Guadalteba

Guadalteba is located between the Vega de Antequera and the Serrania de Ronda in the northern part of the province of Malaga.

The region borders with the Guadalhorce Valley in the south, the province of Seville to the north, the plain of Antequera to the east and the Ronda mountains to the west.

There are several mountain ranges in the area of great environmental interest like the mountains at Valle de Abdalajis or Pizarra. Together with other mountain chains they have determined the communications of the region with other parts of Andalusia.

At the same time they have also determined the climate and weather conditions of the region. Unlike the Costa del Sol Guadalteba has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters.

The Guadalteba is a tributary of the Guadalhorce river. It is the most important river of the region. The Guadalete to the north of the region is a popular destination for rafting and other outdoor activities.

The region offers three reservoirs: Guadalhorce, Guadalteba and Conde del Guadalhorce. Because of these three reservoirs and the diversity of landscapes with many species of animals and plants Guadalteba offers a wide range of activities for tourists ranging from adventure sports, outdoor activities to cultural and gastronomical tours.

The region of Guadalteba comprises the towns of Ardales, Carratraca, Almargen, Cuevas del Becerro, Campillos, Cañete la Real, Teba and Sierra de Yeguas.

There are also two protected natural areas: La Garganta de los Gaitanes, also known as El Chorro, and the natural reserve of Lagunas de Campillos. Both areas are of great ecological and natural value.

Due to its history and geography Guadalteba presents a wide range of activities for tourists and visitors from all over the world. The cultural and historical heritage, the diversity of its landscapes and the wide range of leisure activities are the main asset of the region.

Almargen is located between the fertile countryside of the province of Seville and the Serrania de Ronda. The municipality is crossed by several rivers like the river Salado, Almargen and La Venta rivers creating different landscapes which gives this village a unique character.

Ardales is very well connected with Campillos, Ronda, Teba and Malaga. The train station at El Chorro is only 12 kilometers away from Ardales. The village is well known for its olive oil which is amongst the best in the province

The main tourist attractions of Ardales are the cave painting in the prehistoric cave of Ardales and the Garganta del Chorro. The Castle of La Peña de Ardales, the Mozarab church of Bobastro or the parish church build on a former mosque are good examples of the cultural heritage of the village.

Campillos is the biggest town of the region. The Lagunas de Campillos natural reserve is the last refuge of endangered species like the plover or the sandpiper. The hills and mountains surrounding the village give shelter to several species of birds of prey and mammals like foxes and wild goats. Eras de Peñarrubia is an important archaeological site close to the Guadalhorce reservoir with remains from civilizations like the Visigoths or the Romans.

The Arab castle of Hins Canit is the most important element of the cultural heritage of Cañete la Real. The monastery of the Santisimo Sacramento and the convent of San Francisco are also worth visiting.

The neoclassic spa is the main tourist attraction of Carratraca. The natural spa has been constructed on the spot of a fabulous medicinal spring which was a very popular retreat in the beginning of the twentieth century. In the surrounding Alcaparaín Mountains many wild animals can be found.

Cuevas del Becerro is very well connected with Ronda and several villages of the province of Cadiz like Olvera or Setenil de las Bodegas.

Without a doubt the Nacimiento, the river source of Cuevas del Becerro, is a magical place with a wide variety of flora and fauna including holm oaks and mountain goats and deer. The typical architecture and the remains of the Arab castle make it worthwhile strolling around the streets of this spanish town.

Sierra de Yeguas borders with the province of Seville to the west and the town of Fuente de Piedra to the north. Due to its proximity to the Laguna de Fuenta Piedra it is easy to see flamingos flying over the village. The thermal baths built by the Romans form part of the cultural heritage of Sierra de Yeguas.

Teba is situated at 550 meters above sea level and counts with several important archaeological sites. In the archeological museum visitors can admire several remains from the Iberian and Roman period. The castle of La Estrella is located on the hill top of the village.

The region is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor activities like hiking, rambling, mountain biking, caving, parapente, canyoning, kayaking or horse riding.