--- title: "The gastronomy in Sierra de las Nieves: an exploration of 14 whitewashed villages" description: "Sierra de las Nieves is more than a mountainscape: it’s the birthplace of a unique culinary tradition. Discover the dishes that define the 14 villages comprising the area." image: https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/hubfs/1-Mar-05-2021-12-13-44-29-PM.jpg --- [DE | ](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/de) [FR | ](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/fr) [EN | ](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/en) [ES | ](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/es) Blog:  [> Back to visitcostadelsol.com | ](https://www.visitcostadelsol.com/) [![fondo_logo.png](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog-files/fondo_logo.png?width=567&height=125&name=fondo_logo.png "fondo_logo.png")](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/es) - [Activities](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/en/topic/adventure-activities) - [Culture](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/en/topic/culture) - [Holidays](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/en/topic/holidays) - [Gastronomy](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/en/topic/gastronomy) - [Experiences](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/en/topic/experiences) - [Golf](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/en/topic/golf) - [Professional](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/en/topic/professional) # The gastronomy in Sierra de las Nieves: an exploration of 14 whitewashed villages ![](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/hubfs/1-Mar-05-2021-12-13-44-29-PM.jpg)  Tags: [To do](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/en/topic/to-do) [Where to eat](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/en/topic/where-to-eat) Eating out in [Sierra de las Nieves](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/en/discover-the-sierra-de-las-nieves-a-natural-paradise-full-of-history) in the midst of its stunning scenery is an experience like no other. **Spanish fir**, Portugese oak and cork oak trees populate a mountainscape that is dotted with the prettiest whitewashed villages where traditions that date back centuries continue to inspire the **gastronomy**.  The agricultural land bears a large variety of fruits, vegetables and legumes that define the **gastronomy of Sierra de las Nieves**, with **wild produce** foraged from the mountains used to enhance dishes. The traditional cookbook features **plenty of meat and game**, as well as **olive oil**. Artisanally made **marinated olives, sausages and charcuterie** are fine accompaniments to your meal, as are the wines and *mosto* (a fermented wine) made in places such as Yunquera and Tolox. If you’re interested in discovering the flavours that best define Sierra de las Nieves, you’re in the right place. Keep reading to see an overview of what you can expect to eat in each of the villages comprising this impressive mountainscape.    ## Sierra de las Nieves bite by bite ### **Ronda** In [Ronda](https://www.visitcostadelsol.com/destinations/white-inland-villages/ronda-p9991?_ga=2.84698457.1306331159.1614669982-1250249413.1599472069), **game** has been at the heart of the local diet since Moorish times. Many local dishes are defined by this cultural tradition as well as by the diverse flavours, ingredients and cooking techniques that were brought by the many different civilisations that have inhabited the area over the years. **Rabbit** is the game dish par excellence and in Ronda it is particularly good, whether it is paired with garlic or mushrooms or fried. You also have to try ***rabo de toro***, bull tail stew and poultry dishes, such as **chicken and partridge**. Produce grown in the local land also makes a strong appearance in Ronda’s cuisine. The wonderful weather makes it the perfect place to plant the finest vegetables and legumes. Simple dishes such as **broad beans with ham, haricot beans with *morcilla*, pumpkin and well-known gazpacho** are elevated to new levels in the town. ### **Alozaina ** The star of [Alozaina](https://www.visitcostadelsol.com/destinations/white-inland-villages/alozaina-p9281?