Arenas, a white village in Malaga's Axarquia

Arenas lies inland in the Axarquia, around 12 kilometres from Velez-Malaga and about 50 kilometres from Malaga city. The village is surrounded by hills planted with olive groves, almond trees and vineyards, at the foot of the hill crowned by the ruins of Bentomiz Castle.

Its narrow, sloping streets still follow parts of the layout established during the period of Al-Andalus. The Church of Santa Catalina Mártir, the remains of Bentomiz and the nearby hamlet of Daimalos reveal different aspects of that past. You can combine a stroll through the village with a visit to Daimalos or a walk through the surrounding hills.

History of Arenas

The present-day village developed from a rural settlement established during the period of Al-Andalus. Under the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada, Arenas belonged to the district of Bentomiz, whose fortress controlled much of the eastern Axarquia. Raisin and silk production played an important role in the local economy.

In 1487, during the Catholic Monarchs' conquest of the Axarquia, Bentomiz and the surrounding settlements came under Christian rule. The Muslim inhabitants initially remained in the area, but the Morisco rebellion of the 16th century and the subsequent expulsion brought major changes to the population.

Arenas was repopulated by families from other parts of the Iberian Peninsula, many of them from Jaen. The street layout, old minarets and surviving structures at Bentomiz still bear traces of the period of Al-Andalus.

What to see in Arenas and Daimalos

The main sights are spread between Arenas village, the hill of Bentomiz and Daimalos, around two kilometres away. You can spend some time exploring the streets and monuments of Arenas before continuing to the fortress or the hamlet.

Bentomiz Castle

The ruins of Bentomiz Castle stand on the summit of the hill of the same name. The fortress played an important defensive role during Muslim rule and, following the conquest of 1487, sheltered Morisco rebels in the 16th century.

Sections of the walls, remains of towers and water cisterns survive. From the hill, the views over the Axarquia's hills and the Mediterranean coast make the castle's strategic position clear.

You can include Bentomiz in a walking route from Arenas. When planning your walk, allow for the climb to the hilltop. View Bentomiz Castle on the map.

Church of Santa Catalina Mártir

The Church of Santa Catalina Mártir was built in the 16th century on the site of a former mosque. It retains the mosque's minaret, which was converted into a bell tower. Originally built in the Mudéjar style, the church suffered a fire in 1926 that destroyed the altarpiece and wooden roof, making reconstruction necessary.

Inside, a mural by Evaristo Guerra decorates the baptistery. The tower was also altered during the works following the fire. View the Church of Santa Catalina Mártir on the map.

Walking through the old village

Arenas has narrow, sloping streets lined with whitewashed houses. The area around the church and the small village squares are easy to explore on foot without following a long itinerary.

A ceramic mural by artist Virgilio González also stands out at the entrance to the village. You can round off your walk with stops at Fuente Grande and the Federico García Lorca viewpoint.

Fuente Grande and the rábita

Fuente Grande is part of Arenas' heritage from the period of Al-Andalus. Nearby stands a building known as the rábita or morabito. This square structure with a vaulted roof has been interpreted as a possible burial place of a Sufi holy man.

Alongside the churches and fortifications, this site offers another glimpse of the village's medieval past. View the location and photos of Fuente Grande.

Federico García Lorca viewpoint

The Federico García Lorca viewpoint is another place to stop and take in the landscape during your visit to Arenas. Check its location to include it in your route through the village and surrounding area. View the Federico García Lorca viewpoint on the map.

Daimalos: church, minaret and Fountain of Love

Daimalos is a small hamlet within the municipality of Arenas. It retains streets dating from the period of Al-Andalus and some of the municipality's most interesting historic buildings. Its proximity makes it possible to visit both places on the same day.

• Church of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción and minaret: the Mudéjar church was built in the 16th century and retains the minaret of the former mosque. The minaret was dated to the 13th century in its official designation as a protected cultural heritage site. Inside, notable features include the wooden roof and wall paintings from 1704. View the Daimalos minaret on the map.
• Fuente del Amor, or Fuente Perdida: this fountain dating from the period of Al-Andalus is linked to a local legend claiming that anyone who drinks its water will find a partner. The story tells of a young woman who followed the advice of a wise man from Sayalonga and found love after visiting the fountain. View the Fountain of Love on the map.

