Welcome to Bienvenido a Algarrobo!
A contrast of the old and the new...
Algarrobo is becoming more and more popular with tourists heading east of Málaga, and on this page you’ll find plenty of information to help start planning your trip here.
First there’s a little info on the two settlements that make up Algarrobo, then there’s an interactive map which will give you directions on how to get here – from wherever you’re starting from!
After that, you’ll find a handy guide which links to all of our Algarrobo pages. Further on, you’ll find a map guide of the Axarquia with links to all the interesting places to visit both in Algarrobo, and the surrounding villages.
Holiday resort...
Algarrobo has the economic advantage over some of the more landlocked villages in the interior of having a coastal resort as well as a more traditional population centre. This has brought tourism to the municipality in the form of holiday makers as well as permanent foreign residents, a much needed boost to the local economy, which until recently was solely based on farming and a little fishing. [Left: Algarrobo Costa – courtesy of Michael Cummings (http://www.michaelcummins.co.uk)]
However, agriculture is still important, and in spite of its name (Algarrobo means ‘carob tree’) the village is home to a variety of crops, including tomatoes, avocadoes, strawberries, vines and olive trees.
The popular beach at Algarrobo would stretch unbroken to the next village along the coast – Mezquitilla – but for the Rio Algarrobo running across it. However, it is still a respectable 800 metres long. The photo on the right shows the ‘pasarela’ that joins the paseo maritimos of Algarrobo Costa and Mezquitilla.
Algarrobo Costa has a couple of watchtowers to visit, including one built in the Islamic period and another built in the 16th century. Not far from the coast one can see the evidence that origin of Algarrobo lies here rather than, as one might have thought, up in the Moorish village.
Bronze Age, Phoenician and Roman activity has been found in the area, with a major find being the Trayamar Phoenician Necropolis (more details here).
... and traditional pueblo
To get a feel for the Islamic period then you need to go to Algarrobo pueblo, which is a six minute drive from the coast, in the hills up towards Sayalonga and Compéta. [Left: Plaza de Gloria, Algorrobo – photo courtesy of Carmen Ocaña (www.malagapuebloapueblo.com)]
This typical white village has the narrow streets associated with Moorish villages. The layout of the ancient village is based on and adapted to the terrain of the hill the village sits on, so that in some streets you can see little bridges connecting the doors of some houses that are at different height levels.
Thus its mountain position affords many beautiful views to be had from Algarrobo pueblo. From the picturesque Plaza de Gloria (photo above) a breathtaking agricultural landscape is visible on one side, while on the other, the centre of the village itself, which features San Sebastián chapel, Santa Ana church and the 16th century watchtower, can be seen. There are also some some spectacular views of the sea, and of the river that runs right through it, the Rio Algarrobo. An unusual feature for any Andalucían villages.
There are interesting churches to visit in the village as well as a pretty park and a public swimming pool.
Directions for Algarrobo
Algarrobo pages guide
Use the links below to explore what you can see and do in Almayate, what festivals take place through the year, and to read about the area’s fascinating history.
What's nearby
Algarrobo is a great base for exploring all of the Axarquía. From beautiful beaches, stunning countryside, pretty little villages, and a wealth of things to do, eastern Málaga has something for everyone – take a look below at all the places you can visit!
Just click on the map icons to find out more information, or get driving directions.