_ga=2.150914550.1306331159.1614669982-1250249413.1599472069)’s cuisine is the **table olive**. But you can also try a wide range of other traditional local dishes, such as **cod soup**, ***porra con huevo*** (cold soup with egg), **fig bread** and **soups made with bread and vegetables**, such as ***caldos poncima***. In terms of dessert, you can’t leave the village without trying ***rosquillas de arrope y miel.*** **![Fig bread Alozaina](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2-Mar-05-2021-12-13-44-34-PM.jpg?width=730&name=2-Mar-05-2021-12-13-44-34-PM.jpg)**   ### **Benahavís** Known as **“the dining room of the Costa del Sol”** due to its variety of quality bars and restaurants, [Benahavís](https://www.visitcostadelsol.com/destinations/white-inland-villages/benahavis-p9381?_ga=2.84928601.1306331159.1614669982-1250249413.1599472069) is known for the diversity of its cuisine. From restaurants serving international cookery and gastro bars where creative and design tapas are on the menu through to classic eateries showcasing the finest mountain cuisine, this municipality certainly doesn’t disappoint. The local cookbook is filled with dishes such as ***solomillo de cerdo aliñado*** (pork tenderloin)**, rabbit stew, lamb, venison and suckling pig. ** ### **Casarabonela** **Aromatic plants** grow in abundance around [Casarabonela](https://www.visitcostadelsol.com/destinations/white-inland-villages/casarabonela-p9531?_ga=2.239567171.1306331159.1614669982-1250249413.1599472069), which are **used to give meat dishes the unmistakable flavour of the mountains**. During your time in the village, make sure you try tasty dishes such as **rabbit with garlic** and ***chivo a la pastoril*** (kid stew). You will also have the opportunity to **have lunch in an 18th century inn** in the village.  ![Chivo a la pastoril Casarabonela](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/hs-fs/hubfs/3-Mar-05-2021-12-13-44-33-PM.jpg?width=730&name=3-Mar-05-2021-12-13-44-33-PM.jpg) Source: Diputación de Málaga ### **El Burgo** Like in other municipalities in Sierra de las Nieves, in [El Burgo](https://www.visitcostadelsol.com/destinations/white-inland-villages/el-burgo-p9651?_ga=2.175565922.1306331159.1614669982-1250249413.1599472069) you will find plenty of **soups made with bread and vegetables.** If there is one dish that defines the village’s cuisine, it is without doubt ***sopa de los siete ramales***, a delicious stew that will give you the energy you need to explore the mountainscape with its mountain goats and golden eagles.  ### **Guaro** One of the gateways into [Sierra de las Nieves natural park](https://www.visitcostadelsol.com/things-to-do/natural-park-sierra-de-las-nieves-p21191?_ga=2.243632581.1306331159.1614669982-1250249413.1599472069) is [Guaro](https://www.visitcostadelsol.com/destinations/white-inland-villages/guaro-p9731?_ga=2.243632581.1306331159.1614669982-1250249413.1599472069), a village that emanates Andalusian charm. **Kid stew**, **rabbit with almonds** and traditional ***galipuche*** (a soup combining a mix of vegetables and sometimes meat) are just some of the specialities you can savour here. A haven for foodies.  ### ![Rabbit with almonds Guaro](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/hs-fs/hubfs/4-Mar-05-2021-12-13-44-35-PM.jpg?width=730&name=4-Mar-05-2021-12-13-44-35-PM.jpg) Source: Recetas Gratis ### **Igualeja** The gastronomy in [Igualeja](https://www.visitcostadelsol.com/destinations/white-inland-villages/igualeja-p9751?_ga=2.172992739.1306331159.1614669982-1250249413.1599472069) comprises dishes from the mountains, such as ***gachas*** (a creamy dessert) and ***migas*** (dishes characterised by breadcrumbs) as well as other traditional dishes from the Malaga coastline, such as ***salmorejo*** and **gazpacho**. ***Malcocinado*** and **kid stew** are two of the stars of the local cookbook. In terms of desserts, ***mantecados*** are typical here (a sweet traditionally eaten at Christmas), [*borrachuelos*](https://www.visitcostadelsol.com/food-and-drink/typical-malaga-cuisine/borrachuelos-p91311?_ga=2.80175191.1306331159.1614669982-1250249413.1599472069) (fried pastry with a pumpkin filling) and ***roscos*** (a sort of biscuit).  ### **Istán** In the bars and restaurants in [Istán](https://www.visitcostadelsol.com/destinations/white-inland-villages/istan-p9761?_ga=2.252627401.1306331159.1614669982-1250249413.1599472069) you will find tasty stews and soups such as ***sopa de maíz*, *gazpachuelo*, *berza*, *migas*, cooked soups, fried rabbit and *salmorejo*.** If after all that you are left wanting something sweet, ***roscos de vino de alfajor*** will satisfy your craving.  ### **Monda** The dish that best defines the cuisine in [Monda](https://www.visitcostadelsol.com/destinations/white-inland-villages/monda-p9891?_ga=2.176589157.1306331159.1614669982-1250249413.1599472069) is, without doubt, [*sopa mondeña*](http://blog.laalacenademalaga.com/2019/04/30/receta-de-la-sopa-mondena/). But Monda also boasts **delicious olive oils and olives**, which are served with traditional and tasty dishes made using **kid meat**, another of its ingredients par excellence. It’s also worth mentioning the **cod soup** and **potaje de vigilia.** ### **Ojén** [Ojén](https://www.visitcostadelsol.com/destinations/white-inland-villages/ojen-p9921?_ga=2.150323318.1306331159.1614669982-1250249413.1599472069) is famed for its ***aguardiente*.** But that’s just the start of what the village has to offer. There are **two museums dedicated to wine and olive oil**, making it a must-visit on your gastronomic exploration of Sierra de las Nieves. **Traditional cuisine here centres around produce such as legumes, vegetables, game, goat cheese, milk and fruits**. Specialities include ***sopa jervía*** and ***sopa de caldo***, which are made with stale bread, garlic, onion, pepper, tomatoes and other vegetables. Some of the most popular dishes featuring legumes are ***chicharos con arroz o fideos*** (chickpeas with rice or pasta)**, pipeao de habas** (broad bean stew), ***bolo de hinojos*** (fennel and legumes), **rice with cod and gazpacho served with grapes and almonds. ** **![rice with cod Ojén](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/hs-fs/hubfs/5-Mar-05-2021-12-13-44-40-PM.jpg?width=730&name=5-Mar-05-2021-12-13-44-40-PM.jpg)**   ### **Parauta** Like in the rest of the region, in [Parauta](https://www.visitcostadelsol.com/destinations/white-inland-villages/parauta-p9931?_ga=2.79586644.1306331159.1614669982-1250249413.1599472069) the cuisine is primarily defined by the produce of the land, such as **meat** (both farm-raised and game), **vegetables, olive oil, flour and wine**. The second factor influencing the cuisine are the seasons, not only because of the weather, but also because of the produce that is available at certain times of year: **mushrooms in autumn, wild herbs (oyster thistle, fennel, wild asparagus and maidenstears) in spring**. Specialities in Parauta include **gazpacho, *olla*** (stew)**, *sopa hervida*** (bread soup) **and tomato soup**. The latter is usually served with clams, mussels, ham or muscatel grapes.  ### **Serrato** Produce from the land, such as **asparagus and oyster thistle**, are used in [Serrato](https://www.visitcostadelsol.com/destinations/white-inland-villages/serrato-p64071?_ga=2.244213061.1306331159.1614669982-1250249413.1599472069)’s most characteristic dishes, such as **asparagus tortilla**, available in three varieties **(*amarguero*, *moruno* and *triguero*) and oyster thistle stew.** Another local speciality is ***sopa hervida*** (or *hervía*, as it is known in the village). In terms of sweet treats, you can enjoy ***roscos de vino*, *roscos de naranja* and *tortas de azúcar* sprinkled with toasted almonds. ** ![6-3](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/hs-fs/hubfs/6-3.jpg?width=730&name=6-3.jpg)   ### **Tolox** If you decide to stop off in [Tolox](https://www.visitcostadelsol.com/destinations/white-inland-villages/tolox-p10051?_ga=2.181182695.1306331159.1614669982-1250249413.1599472069) during your time in Sierra de las Nieves, you’re in luck, as the most delicious traditional stews are made here. ***Chivo en caldereta*** (kid stew) is a dish par excellence, as are other soups and stews such as ***bolo***, ***cazuela samandoña*, gazpacho, *maimones*, *sopeao*, fried pumpkin** and **sausages.** To finish off your meal with something sweet, you simply have to try the ***tortas de aceite*** and ***“pintao” fig bread*.** ### **Yunquera** In [Yunquera](https://www.visitcostadelsol.com/destinations/white-inland-villages/yunquera-p10161?_ga=2.172926051.1306331159.1614669982-1250249413.1599472069), like the rest of the area, the cuisine is determined by the produce of the land, that is to say meat (both farm-raised and game), vegetables, olive oils, flour and wine. The products that define the village are wine, chestnuts, cheese, bread and chacina. With regards to traditional sweets the most popular ones are **mantecados, roscos de vino** and **puff pastries filled with angel hair.