Fuente de Piedra is a charming Spanish municipality located in the region of Antequera, 73 kilometres northwest of the city of Malaga. This picturesque Andalusian village stretches from the lands of Campillos to the border of the province of Malaga with that of Seville.
The region of Fuente de Piedra has been a place of human settlement since prehistoric times, with Phoenicians and Romans continuing to inhabit the area. The Romans, in particular, attributed divine medicinal properties to the waters of the local spring. It is even said that the Romans hunted the flamingos in the area to prepare some of their exquisite dishes.
The Arab rule over this place continued until the arrival of the Christian armies in 1461. After this year, the place was abandoned until Antequera decided to use its waters for the sick in 1547. The sick came to the spring to drink the water, believing in its healing properties.
From the 16th century until the beginning of the 19th century, the region experienced a great crisis. This crisis, along with the constant droughts of the spring, led to the spread of epidemics due to the vapours of the stagnant waters. To combat this, it was decided to bury the spring in 1959. It was not until 1983 when the spring was excavated and declared a symbol of the municipality of Fuente de Piedra.
The lagoon of Fuente de Piedra was exploited for its salt content between 1930 and 1951. During this time, the hunting of flamingos was resumed, as it was believed that they would somehow prevent the crystallisation of the salt. In 1981, the lagoon was purchased and declared a nature reserve by the Junta de Andalucía, putting an end to the hunting of flamingos and preserving this important habitat for future generations.
The saltwater lagoon of Fuente de Piedra is a place of great tourist interest. This lagoon is home to the largest colony of flamingos on the peninsula and the best time of year to observe them is during the morning hours in spring.
The Donkey Sanctuary is a sanctuary dedicated to the protection and care of donkeys. This refuge, located in Fuente de Piedra, is recognised for its commitment to the welfare of these animals. Here, donkeys that have been rescued from difficult situations receive quality attention and care.
The sanctuary not only provides a safe home for the donkeys, but also strives to educate the public about the importance of these animals and the challenges they face. Visitors can learn about the history of each resident donkey, many of whom have moving stories of rescue and recovery.
In addition to its rescue work, The Donkey Sanctuary is also dedicated to the defence of donkeys, working to improve the laws and regulations that protect these animals. They also conduct research to improve understanding of the needs of donkeys and promote their welfare.
Visiting The Donkey Sanctuary is an enriching experience that offers visitors the opportunity to connect with these gentle animals and learn about the important work this centre does for their care. View on map
The Church of Our Lady of Virtues is a point of interest worth visiting. This church, dedicated to the patron saint of the town, the Virgin of Virtues, was built in the mid-16th century and rebuilt at the end of the 19th century after an earthquake. It is a beautiful and well-decorated church, notable for its architectural beauty and rich history.
The church has been an important place of worship for the inhabitants of Fuente de Piedra for centuries. Devotion to the Virgin of Virtues has always been very present in the town, and the patron saint's festivals take place from 5 to 8 September each year, attracting visitors from all over the region.
In addition to its religious importance, the church is also an architectural landmark. Its design and decoration reflect the rich history and culture of the region, and a visit offers a fascinating insight into the cultural heritage of Fuente de Piedra.
The Bodegas Málaga Virgen are a must-visit destination for wine lovers. Located in Fuente de Piedra, these family-owned wineries offer an unforgettable experience to their visitors. Here you can learn all about winemaking, from the selection of grapes to the fermentation and ageing process.
The Bodegas Málaga Virgen produce a variety of wines, including sweet and dry D.O.Málaga wines, calm D.O. Sierras de Málaga wines, flavoured wines and brandies. All their wines are made with Pedro Ximénez, Moscatel de Alejandría, Chardonnay, Verdejo and Syrah grapes.
In addition to the opportunity to learn about winemaking, the Bodegas Málaga Virgen also offer wine tastings. During these tastings, you can taste a selection of their best wines and discover the unique flavours and aromas that each one offers.
Whether you are a wine expert or simply an enthusiast, a visit to the Bodegas Málaga Virgen is an experience you can't miss when you are in Fuente de Piedra. View on map
The Laguna de Fuente de Piedra is a wetland located in the region of Antequera, within the municipality of Fuente de Piedra. It is the largest saltwater lagoon in Andalusia, with a length of 6.5 km and a width of 2.5 km, and together with the Gallocanta lagoon, it represents one of the two large lagoons remaining on the Iberian Peninsula.
