Benaojan: sights, caves and walks along the Guadiaro

Benaojan lies in the Serrania de Ronda, between the Sierra de Libar and the Guadiaro valley. The Cueva de la Pileta, with its prehistoric paintings, and the Cueva del Gato are its best-known sights, but it is worth leaving time to wander through the village and try its locally made sausages and cured meats.

The municipality has two settlements: the village on the hillside and Estacion de Benaojan, beside the river. Keep this distinction in mind when planning your visit: the railway station and several walking routes are down in the valley, about two kilometres from the village.

History of Benaojan

The paintings and archaeological finds in the Cueva de la Pileta show that people lived in these mountains in prehistoric times. José Bullón discovered the cave in 1905, and it was declared a National Monument in 1924.

The present village has its roots in the Moorish period. Its name has been interpreted as ‘sons of Ojan’, possibly referring to a Berber group, or ‘house of bakers’, although its precise origin remains uncertain.

Benaojan came under Christian rule following the conquest of Ronda in 1485. In the 16th century, the expulsion of the Moriscos, Muslim converts to Christianity and their descendants, and subsequent resettlement changed village life. Much later, the arrival of the railway in 1892 improved connections through the valley and encouraged the growth of the settlement around the station.

What to see in Benaojan

The two caves offer quite different visits: you can explore the Pileta on a guided tour, while a normal visit to the Cueva del Gato is limited to the area outside.

Cueva de la Pileta

The Pileta contains paintings and engravings from the Palaeolithic and later prehistoric periods. The animal figures include goats, horses, deer and bovines, with well-known paintings such as ‘La Yegua Preñada’ and ‘El Pez’ — the pregnant mare and the fish. The tour passes through chambers containing stalactites, stalagmites and columns.

Tours run in small groups using portable lamps, as there is no electric lighting inside. Book ahead and check which tour times are available. Telephone bookings are taken between 10:00 and 13:00 on +34 677 610 500.

A stepped path climbs from the car park to the entrance. Wear shoes with a good grip and bring a light jacket; the access route is unsuitable for people with reduced mobility. Check the tour times, admission prices and visitor information before setting off. (Cueva de la Pileta map)

Cueva del Gato

The Cueva del Gato is the outlet of the Hundidero-Gato cave system, within the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. The River Gaduares emerges here after flowing through the mountain, forming the pool known as Charco Frio.

If you would like to visit the area around the Cueva del Gato, check the access notices from the Andalusian regional government (Junta de Andalucía) before travelling to find out whether it is open to the public. Permission is required to approach the cave mouth using the steps to the water gauging station. The underground passage is a caving expedition requiring preparation, equipment and the relevant permits. Respect the barriers and signs on site. (Cueva del Gato map)

The village, church and viewpoint

Explore the narrow village streets and head to Plaza de San Marcos, where you will find the Church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario. Originally dating from the 16th century and altered over time, the church retains a timber roof built in the Mudéjar tradition. (Church map)

The Mirador de Benaojan, on the road towards the Pileta, looks out over the surrounding mountains. You can stop here when combining the village with a cave visit. (Viewpoint map)

Walking along the Guadiaro

Walking routes from Estacion de Benaojan follow the Guadiaro valley and connect with other mountain villages. Before choosing either of these routes, check whether it is open to walkers:

• Estacion de Benaojan–Cueva del Gato: a walk of just over two kilometres each way to the area outside the cave.
• Estacion de Benaojan–Estacion de Jimera de Libar: a linear route of around nine kilometres through the Angosturas del Guadiaro gorge. Allow for the return walk or arrange transport back before setting off.

Before planning your walk, check the official access notices for the Cueva del Gato and the Rio Guadiaro trail. Spring and autumn are usually good seasons for walking here. In summer, set off early and carry water. After heavy rain, check the condition of the paths and access to the river.

The legend of Benaojan’s hidden cave

A local legend tells of a cave beneath the village square that connects with the ruins of the old castle. It is said to have sheltered villagers during attacks and to conceal treasure behind a sealed entrance. The story also describes passages where sounds from the square could be heard. It offers no reliable indication of where the entrance to this supposed cave might be.

What to eat in Benaojan

Benaojan has a long tradition of making sausages and cured meats. These and other pork products remain part of the local economy and cuisine, alongside almonds and traditional mountain dishes.

• Lomo en manteca: pork cooked and preserved in lard, usually eaten with bread.
• Chorizos al vino: chorizo sausages cooked in wine and served hot.
• Gazpacho caliente: a warm dish made with bread and vegetables, distinct from cold gazpacho.
• Conejo al ajillo: rabbit cooked with garlic, a traditional dish in the area.

Local festivals and the Feria de la Chacina

• San Marcos: celebrations around 25 April in honour of the village’s patron saint, whose image is accompanied by a lion. Six appointed organisers traditionally arrange the festivities.
• Virgen del Rosario: celebrations around 7 October in honour of Benaojan’s patron saint, Our Lady of the Rosary.
• Verbena del Tren: a summer festival in the station neighbourhood, usually held in late July or early August.
• Feria de la Chacina: a food fair dedicated to locally made sausages and meat products, usually held in late November or December.

Check the council’s programme for dates and activities in the year of your visit.

Getting to Benaojan from Malaga

Allow around two hours by car from Malaga or its airport, depending on the route and traffic. The inland route takes you towards Ardales and Ronda. The coastal alternative passes through San Pedro de Alcantara before climbing towards Ronda on the A-397. The final stretch to Benaojan follows mountain roads.

Exploring Benaojan and the surrounding area by car

A car lets you combine the village with the Pileta, Montejaque or Ronda, and travel between the village centre and the settlement around the station.

car hire Malaga airport

Taxi or private transfer to Benaojan

An airport transfer takes you directly to your accommodation. When booking, specify whether you are staying in the village or in Estacion de Benaojan.

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.

Travelling by train or bus

Benaojan-Montejaque station is in the settlement beside the river, on the Bobadilla–Algeciras railway line. For travel from Malaga, check Renfe for connections and changes on your travel date, including any sections covered by replacement buses.

There is also a bus service between Ronda, Benaojan and Montejaque. If you travel from Malaga via Ronda, check the timetables for both journeys and where your bus stops in Benaojan. For the first leg from the airport, see our guides to buses and trains from Malaga Airport.

Tourist information and contact details