Thinking of a getaway that combines the outdoors, culture, gastronomy and nature? You'll want to put this picturesque village in the province of Málaga on your travel bucket list. As well as being known as the "museum town", due to the famous "Art Encounters" it organises, Genalguacil has a host of tourist attractions that make travellers who visit it never want to leave. Will you join us on a tour of the most beautiful corners of this Costa del Sol municipality?
Wild nature
This is one of Genalguacil's main tourist attractions. More than 90% of the municipality's surface area is wooded, so the natural environment of this town in the Serranía de Ronda is of immense value. Spanish firs, cork oaks and gall oaks are the perfect companions to enjoy nature with all five senses.
Lovers of hiking will love the surroundings of Genalguacil. There you will find the Paraje Natural de los Reales de Sierra Bermeja, an area classified as a Special Protection Area for Birds, where you can see eagle owls, golden eagles, Bonelli's eagles, Bonelli's eagles and peregrine falcons. Genalguacil is also part of the Gran Senda de Málaga. The municipality is reached by stage 27 from Benalauría, and from there stage 28 to Casares, which runs between Sierra Bermeja and Sierra Crestellina.
Street art
As we have already mentioned, another of Genalguacil's great attractions are its Art Encounters. They have been held every two years during the month of August since 1994. The aim is for artists of any style or origin to exchange their ideas and integrate into the life of the village during their residence. With so many editions behind them, which have left behind countless works of art of all kinds exhibited in the streets of the municipality, Genalguacil has become a true open-air museum. The result? An original amalgam of streets, corners, squares, nooks and crannies, walls and roofs that breathe art from all four sides and make Genalguacil a truly unique place.
The Municipal Museum, or Museo de Arte Contemporáneo "Fernando Centeno López", offers visitors a journey through a large part of the works produced during these meetings. As if all this were not enough, Genalguacil also has a Centro de Artesanía, which aims to promote the traditional work of local craftsmen.
An endless number of reasons to celebrate
The residents of Genalguacil love to celebrate, which is why the municipality has so many popular festivities. Of these, the most important is that of San Pedro Mártir de Verona, which takes place in April. Among the activities and traditions that the inhabitants carry out in honour of their patron saint are a lively street party and the procession of the saint through the streets. In February, Genalguacil celebrates the festivity of the Virgen de la Candelaria. This is followed by Carnival, the Bonfires of Saint John and the curious Fiesta del Tostón, in November. On this day, the people of Genalguacil share roasted chestnuts gathered in the fields and toast together with mistela.
A really tasty town
As is the case throughout the Genal valley, the varied products of the area's orchards are the star of its gastronomy. Extra virgin olive oil and bread baked in wood-fired ovens are the two essential elements, as well as cold meat made from pork, or the various chickpea stews. We also recommend you try the rabbit stews, the hot gazpacho or the scrambled eggs with garlic and mushrooms. And to accompany the festivities, don't miss out on the brandy, the famous Christmas fritters, the homemade sweets and the excellent quality grape juice.
As you can see, there are many reasons to visit Genalguacil, "the museum town of the Costa del Sol". Whether you are travelling as a couple, with friends or with your family, the interior of the province of Málaga awaits you with lots of unexpected plans. Do you dare to discover it?
