Autumn has come to the Costa del Sol, bringing with it a chance to enjoy the spectacular landscapes offered by Malaga province at this time of year. It’s the moment to lose yourself in places like the Genal Valley, also known at this time of year as the Bosque de Cobre (Copper Forest).
The colours and villages of the Copper Forest
This area is named after the autumnal colour of the chestnut trees, whose leaves cover a large part of the landscape and create a unique picture. The greens are replaced by browns, oranges and golds, making this an idyllic moment to enter the forest and enjoy the great explosion of colour.
Located in the Serranía de Ronda, the Copper Forest extends through the municipalities of Alpandeire, Benalauría, Cartajima, Faraján, Genalguacil, Igualeja, Jubrique, Júzcar, Parauta and Pujerra. The Genal Valley is one of the most significant producers of chestnuts on the peninsula. During October and November, several festivals are held in these villages related to this star seasonal product.
The chestnut, star of festivals and recipes
After the chestnut harvest ends, the various towns hold festivals in honour of the chestnut. Among the most notable events are the Yunquera Chestnut and Wine Festival (21 and 22 October) and the Pujerra Chestnut Festival (28 October). On those days, the streets of both towns are filled with visitors who’ve come to taste the best chestnut recipes and enjoy the activities on offer.
On 1 November, the tradition in many of the towns of the Copper Forest is to celebrate the popular “tostón”, where roasted chestnuts are distributed among attendees. On this day, you can celebrate with the locals by visiting towns including Genalguacil, Júzcar, Igualeja and Cartajima.
Beyond this zone, there are also celebrations in honour of the chestnut in other parts of Malaga province. Specifically, in Ojén, in the Sierra de las Nieves, on the first Sunday in November, the Tostón Festival takes place, at which chestnuts are distributed to locals and visitors. The same tradition exists in Alcaucín, where the traditional tostón or Day of the Chestnut is also celebrated.
Dishes made with chestnuts predominate in homes and restaurants during this time. Rice with chestnuts, lamb stew with chestnuts, cream of chestnuts, chestnut stew, chestnut flan (creme caramel) and goat’s cheese with chestnut are just some of the traditional recipes in the villages of the Copper Forest.
