Yunquera is the gateway to Sierra de las Nieves national park. The Spanish fir woodland - with its aromatic needly fronds - is one of the biggest draws of the area. But the trees are not the only reason to visit this part of the Costa del Sol. With its unbeatable flora, fauna and limestone formations, the area is calling out to be explored. In this interview with José María Rodríguez Peralta, the mayor of Yunquera, we discuss some of the must-visits during your time in the municipality. Keep reading to be inspired.
What does Yunquera have to offer as a tourist destination?
Yunquera offers the most spectacular approach to Sierra de las Nieves natural park. As you drive along, you will be treated to beautiful vistas over the landscape populated with countless Spanish fir trees.
What are some of visitors’ favourite activities?
There are all sorts of activities that visitors can enjoy in Yunquera. To start, you can take a guided tour of the historic centre that will lead you down the narrow streets that are steeped in history, finishing up in El Porfín, a winery. Alternatively, you could take a guided hike along the trails snaking through Sierra de las Nieves national park. Or visit the Astrolab observatory, which is housed in the old watchtower. If you’re in the mood for adventure, you could take an e-bike or electric scooter ride. There are hire companies located in the destination. You could also go mountain biking, canyoning in Barranco Zarzalones and walk through the agricultural areas, gazing at all the produce being grown in the area. Thanks to the microclimate, this is diverse, ranging from citrus fruits and avocados on lower areas to cherries and chestnuts on higher ground. There’s also the opportunity to take an excursion in a 4x4. Foodies will be pleased to hear that there is plenty of ecotourism and agritourism on offer so you can explore local honey producers and enjoy tasting sessions. It’s also a good idea to visit Yunquera during our festivals, namely Corpus Christi, Romería de Porticate (a pilgrimage) and Feria del vino y la castaña (the wine and chestnut festival).
What are the must-visits in Yunquera?
During your time in Yunquera, make sure you visit Ntra. Sra. de la Encarnación church, also known as
Catedral de las Sierra de las Nieves, the birthplace of Beato Juan Duarte, Casa-Museo Francisco Sola and El Porfín winery. We’d also recommend breathing in the vistas at the various viewing points (miradores in Spanish), exploring the Spanish fir woodland, visiting the source of the river Grande, strolling around the historic centre, popping your head into Porticate chapel and taking a look around the watchtower, which houses Astrolab.
What traditional dishes should visitors try in Yunquera?
Yunquera’s bars and restaurants serve up all sorts of meat dishes and traditional plates. Typical of the area are dishes such as caldereta de chivo (kid stew), chivo al ajillo (kid cooked in garlic), malcocinao (a pork and chickpea stew), potaje de chícharos (snap pea soup) and chips, as well as sweet treats like engañamaríos, torta de boquetitos and roscos tontos. To drink, try some vino mosto (must).
What type of accommodation is available in the municipality?
Yunquera offers a wide range of country properties that you can rent out. There is also a campsite, Camping Sierra de las Nieves.
What type of visitors come to Yunquera?
According to the data we have, most of the tourists visiting Yunquera and Sierra de las Nieves are Spanish, middle-aged and looking to reconnect with nature, relax, give their wellness a boost and enjoy the local cuisine.
During your time in Yunquera, make sure you immerse yourself in the scenery of Sierra de las Nieves national park (and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve) and explore the other inland towns and villages in the province. Come here to get away from it all, be at one with nature and be blown away by a side of the Costa del Sol you didn’t expect to see.
