The Northeast region of Malaga is the ideal place to enjoy the tranquility of the rural world without giving up the possibility of living adventures in the middle of nature or experiencing emotions and sensations. That is Nororma, a set of villages and landscapes where tradition, culture and fun go hand in hand.
Archidona and its Andalusian charm
If you want to know the history and discover the monuments of the hinterland of the province, Archidona is for you. It wasn’t declared Historical-Artistic Site in 1980 for nothing! The remains of the Arab castle or the convents and churches of the sixteenth century are some jewels that you can contemplate while you walk through the town.
The Plaza Ochavada is one of the obligatory stops on your route through Archidona, a reference of the Andalusian baroque and a place where you can eat very well. In addition, it is a privileged spot to live the Holy Week of Archidona, since this square is the epicenter of the different processions that take place in the municipality. Another event that you cannot miss is the unique Feria del Perro, one of the most important events in the canine and hunting world, which is held every year in early June.
The taste of tradition
To find unique flavours, Cuevas Bajas is the perfect destination. Here you can take a curious coffee liqueur called “resolí” or taste the aphrodisiac effect of the “zanahoria morá” (purple carrot), which gets its name by its particular colour. Then you can walk alongside the old venta Juan Gonzalez, a place frequented by the legendary bandits of the nineteenth century.
Another recommended option is to sit at any Nororma restaurant and order a good stew or a “porra” (a cold tomato cream), emblematic recipes from the region. And, why not, accompany it with the typical sausages of Villanueva del Rosario and Villanueva de Tapia, the latter famous for its cattle fair.
Exploring the region
From the lagoons of Archidona to the banks of the Genil river, the Northeast Region encloses an endless number of beautiful places. One of them is the Cave of Belda, in the Falla de la Sierra del Camorro, with its huge stone columns and three hinterland lakes.
The Natural Monument belongs to Cuevas de San Marcos, where you can visit the Church of San Marcos Evangelista and the Municipal Archaeological Museum. Although if you intend to relax, nothing like the shores of the Iznajar swamp, the largest in Andalusia.
Archeology and adventure
In Nororma it is easy to travel in time through its archaeological sites, dating from prehistory to the Arab era. This is the case of the cave hermitages of Villanueva de Algaidas, as interesting as the ruins of the convent of Nuestra Señora de la Consolacion.
If adventure is your thing, in Villanueva del Rosario and Villanueva del Trabuco you can practice hiking, climbing or canoeing. In this latter town, you will find the Fuente de los Cien Caños, an impressive stream of water that will amaze you for its light and sound. Surely, after refreshing yourself in it, you won’t want to leave these dream lands.
How to get to Nororma
You can go by car from Malaga to Archidona, in the heart of Noroma from Malaga, taking the A-45 motorway, which links to the A-92. Then take the detour onto the A-7202. There is about 30 miles. Once in the town of the Plaza Ochavada, you will easily travel the region through its network of roads.