** There is no better feeling than sitting down to an excellent meal after a day out [hiking](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/en/sierra-de-las-nieves-hiking-routes). **Sierra de las Nieves** offers all sorts of wonderful ways to enjoy its charms. You can take a dip in the **river Verde** as it passes through Istán or stay in the ancient hunting pavillon in Marqueses de Larios. And if you want to discover some local history, you simply have to visit Monda’s Arab castle, which is now a hotel, where you can try a tasty bowl of ***sopa mondeña***. Before leaving these quaint villages behind, make sure you try some of the local **sweet treats** made with almonds, chestnuts, walnuts and honey. Your palate will thank you for it, particularly when washed down with a glass of **aguardiente from Ojén**.  [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1995901/b845f243-fcb1-476c-bf59-9c6107072cd6.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1995901/b845f243-fcb1-476c-bf59-9c6107072cd6) 30 April 2016 [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.visitacostadelsol.com%2Fen%2Fwhat-to-eat-in-sierra-de-las-nieves%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.visitacostadelsol.com%2Fen%2Fwhat-to-eat-in-sierra-de-las-nieves%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.visitacostadelsol.com%2Fen%2Fwhat-to-eat-in-sierra-de-las-nieves%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=The%20gastronomy%20in%20Sierra%20de%20las%20Nieves%3A%20an%20exploration%20of%2014%20whitewashed%20villages) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Échale%20un%20vistazo%20a%20%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.visitacostadelsol.com%2Fen%2Fwhat-to-eat-in-sierra-de-las-nieves%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Échale%20un%20vistazo%20a%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.visitacostadelsol.com%2Fen%2Fwhat-to-eat-in-sierra-de-las-nieves%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ## Search in our blog This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. ## All about the Costa del Sol in your inbox Submit your email address and receive exclusive information and great offers about the Costa del Sol. ### Categories - [gastronomy](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/en/topic/gastronomy) [![Nueva llamada a la acción](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1995901/97352179-1434-453f-8cef-77962d591402.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1995901/97352179-1434-453f-8cef-77962d591402) ## Related posts - [Español](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/es/que-comer-en-la-sierra-de-las-nieves) - Inglés - [Alemán](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/de/kulinarische-empfehlungen-fur-die-sierra-de-las-nieves) - [Francés](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/fr/manger-dans-la-sierra-de-las-nieves) - [Noruego Blog](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/nor) - [Sueco Blog](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/se) - [Danés Blog](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/dk) - [Finlandés Blog](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/fin) - [Ruso Blog](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/ru) - [Chino Blog](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/ch) ![costa_del_sol_logo_color](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/hubfs/costa_del_sol_logo_color.png "costa_del_sol_logo_color") ### Follow us on social media [![](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/hubfs/Blog/logos-01.png)](https://www.facebook.com/visitacostadelsol) [![](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/hubfs/Blog/logos-02.png)](https://www.instagram.com/visitacostadelsol/) [![](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/hubfs/Blog/logos-03.png)](http://www.visitacostadelsol.com/social-media/twitter) [![](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/hubfs/Blog/logos-04.png)](https://www.youtube.com/user/visitacostadelsol) [![](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/hubfs/Blog/logos-05.png)](http://www.visitacostadelsol.com/social-media/pintrest) [![](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/hubfs/Blog/logos-06.png)](https://plus.google.com/+VisitcostadelsolM%C3%A1laga/videos) ![Rectángulo 21](https://blog.visitacostadelsol.com/hubfs/Rect%C3%A1ngulo%2021.jpg "Rectángulo 21") © Turismo y Planificación Costa del Sol S.L.U. 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