Surrounded by mountains and natural springs, Villanueva del Trabuco’s scenery changes throughout the year. During the spring months, melting snow turns the natural springs to create gushing rivers. The town itself sits in a valley near the start of the Guadalhorce River. Green olive groves, grain fields, and rising forests create an intriguing background of green against the rows of whitewashed houses.

 

Excellent highways easily bring visitors to Villanueva del Trabuco’s door. The train station is less than fifteen kilometres from town, Malaga is around forty kilometres away, Granada is eighty kilometres away, and Cordoba is 150 kilometres away. The larger town of Archidona is around ten kilometres from Villanueva del Trabuco. Due to its accessibility, visitors will find that the range of activities both in and around the town are amazing.

While Villanueva del Trabuco is not one of the area’s oldest towns, it does have a rich history. The area was used as a route from Antequera to Velez-Malaga in the 1400s. There is a legend stating that King Fernando asked one of his men to set up a base in the area where supplies could be brought to the troops. Unfortunately, this plan was not quite as brilliant as planned because of robbers who worked hard to steal the supplies.

 

Villanueva del Trabuco became an actual town in the 18th century. Carlos III needed to increase the population in many areas following the battles with the Christians and Moors a couple centuries earlier. He asked almost 6,000 Christians to settle in the area and form new towns. Archidona was one of the resulting towns. By the mid-1800s, Archidona was spread out throughout the mountains. Many of these groups of residents demanded their communities became separate towns. In 1850, they finally got their wish and Villanueva del Trabuco was established.

 

With more than 5,000 residents, Villanueva del Trabuco is a larger town that offers plenty of activities. The typical resident is younger than thirty, and there are far more men than women. Single women looking for romance may find that statistic to be very appealing.

Villanueva del Trabuco is surrounded by the San Jorge, Fat, and Gibalto Mountains. There are also many small hills below the mountains. Peaks range from 1400 metres to a little more than 700 metres. With so many hills and mountain ranges, an innumerable number of hiking trails are available. Trails range from easy to difficult providing outdoor enthusiasts with many days worth of fresh air and exercise.

 

In early February, the Fiesta de la Candlaria is held. The celebration begins on the first night in February with a huge bonfire that can be scene from quite a distance. Historically, this fiesta was held to keep the negative spirits (souls) away from town.

 

In June, the Fiestas de San Antonio is held. The festival honours San Antonio. Events including sporting competitions, selection of the town’s cultural representatives, and much more.

 

The Cattle Fair is held every August. The event includes cattle auctions and many craft sales. While not as popular as it was decades ago, the event still draws in a large number of people.

 

Fiestas Patronales is the town’s largest celebration. It is held in mid-September and honours Our Lady of the Dolores. For five days, the carnival includes sporting events, culinary booths, markets, parades, and horsing events.

 

Ermita de San Antonio is a hermitage ordered by the mayor. It is believed that the building was originally a bread factory. Today, the hermitage is the starting point of the annual June celebration of San Antonio.

 

Ermita de San Juan y la del Carmen and Ermita de San Isidro are other important hermitages located in the area of Villanueva del Trabuco. The buildings are located close to the town and are accessible by foot.

 

Iglesia Nuestra Senora de los Dolores was remodeled in the mid 1900s. The church offers amazing architectural details including three huge stained glass windows.

 

A local museum is located inside the town’s municipal building. Inside the museum are artifacts found within the area. The more prominent display is locally created paintings, framed photographs, and crafts.

Throughout history, the valley in which Villanueva del Trabuco is located has been home to numerous cattle farming and agricultural farming establishments. Even today, Villanueva del Trabuco’s main industry relies on cattle and grain crops.

Cuisine in Villanueva del Trabuco is typical of the region and incredibly satisfying. Beef, rabbit, and homemade sausages are served during many meals. Migas, a dish of fried garlic, sausage, and bread cubes, is flavourful and filling. Oxtails are also enjoyed at many meals.

 

Porra Caliente is considered the area’s most typical dish. Cubes of bread are sautéed with garlic, mushrooms and olive oil. Diced potatoes are added and fried until golden. A little water and two laurel leaves are added and the mixture is steamed until the water has evaporated.

 

For dessert or breakfast, Pestino is common. These fried treats, much like doughnuts, are flavoured with wine and orange peel. If you want something less greasy, try quinces that are simmered in a cinnamon and sugar syrup.

A number of bars and restaurants are available in Villanueva del Trabuco. Tapas are served in many of the bars. Most of the bars do charge a cover, so have some cash ready.

 

Venta Hermanos Romero serves rabbit and lamb specialties to those who come into the bar to enjoy a cold beer. The cover charge varies.  Many of the area bars do close by midnight. If you are a night owl and want to be out later than that, you will need to go to the larger cities.

In the area north of Malaga, Villanueva del Trabuco is one of the area’s larger towns. There is plenty to experience, so plan a couple days to take it all in.

 

The scenery is gorgeous and the weather is usually warm, even in the winter months. You can visit Villanueva del Trabuco any time of the year and find it to be a rich and rewarding area.