Countryside and walking around Arenas

The landscape around Arenas consists of hills planted with olive trees, almond trees and vines, dotted with country houses and drying beds where grapes are turned into raisins. Walks through these hills offer views of the coast and the inland mountain ranges of the Axarquia.

Routes described in the municipality's tourist guide include:

• Bentomiz Castle: a walk up to the hilltop fortress, combining historic remains with views across the area.
• Cimas de Cerro Alto: an alternative for exploring the hilltops around Arenas.
• Arenas–Sayalonga: a route between the two villages through the rural landscape of the Axarquia.
• La Rábita de Arenas: a route taking in the area around Fuente Grande and its medieval heritage.

Distance and elevation gain depend on the route you choose. To plan a walk, consult the Arenas tourist guide and select a route suited to your fitness and the time available.

Daimalos also provides an opportunity to extend your visit into the surrounding countryside. If you walk there from Arenas, bear in mind that parts of the connecting road are shared with vehicles. For cycling, the slopes are an important consideration when choosing your route.

Food and drink in Arenas

The traditional cuisine of Arenas shares many dishes with other inland villages in the Axarquia. Meat, stews and olive oil feature prominently, alongside produce from the local vineyards and almond groves.

• Migas: a dish of fried breadcrumbs, traditionally served here with olives and herring.
• Chivo frito con almendras: fried kid goat with almonds, one of the characteristic dishes of the local cuisine.
• Conejo mechado: larded rabbit, another recipe associated with Arenas' culinary traditions.
• Potaje de cavaores: a stew made with chickpeas and rice.
• Potaje de hinojos: a traditional stew flavoured with fennel.
• Game dishes: part of the cuisine of the inland Axarquia.

Olive oil, raisins and Moscatel wine complete the range of local flavours. These products are closely linked to the agricultural landscape you will see around Arenas.

Fairs and festivals in Arenas

Feria de la Mula: the Mule Fair

The Feria de la Mula, or Mule Fair, takes place around 12 October. It recalls the importance of these animals in farming and transport along the paths of the Axarquia. Their role in the grape harvest and raisin production remains one of the central themes of the celebration.

The programme features demonstrations of traditional tasks, such as loading and shoeing, alongside music and local food. Migas are part of the celebrations, which may extend over several days around Spain's public holiday on 12 October.

Festivals in honour of San Sebastián

The festivals in honour of San Sebastián take place in August, usually around the second weekend of the month. They include religious events, music, dancing and activities for different age groups.

If you would like your visit to coincide with either celebration, check the programme published by Arenas Town Council, where the dates and activities for each edition are announced.

How to get to Arenas from Malaga and the airport

From Malaga and its airport, the usual route follows the A-7 towards Velez-Malaga. From there, the MA-4111 climbs to Arenas. The final stretch is winding and passes through hilly terrain.

As a guide, allow around an hour or slightly longer from the airport, depending on traffic and your starting point. Once in Arenas, you can explore the village centre on foot. A car is useful for visiting Daimalos and continuing to other villages in the Axarquia.

Car hire at Malaga Airport

If you want to visit Arenas, Daimalos and other inland villages during your stay, hiring a car at Malaga Airport lets you plan your route and stops around your own schedule.

car hire Malaga airport

Taxi or private transfer to Arenas

A taxi or private transfer takes you from the airport to Arenas without having to drive. When booking, provide your accommodation's address, particularly if you are staying in a country house outside the village.

Book a taxi or transfer

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

Buses and getting around on foot

To reach Arenas by public transport from Malaga, you can first take a bus to Velez-Malaga, then continue on the Autocares Pareja service connecting Velez-Malaga, Arenas and Corumbela. Check the outward and return times for your travel date with Autocares Pareja, as the timetable varies between seasons and on special dates.

Arenas village centre can be explored on foot, although its streets are sloping. If your accommodation is outside the village, take its location into account when planning how to get around.

Tourist information for Arenas

For festival programmes and municipal information, you can contact Arenas Town Council.