Guaro

Oficina De Turismo, Avda Andalucía, S/N, Guaro, 29108

(+34) 952 45 75 35

http://www.guaro.es/indice.php

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Information: What to see; How to get here; More information; Town history; Gastronomy

Known for its famous Festival de la Luna Mora (Festival of the Mora Moon), Guaro is a magical town located in the region of the Sierra de las Nieves. The Natural Park of the Sierra de las Nieves, declared as Biosphere Reserve, hides towns of high tourists, historical, cultural and environmental value. Its white houses and steep streets, its privileged environment and traditions of centuries and centuries of history, form the perfect cocktail for your unforgettable visit.
IN GUARO YOU CANNOT MISS
MONUMENTS
In your visit to Guaro, we recommend knowing the Cultural Centre Al-Andalus and Ethnographic Museum of Oil, which retains an Arab oil press of XII century. The aim of this space is to highlight the value of the town as a traditional producer of olives from the period of Al-Andalus. Also in the same location and on the same subject, the Marmolejo Oil Museum, which has a collection of tools and machinery of the old mills of Guaro.
The parish church of St. Michael Arcángel is one of the most notable monuments of Guaro. This temple is located in the centre of the old town, a few meters away from City Hall and Fountain of San Isidro Labrador. It was built on an ancient mosque in 1505 and reformed on two occasions. It has a Latin cross without lateral nave, on the facade, you will find the image of San Miguel and to your right, the bell tower.
Two other prominent religious constructions are the shrines of the Cruz del Puerto and San Isidro, the latter next to the Rio Grande River in an area of eucalyptus. From the chapel of the Cruz del Puerto, panoramic views of the surroundings are exceptional, and inside, you will find one of the most venerated images by the neighbours, the Christ of Limpias.
Guaro is 50 kilometres from the city of Málaga. Take the A-357 motorway to Cártama, then continue on the A-355. Later, go on the A-7101 and finally the A-7100 until you reach Guaro.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Located near the Natural Park of the Sierra de las Nieves, Guaro is a unique destination for lovers of active tourism. Two long-distance paths and a couple of routes for mountain bikes are some of the itineraries that depart from its surroundings. The highest point of the municipality is the site of Chiribenítez which is on the border with Tolox.
The Natural Park of Sierra de las Nieves has been declared as Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO and EDEN ""European Destinations of Excellence 'award in the category of Tourism and Intangible Wealth. This park has more than 20,100 hectares and is one of the richest ecology of Andalusia, thanks to its 3,000 hectares of pinsapo (fir), an endangered species.
ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS
The auditorium of Luna Mora was built in 2010 and can accommodate 1,800 people. In this space, major concerts and dance performances, opera and theatre are performed. The strong point in its program is during the Festival of Luna Mora, but has activities throughout the year, especially in the summer months.
POPULAR FESTIVALS
The Andalusian past of Guaro is commemorated every year with the Festival of Luna Mora, held over two weekends in September. All the lights of the town are turned off to be illuminated in the light of more than 25,000 candles. Its neighbours are disguised to commemorate that historic period in which, on the Costa del Sol, lived together Christian, Muslim and Sephardic religions. Those days, in its streets one can enjoy the cuisine, music and parades of medieval Andalusia.
A little earlier, during the month of August, the Guaro Fair is celebrated. Traditionally dedicated to cattle, it is now a jubilant reunion of relatives and visitors.
In addition to its Easter, Guaro has different festivals and religious celebrations that will surprise you. During Christmas, you will discover Belén Viviente (Living Nativity) with more than 40 participants. In December, Guaro celebrates Mayordomas with processions and fireworks. And the Pilgrimage of San Isidro, Saint of farmers, the whole municipality meets around a procession that begins at the source that has the name of the Saint and reaches its hermitage in the River Grande.
CUISINE
The cuisine of Guaro stands out for the excellent combination of its products in each season. Among its wide range of recipes, we recommend the rabbit with almonds, goat stew (fantastic stew with potatoes) and "galipuche", a cooked vegetable omelette that is typical of Guaro. And to finish with a sweet: almond cakes, snacks and Christmas donuts.
A good time to discover the local cuisine is the Festival of Gastronomy. You can expand your list of recipes to make at home and taste the excellent products of the region of the Sierra de las Nieves.
Town history
The archaeological evidence from the Chalcolithic Period found in mount Ardite attests to the presence of man in Guaro since the Copper Age. The Romans left their traces too, in mount El Povillar: pottery, tiles, bricks and coins that hint at the existence of a rural village between the second and the fourth century AD.
The village that we can visit today was founded by the Arabs. The Moors first settled in Guaro Viejo, moving to the current location shortly afterwards. The village in Sierra de las Nieves was seized by the Catholic Monarchs in 1485. King Philip IV granted Guaro its charter as an independent village in 1614.
34 years later, the same King established the County of Guaro, granting it to Juan Chumacero Sotomayor Carrillo de la Vega, a judge of the Royal Chancery of Granada and a knight of the Order of St James, as a reward for his services to the Spanish Crown.
Among the town’s signature dishes are almond rabbit, the kid goat stew and the “galipuche,” a stew with vegetables and a traditional omelette from the village. For dessert, sample the almond tortas, bocaditos and Christmas doughnuts.