Cartama: what to see and how to get there

Cartama lies in the Guadalhorce Valley, close to Malaga and the Costa del Sol. Its historic centre sits at the foot of a hill topped by the castle ruins and the chapel of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios. The walk uphill offers views across the fertile valley and helps explain why this was such an important location on the route between the coast and inland Andalusia.

When planning your visit, it helps to distinguish between Cartama Pueblo, where much of the historic heritage is concentrated, and Estacion de Cartama, another settlement within the municipality, beside the river and railway station. You can spend a few hours exploring the old town and chapel, or stay longer to walk in the hills and visit the surrounding area.

History of Cartama

Archaeological remains show that Cartama was inhabited before the arrival of the Romans. The Iberian settlement developed into the Roman town of Cartima, which gained municipal status during the Flavian period in the first century AD. Mosaics, sculptures and inscriptions found within the municipality give an idea of its importance at the time.

Following the Roman and Visigothic periods, the settlement continued to develop under Muslim rule. The fortress overlooking the town retains parts of its medieval layout, particularly from the Nasrid period. In 1485, Cartama was conquered by the troops of the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella and Ferdinand. Over time, the population gradually settled at the foot of the hill.

What to see in Cartama

A visit to the historic centre can be combined with the walk up to the chapel and the area around the castle. The Puente de Hierro and the banks of the Guadalhorce are near Estacion de Cartama, so it makes sense to plan these as separate parts of your visit.

Cartama Castle and the chapel of Los Remedios

The ruins of Cartama Castle stand on the hill overlooking the town. The medieval fortress once had two walled enclosures, towers, water cisterns and an alcazaba, or fortified citadel, at its highest point. From the surrounding hillside, you can see across the Guadalhorce Valley and along the natural route towards Malaga. (View the castle on the map)

On the same hill stands the chapel of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, dedicated to Cartama’s patron saint. Its origins date back to the sixteenth century, and its interior includes an ornate Baroque chamber housing the statue of the Virgin. The walk up from the town is steep in places: wear comfortable shoes and avoid the hottest part of the day during the warmer months.

Parque Santo Cristo

Parque Santo Cristo in Cartama Pueblo has a children’s playground and an open-air auditorium used for cultural events and festivities. It is a convenient place to take a break while exploring the town, particularly if you are visiting with children.

The Puente de Hierro and the Guadalhorce riverbank

• Puente de Hierro: built between 1927 and 1931, this iron bridge crosses the Guadalhorce beside Estacion de Cartama. Its metal structure is one of the most recognisable landmarks in this part of the municipality. (View the bridge on the map)
• Riberas del Guadalhorce recreation area: beside the river and close to the bridge. Before planning a picnic here, check with the town council whether the facilities are available and what condition they are in. (View the recreation area on the map)
• Guadalhorce riverside path: a route along the river near Estacion de Cartama, separate from the trails in the hills. (View the path on the map)

Walking in the Sierra de Cartama

The PR-A 294, Circular de Torrealqueria, is one option for walking in the hills. Its starting point is close to the path leading up to the chapel. The short walk to the area around the castle should not be confused with the full circular route, which takes longer and involves more climbing. Check the route before setting out and choose a walk that suits your fitness level.

Festivals and traditions in Cartama

The local festival honouring the Virgen de los Remedios takes place in April. Its main events are the Bajada de la Virgen on 22 April, when the statue of the Virgin is carried down from the chapel to San Pedro Church, and the procession on 23 April. The traditional livestock fair is held during the same festivities.

• Carnival: street parades and fancy-dress competitions in February.
• Andalusia Day: a gala on 28 February honours local residents and community groups.
• Jornada del Pedal: a community cycling event usually held in March.
• Holy Week: processions and traditions such as making hornazos, bread pastries baked with an egg, on Easter Sunday.
• San Isidro festivities: Estacion de Cartama holds its local celebrations in May, with a procession and pilgrimage.
• Christmas: a municipal nativity scene, concerts and family activities, followed by the Three Kings parades on 5 January.

Check the Cartama Town Council events calendar for dates, venues and each year’s programme.

Places to visit near Cartama

With Malaga nearby, you can combine your visit with its museums, historic centre or a walk around the harbour. Inland, Alhaurin el Grande and other towns in the Guadalhorce Valley offer further stops along the way.

For a trip to the coast, you could visit Torremolinos or Benalmadena. In Mijas, you can combine the historic inland village with the municipality’s coastal area. The Montes de Malaga and Sierra de las Nieves are other options for a longer countryside outing; the journey will depend on your chosen access point and walking route.

How to get to Cartama from Malaga and the airport

The A-357 is one of the main roads linking Malaga with Cartama. From Malaga Airport, you can travel by car or private transfer, or combine the C-1 and C-2 local train services on the Cercanías network to reach Estacion de Cartama. When planning your journey, check which part of the municipality your accommodation is in.

Exploring Cartama and the surrounding area by car

A car is useful if you are staying in a rural property, travelling between Cartama’s different settlements or visiting other towns and beaches. You can collect your vehicle from Malagacar.com beside the airport and plan your journeys around your stay.

car hire Malaga airport

Taxi or private transfer to Cartama

A private transfer takes you straight from the airport to your accommodation without changing transport. Give the full address when booking, particularly if you are staying on a residential development outside the town centre or in a rural part of the municipality.

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 to Estacion de Cartama

Cartama railway station is in Estacion de Cartama, rather than the historic centre of Cartama Pueblo. It is served by the C-2 local train service on the Cercanías Malaga network, connecting Malaga with towns in the Guadalhorce Valley, including Pizarra and Alora. (View the station on the map)

From the airport, take the C-1 towards Malaga and change at Victoria Kent for the C-2 towards Alora. To reach the historic centre, continue from Estacion de Cartama by bus or taxi. Before travelling, check train times, connections and service updates with Renfe Cercanías Malaga. You can also find more information in our guide to trains from Malaga Airport.

Buses and getting around the municipality

The M-131 Malaga–Cartama bus service connects Malaga with several parts of the municipality. Check the stops and route of your chosen departure with the Malaga Metropolitan Transport Consortium, whether you are travelling from the city or between Estacion de Cartama and Cartama Pueblo.

You can explore the historic centre on foot, although the route up to the chapel is hilly. Plan your transport in advance when travelling between settlements or to rural accommodation. If you are arriving by air, you can find further information in our guide to airport buses and on the arrivals and departures pages.

Tourist information for Cartama