Cortes De La Frontera brings together striking gorge scenery and several distinct historical themes. At the heart of its natural appeal is the Cañón de las Buitreras, a geological natural monument covering 21.9 hectares and shared by the municipalities of Cortes De La Frontera, Benalauría and Benarrabá. Other highlights include the former settlement of La Sauceda, Roman ruins along the Route of Levante, and the parish church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario with its pilgrimage tradition. This gives you a choice when planning your trip: scenery, history or both.
Gorge Scenery and Wildlife
The Guadiaro has carved out the narrow gorge. Karst passages, caves and numerous waterfalls are part of its geological landscape. The karst passages and caves add further geological features in the rock alongside the waterfalls. A significant colony of griffon vultures nests on the steep cliffs, while otters live in the waters. Wildlife sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed. The gorge therefore offers a natural focus encompassing both the landscape shaped by the river and its wildlife.
La Sauceda and Its History
The La Sauceda hiking trail passes through a small valley formed by the Arroyo Rosada Llana, also known as Pasadallana. The trail goes past the old Molino del Mondo grain mill and the former settlement of La Sauceda. Remains of a chapel have survived; the building also served as a school for a time. Its history stretches further back: for centuries, La Sauceda was a refuge for bandits and people driven from their homes. During the Spanish Civil War, Francoist troops inflicted heavy damage on the settlement and even bombed it from the air. Along the trail, the landscape and the settlement's deeply marked history stand side by side. An official permit is required for the trail; check permit and closure requirements before setting out.
Roman Ruins and Pilgrimage
The Route of Levante offers a distinct archaeological connection: it starts in Cortes De La Frontera and leads, among other places, to the Roman ruins of Saeponta. This provides a different historical focus from La Sauceda, where the former settlement and the events of the Spanish Civil War take centre stage. The parish church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario in Cortes De La Frontera is also associated with a significant pilgrimage. The historical themes thus range from Roman ruins to religious tradition.
Jornadas Micológicas
Mushroom studies have also been the subject of a special event programme in Cortes De La Frontera. The XXII Jornadas Micológicas received the Fiesta de Singularidad Turística Provincial award and had been held since 2002. The programme planned for the XXII Jornadas Micológicas, scheduled for 3 and 4 February 2024, included excursions in the countryside, identification and cultivation workshops, Micotapas or Micotapa routes, live cooking, tastings, photography competitions and exhibitions. The programme combined mushroom studies with outdoor activities, food and photography. If you would like to plan a trip around an event, check in advance whether one has been announced for your travel dates.
Discover more destinations: Ronda, Teba, Lagos, Riogordo, Estepona, Alfarnate, Benalmadena, Almachar.
For the broader travel overview: Málaga.
