Arenas - Tourism Axarquia

The municipality of Arenas, which lies 10 km from Vélez-Málaga, comprises two notable towns: Moorish origin, Arenas and Daimalos.

Sands is a white people who have known how to preserving its essence over the centuries. His cultural richness and its privileged natural environment make it a must-visit destination for lovers of history, architecture and nature. Its steep streets and winding alleys, typical of Andalusian village Together with its historical remains, dating from the 11th and 12th centuries, it offers an unrivalled photogenic setting and allows visitors to enjoy pleasant walks whilst appreciating the human scale of its rural architecture and the warm hospitality of its inhabitants.

The Parish Church of Saint Catherine the Martyr, dating from the 16th century, is the most outstanding monument in Arenas. It was built on the site of an old mosque, of which the minaret remains. This Mudejar-style church suffered a devastating fire in 1926, in which the Renaissance altarpiece and the intricate woodwork of the ceiling were destroyed. A costly restoration was required.

Topping the hill on which the village lies are the ruins of Bentomiz Castle. It served as a fortress until 1487 and provided refuge for the rebellious Moriscos in the 16th century. Today, the remains of an octagonal tower, several chambers and part of the outer walls can still be seen. From this vantage point, you can enjoy some stunning panoramic views.

At the entrance to this village in the Axarquía region, there is a ceramic mural by the artist Virgilio González and a old oil mill, the essence of local cuisine.

In the hamlet of Daimalos: its 12th-century fountain stands as a reminder of these lands’ Arab past. Also dating from the period of Muslim rule is the minaret which serves as the bell tower for the Mudejar-style Church of La Concepción, which is listed as a Site of Cultural Interest.

Nearby is the The Lost Fountain or Fountain of Love, so called because anyone who drinks from its waters will find a partner. Or so the legend goes

The town centre is located in a depression surrounded by the Bentomiz hill (709 metres), the Daimalos hill (689 metres), the Alto hill (627 metres), the Los Guanos hill (533 metres), the Beas hill (703 metres) and the Collao hill (597 metres). The lands of the municipality are bathed by the Secos and Rubite rivers, the latter serving as the border with the municipality of Canillas de Aceituno.

Crafts

The incipient processing activity of the products of the municipalities of the manorial places of the Bentomiz district is reflected in the Apeos of these places. Thus, we are told that there were seven flour mills, seven oil mills, four bread ovens, one glazing kiln and fourteen tile and brick making traps.

Honey and wax are products of exploitation, although their distribution was in few hands, as the twenty-four apiaries that existed were only distributed among some of the two hundred and twenty-nine inhabitants who repopulated the aforementioned places.

As for the silk There is no record of looms in these places; all that is known is that 285 ounces of mulberry leaves were harvested annually to rear silkworms. Given the boom in mule-driven trade in the 16th century, the silk was probably taken to Málaga to be woven.

As for the habitat, this does not go unnoticed, as each settler is allocated a house in the distribution. For their repair, conservation and hygiene, we are told in the Apeos what the fourteen almadrabas and the thirty caleras were to be used for.

Map of Arenas

We suggest a walk through Arenas and Daimalos exploring the village’s most picturesque corners and squares, stroll through the winding, narrow streets and discover the architecture of the white villages. Here you can download the city route which you can use to start your walk.