Alozaina: what to see, Jorox and walks in Sierra Prieta

Alozaina is a village in inland Malaga, in the Sierra de las Nieves area, between the Guadalhorce valley and Sierra Prieta. It is close to Tolox, Yunquera and Casarabonela. The old village centre, the Jorox valley and the mountain trails make it possible to combine a village visit with a trip into the surrounding countryside.

Sloping streets, whitewashed façades and pots of flowers are part of the village’s appearance. In 1977, Alozaina received first prize in Spain’s national awards for village beautification.

History of Alozaina

People have lived in the area around Alozaina since prehistoric times. Upper Palaeolithic tools and Bronze Age remains have been found in the caves of Jorox. There are also finds from the Iberian and Roman periods, including those at Ardite.

The village’s name is linked to the Arabic ‘Alhosaina’, usually interpreted as ‘small fortress’. During the period of Muslim rule, the settlement grew around its castle and farmland. It came under the control of the Catholic Monarchs in 1484; the destruction of the village and its fields was followed by resettlement by Christians.

María Sagredo is one of the best-known figures in local history. She is remembered for helping to defend Alozaina during an attack by Moriscos, Muslims who had converted to Christianity, in 1570, after her father was wounded. The tower named after her commemorates that episode.

Agriculture, particularly olive growing, has played an important part in the village’s economy. Preparing aloreña table olives is one of its best-known traditions.

What to see in Alozaina

You can explore the old village centre on foot, although you should bear its slopes in mind. These are the main places of interest in the village and the surrounding area:

• Old village centre: narrow streets, white houses and corners decorated with flowerpots to explore on a walk through the centre. (View the old village centre on the map)
• Santa Ana Church: situated in the upper part of the village. The present building was constructed between 1770 and 1774 on the site of an earlier church. Its tower has an octagonal belfry. (View the church on the map)
• El Albar fountain and washhouse: a reminder of how residents collected water and washed clothes before these facilities were available in their homes. (View El Albar on the map)
• Alozaina gateway (Arco de Alozaina): a stone gateway built in 1951 as a tribute to the village’s Arab past. (View the gateway on the map)
• María Sagredo’s tower and Parque Mirador: two stops connected with the old castle and the history of its defence. The park offers views of the countryside around Alozaina. (View the location on the map)
• Mozarabic chapel and burial ground at Hoyo de los Peñones: an archaeological site outside the village centre, with a church partly cut into the rock, a hermit’s dwelling and associated graves. (View the site on the map)

Things to do during your visit

You can spend your visit exploring the old village centre and Jorox, or allow more time for a mountain walk. They are different outings: a stroll around the village takes you past its monuments, while climbing into Sierra Prieta requires preparation.

• Walk around the centre: explore the old streets and stop at the church, the gateway and Parque Mirador.
• Visit Jorox: discover the hamlet and its landscape of cultivated gardens, springs and old mills.
• Go walking: choose between routes through the countryside and more demanding walks in Sierra Prieta.
• Try the local food: seasoned aloreña olives are one of Alozaina’s characteristic products.

Festivals and traditions

The village’s patron saint celebrations, in honour of Santiago and Santa Ana, take place in late July, around the 25th and 26th. The programme combines religious events, music and traditional fair activities.

The Olive Festival, known as the Feria de la Aceituna, takes place in September and marks the start of the green table olive harvest. The aloreña olive is the focus, with tastings and activities relating to its preparation. Check each year’s programme on the town hall website for the dates and planned events.

Countryside and walking routes

Alozaina forms part of the Sierra de las Nieves Biosphere Reserve. Its surroundings include olive groves, the Jorox valley and the slopes of Sierra Prieta, with routes of varying lengths and difficulty.

• PR-A 272 Alozaina–Siete Fuentes: the trail information gives a linear route of 9 km, an elevation difference of 813 m and a high difficulty rating. The estimated walking time is four hours one way, so you also need to allow for the return. It starts beside the A-366, near the village centre, and climbs towards the Pino Alto pass and the Sierra Prieta spring.
• Jorox valley and waterfall: a way to explore the landscape of cultivated gardens and ravines. The difficulty depends on your chosen route; a stroll through the hamlet and a descent to the Charco de la Caldera are different outings.
• Sierra Prieta from Jorox: an option for those looking for a mountain walk. Before setting off, check the exact route, elevation gain and total walking time, including the return.

For mountain walks, take water and sun protection and wear footwear with good grip. Check the weather forecast and trail conditions, and avoid the hottest hours of the day in summer.

Getting to and around Alozaina

One route from Malaga is to take the A-357 and then follow the A-354 towards Alozaina. From the airport, allow roughly an hour by car as a guide when planning your journey; the actual time depends on traffic and your route. The A-366 connects the village with Jorox and Yunquera.

Visiting Alozaina and the surrounding area by car

A car makes it easier to combine Alozaina with Jorox, Casarabonela, Tolox or Yunquera and reach the start of walking routes without relying on bus timetables. If you collect a car at Malaga Airport, you can continue inland from there.

car hire Malaga airport

Taxi or transfer from the airport

A taxi or private transfer takes you directly to your accommodation in Alozaina. If you are travelling with several people or plenty of luggage, check the vehicle’s capacity when arranging the service.

Airport taxi information

*No advance payment is required and cancellation is free. We therefore recommend booking ahead to secure your vehicle and price.

Travelling to Alozaina by bus

Autocares Sierra de las Nieves, part of Grupo Paco Pepe, runs bus services between Malaga and Alozaina. Check the operator’s timetable for your travel date and confirm the return service before planning a day trip.

From the airport, you can take a bus or train into Malaga and connect with the service to Alozaina. Check where the bus departs from and allow time to change.

Once in Alozaina, you can explore the old village centre on foot. For a visit to Jorox or a journey to the start of a walking route, arrange your transport separately.

Tourist information and contact details