is situated 54kms from Malaga.
The area around Alcaucin and La Vinuela has been of particular popularity with foreign buyers looking for a more rural lifestyle, yet wanting to be near the coast and all its amenities. The village is only 25kms from Torre del Mar.
Despite the proximity, its feels a World away from the busier, more densely populated coastal areas. It is a fantastic place to visit and get a taste of rural Andalusia.
Alcaucin – el Cortijo del Alcazar
This is one of our favourite picnics spots. The area around el Cortijo del Alcazar is an ideally suited to children. Access is good, there are facilities if need be and the walking around the area is second to none.
It provides a good taste to one of Malaga’s more beautiful National Parks – the Sierras of Tejeda, Almijara and Almara Natural Park.
Getting there
From Torre del Mar take the A335 northwards towards Casabermeja/La Vinuela and Alcaucin.
Keep following the signs for the Embalse (reservoir) La Vinuela, passing Velez Malaga, and passing a turning to the right that is labelled Pueblo de la Vinuela. Keep going in the direction of the reservoir.
After climbing a steep hill, you come to a Y junction where you go right (signposted Alcaucin, La Vinuela and Alhama de Granada). As soon as you filter right, the reservoir of La Vinuela is on your left hand side.
Keep going until you come to a petrol station on your left and a cluster of houses called Puente de Don Manuel. Turn right, cross over the bridge and immediately take a sharp left going towards Alcaucin. It is signposted.
The road climbs up and offers some spectactular views of the valley below and El Castillo de Zalia.
Follow signs to the village center. Just before the very center, there’s a T-junction, take a left here. Look for the signpost for the Cortijo – see picture.
Keep following this road and signs for the Area Recreativa – Cortijo del Alcazar. The road becomes a track for the last four kilometers, but it is easily passable in any kind of vehicle.
Alcaucin Campsite
After following the track for approximately 4kms you come to the Cortijo. You can park here. There is a bar/restaurant, BBQ/picnic area and a river with three made-made pools.
The water is used for Alcaucin’s drinking water, as such, it is very clean (and drinkable). Swimming – although officially not allowed – is possible….particularly if you follow the river downwards a bit. Be warned – the water comes straight from the Sierras and is freezing!!
There is a campsite within easy walking or driving distance – about 3kms. The track is in worse condition though…. particularly after rain. By foot or car, a visit up there is strongly recommended.
There are numerous walks leading off into the surrounding countryside, or for those who are feeling more energetic (a lot more energetic), you can start one of the hikes up the Maroma from here.