This lagoon is the most important enclave where the common flamingo regularly reproduces, with the breeding colony of Fuente de Piedra, along with the one existing in the Camargue, France, being the most relevant in the Western Mediterranean and Northwestern Africa.
The lagoon was declared a Ramsar site in 1983, a nature reserve in 1984, a Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA) in 1988, and finally a Special Conservation Area (SCA) since 2013. It covers 1364 ha of protected area, of which 164 ha make up the nature reserve.
It extends over a landscape of very gentle reliefs, covered with olive and cereal fields. It is endorheic and is supplied thanks to precipitation, runoff, and groundwater. It is also very seasonal, alternating long periods of flooding with others of drought.
In spring, the lagoon dries up and the salt crystallises on its surface. This salt was commercially exploited from the Roman era until the 1950s. Within the lagoon, there are still remnants of the canals that were used to evacuate the water and thus facilitate the sedimentation of the salt.
Fuente de Piedra is known for its vibrant fairs and popular festivals, which attract visitors from all over the region and beyond. These celebrations are an integral part of the local culture and offer a fascinating insight into the traditions and community spirit of the town.
The Fair in Fuente de Piedra is usually celebrated during the first half of July.
The Night of the Candles is a festivity celebrated on the 1st of February. During this night, the inhabitants of Fuente de Piedra light candles and lanterns, creating a magical and cosy atmosphere.
The Crosses of May is a festivity celebrated on the 3rd of May. On this day, the inhabitants of Fuente de Piedra decorate crosses with flowers and other ornaments, celebrating the arrival of spring.
On the second Sunday of May, the town participates massively in the pilgrimage of the Virgin of Virtues. During this festivity, the inhabitants of Fuente de Piedra carry out a procession in honour of the Virgin of Virtues, the patron saint of the town.
The patron saint festivities in honour of the Virgin of Virtues are celebrated from the 5th to the 9th of September. During these days, various activities are carried out, including the horse ribbon race. The Fair of Fuente de Piedra has been declared a National Tourist Interest Festival of Andalusia.
The gastronomy of Fuente de Piedra is a true celebration of local flavours. The municipality is famous for its extra virgin olive oil and the flour that is produced there, both fundamental ingredients in the local cuisine. Among the most appreciated typical dishes are gazpacho, porra antequerana and migas.
Gazpacho is a cold soup very popular throughout Andalusia, especially in the summer months. It is made up of tomatoes, peppers, garlic, olive oil and bread. This dish is very refreshing and nutritious, perfect for combating the heat of the Andalusian summer.
The porra antequerana is a dish very similar to gazpacho, but with a thicker consistency. It is usually served with cubes of ham or tuna and hard-boiled egg. This dish is a real delight that combines the fresh flavours of vegetables with the richness of ham and tuna.
Migas is a humble but delicious dish, made with hard bread and water. Although migas may seem simple, their taste is incredibly rich and satisfying. They can be accompanied by chorizo, melon or other products, making them a very versatile dish.
In addition to these dishes, Fuente de Piedra is famous for its local products. The extra virgin olive oil from the region is of excellent quality, and the local flour is used to make a variety of breads and pastries. Local wines are also produced at the Bodegas Málaga Virgen, which offer tastings and visits to their facilities.
The gastronomy of Fuente de Piedra is a true celebration of local flavours, and a visit to this municipality would not be complete without trying some of its delicious dishes.
Fuente de Piedra, a charming municipality in the region of Antequera, is well connected by road and is easily accessible from several major cities. If you are planning your trip by car, here are some directions that might be useful.
If you are coming from the centre of Málaga, you can take the A-92 motorway, which will take you directly to Fuente de Piedra in about an hour. The total distance is about 73 kilometres. View on map
If you are coming from Antequera, the distance is about 26.7 kilometres. You can take the A-92 and then exit 132 to get to Fuente de Piedra. View on map
If you are coming from Granada, the distance is about 115 kilometres. You can take the A-92 westbound to exit 132. View on map
If you are coming from Sevilla, the distance is about 139 kilometres. You can take the A-92 eastbound to exit 132. View on map
If you do not have your own vehicle, you might consider the option of renting a car in Málaga to facilitate your trip and avoid detours. Planning your route in advance will help you enjoy a stress-free journey.
The following map shows the route to get there from our facilities at Málaga airport:
For more information, you can contact the Town Hall of Fuente de Piedra:
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