Located about 30 kilometres from Antequera and 80 kilometres from Malaga, Campillos is a municipality in the province of Malaga that blends history and nature in a unique way. Once part of Peñarrubia, a village submerged by the Guadalteba Dam, Campillos is ideally situated near the Laguna de Fuente de Piedra and towns in Seville province, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, and foodies.
The surrounding area boasts impressive wetlands, particularly the Dulce, Salada, Redonda, Capacete, Marcela, and Cerrero lagoons, designated as a nature reserve by the Andalusian government. Coupled with its proximity to the renowned Laguna de Fuente de Piedra, Campillos is a haven for ecotourism and biodiversity.
Campillos has been a crossroads since prehistoric times, as evidenced by finds of coins and pottery fragments from Phoenician and Roman periods. During the Visigothic era, capitals were constructed, later forming the foundation of the Colegio San José.
Under Muslim rule, Campillos was part of Teba. Following the Christian conquest in 1492, the area was repopulated with settlers from northern Spain and nearby villages. Campillos gained independence in 1680 when residents purchased jurisdictional rights from the County of Teba, and King Charles II granted it villa status. Today, its economy thrives on agriculture, livestock, poultry farming, and the leather industry.
Campillos offers a captivating mix of history, architecture, and tradition. Here are the must-visit sites:
With the arrival of Christian forces, the construction of religious buildings intensified to solidify the faith. The parish church, built in 1506, and the 16th-century San Benito Chapel are prime examples. These structures are not only historically significant but also reflect Campillos’ rich architectural tradition.
The natural surroundings of Campillos are a highlight for visitors. The lagoons, designated as a nature reserve, provide a habitat for migratory birds and captivate nature enthusiasts. Moreover, numerous walking trails invite exploration of the diverse landscape.
Campillos’ cuisine, shaped by its historical crossroads location, reflects the culinary diversity of Malaga. Typical dishes include porra campillera, salmorejo with oranges, asparagus soup, tagardinas stew, migas, hand goulash, and gazpachuelo. Sweet treats like leche frita, gachas, pestiños, empanadillas, magdalenas, and olive oil biscuits complete the offering.
Campillos shines during its local celebrations, attracting both residents and visitors. The Campillos Folk Festival in August, a quintessential Malaga folk event, takes place in mid-August with a programme filled with music, dance, and traditional activities. Additionally, the Feria del Jamón, a gastronomic highlight in Malaga, draws crowds to sample artisanal pork products, cheeses, olive oil, and regional sweets. Check exact dates on the official website, as they may vary slightly.
Located in the interior of Malaga, Campillos is perfect for exploring the tranquil lagoons, the Vía Verde Campillos-Teba, or the nearby Sierra de las Nieves National Park. As there are no direct public transport links from Malaga Airport, hiring a car or taking a taxi are the most practical options for reaching and exploring the area. Here are the best choices:
Hiring a car from Malaga Airport gives you the freedom to explore Campillos and its surroundings at your own pace. In about an hour via the A-384, you’ll reach the town, with the flexibility to visit the lagoons, Vía Verde, or nearby places like Antequera and Laguna de Fuente de Piedra.
Car Hire at Malaga Airport
A private taxi from Malaga Airport will take you directly to Campillos in about 60 minutes. This option is ideal if you want a hassle-free transfer to the town centre without worrying about navigation or parking.
Book a TaxiCampillos’ town centre is compact and easy to explore on foot, ideal for visiting the parish church or main square. For trips to the lagoons or Vía Verde, a hire car is the most practical choice. Alternatively, you can take a train from Malaga Airport to Bobadilla station and then a taxi to Campillos in about 15 minutes. Another option is to travel by bus to Antequera and continue to Campillos on a local bus, though timetables are limited.
Town Hall: Ctra. Campillos-Malaga, Km 11 - 29320.
Telephone: 952 71 30 04.
Official Website: www.campillos.es
Campillos offers numerous outdoor activities, including walking along the Vía Verde Campillos-Teba or the Ruta del Viento “Los Barrancos”, birdwatching in the nature reserve lagoons, and cycling in the rural surroundings. The adventure park is great for families.
Yes, Campillos is ideal for families. The adventure park offers activities for children, while the lagoons and Vía Verde provide relaxed outings. The Campillos Folk Festival in August features events for all ages.
From Campillos, you can explore Antequera with its dolmens, the Laguna de Fuente de Piedra with its flamingos, or the Sierra de las Nieves National Park. Towns like Ronda and Teba are also easily accessible.
For the lagoons, bring comfortable walking shoes, binoculars for birdwatching, sunscreen, and water. In summer, a hat and light clothing are advisable; in winter, a light jacket is sufficient.
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