The vineyards, the extensive olive and almond groves and the many fruit orchards form a landscape that has been domesticated for many centuries. Raisin driers are one of its most prominent features, spaces where grapes are spread out under the sun to slowly turn into raisins, which are this town’s most famous and characteristic product. As in nearly every other part of La Axarquía, this town has also embraced the cultivation of subtropical crops.
No traces have been found so far to support the idea that Almáchar’s origin pre-dates the Arabic era. Not only does its name indicate its Muslim roots -“Maysar” or “Machar” usually is translated as “meadow or meadowland”- but also the town’s street layout itself clearly goes back to Arabic customs and usages.
After the expulsion of the Moorish Christians in the sixteenth century, people came from different places to occupy these lands. Since both the parish and municipal archives were unfortunately destroyed in the deplorable events of 1936 hardly any documentation exists today of the history of Almáchar, but it is known that the first baptism was performed 7 February 1537.
From Málaga, you can get to this village on two different routes, either through Rincón de la Victoria (35 kilometres) or Vélez-Málaga (55 kilometres).
Exit from the A-7 Mediterranean Expressway at Rincón de la Victoria and take the MA-107 towards Benagalbón and continue on MA-108 towards Moclinejo and then on to Almáchar on MA-149. Total distance: 35 kilometres, 15 by expressway and 20 on local mountain roads.
You can also exit from the A-7 Mediterranean Expressway to the A-335 at Vélez-Málaga. About three kilometres farther along take the MA-135 towards Benamocarra and after about two kilometres turn again, this time onto the MA-178, which leads to Almáchar. This is the best route from the eastern part of the region and eastern provinces. Total distance: 55 kilometres, 41 by expressway and 14 by local mountain roads.
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