El Saltillo de Canillas de Aceituno

The El Saltillo route is part of Canillas de Aceituno and links up with the neighbouring village, Sedella, and with the The Great Path of Malaga. In a gorge linking the municipalities of Sedella and Canillas de Aceituno, one of the three largest suspension bridges in Spain’s natural landscapes has been built over the Almanchares river, at a height of 78 metres, 50 metres long and 1.20 metres wide. In addition, the metal walkways have been repaired and adapted to ensure safe passage, and new footpaths have been laid out.

It is situated in the heart of the Sierras Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park. It offers views of the Axarquía, La Maroma (the highest point in Málaga) and even the sea.

The El Saltillo Suspension Bridge, built of steel and wood, is situated on one of the stages of the Great Trail as it passes through the Axarquía and connects the municipalities of Sedella and Canillas de Aceituno. It is one of the three largest suspension bridges in Spain situated in natural surroundings and offers spectacular views. It has 50 metres long and is situated a further 50 metres above the bed of the River Almanchares, in the El Saltillo area. Furthermore, as it is situated right in the heart of the Sierra Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park, it offers visitors the chance to discover the flora and fauna that inhabit the Almanchares River gorge, such as the mountain goat found in this area.

Duration: 4 hours (ascent and descent)
Difficulty: Medium–High
Tour: 8 km
How to do it: On foot.

What to do in Canillas de Aceituno, Málaga

Muslim remains of the castle

C. Castillo, 23, 29716 Canillas de Aceituno, Málaga

From the castle viewpoint and the slope of Calle Calzada, you can still see the remains of the defensive wall which surrounded the village and which had once been a Muslim fortress, captured and occupied by Christians during the Reconquista of 1487 and converted into a castle.

Medieval Cistern-Arabic Cistern

Canillas de Aceituno

Scattered around the village, different constructions show the importance of the use of water in these lands. An obligatory stop is the 16th century Arab or Medieval cistern, located in Calle Huertezuelo. Other more modern ones are those of El Pilar Grande and El Chico.

16th-century Parish Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and St Leo the Great

C. Castillo, 7, 29716 Canillas de Aceituno, Málaga

Located in the upper part of the village in Canillas de Aceituno, with a terrace offering views over a beautiful landscape. Built on the site of the old mosque in the 16th century, its style is Gothic-Mudejar. It was renovated in the 19th century.

It has a tower at the chancel end which starts with a square base and ends in an octagonal shape. Inside, two 18th-century Baroque chapels, an image of the Virgin of La Cabeza, with silver attributes from the 18th and 19th centuries, an oil painting depicting the theme of the Piety dating from the late 17th century, and three medium-sized sculptures:

Saint Anthony, 17th century; Saint Francis Xavier, influenced by Zayas, early 18th century; and a Saint Anthony, from the circle of Mena, late 17th century.

In the sacristy There are some important silver pieces in the collection.

The balcony of the Axarquia

Canillas de Aceituno, Malaga

Canillas de Aceituno, with its network of winding, narrow streets, reflects its Moorish origins. The village has no squares, and its streets are characterised by their entrance arches, such as those on Calle Agua and Calleja. Notable sights include the Casa de los Diezmos, the Casa Esgrafiada with its Moorish details, the Arab cistern, the 16th-century Church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario, and the remains of the castle in the square of the same name.

However, The most impressive thing is the floral decorations that adorn its streets, making flowers key features of the local architecture.

Canillas de Aceituno is part of the Mudejar Route and retains a unique charm thanks to its Muslim heritage; in some of its winding streets, we find ‘algorfas’ – entrance arches – such as those on Calle Agua and Calle Calleja.