The lost castle, the forgotten tower, and the summit overlooking Africa: discover four of the most remote and secret corners of Malaga

The province of Málaga is a diverse territory where sea, mountains, and a rich historical heritage coexist. Alongside renowned sites, there are lesser-known but equally attractive places that reveal another side of the destination. Locations such as Sierra de las Nieves and Sierras de Tejeda and Almijara are recognized for their ecological value, but there are unique corners that remain discreet and offer charming landscapes, historical remains, and natural environments of great interest. This September, four of them stand out as examples of this hidden heritage: Torre de Lifa, Pico de la Concha, Castillo de Bentomiz, and La Sauceda.

Torre de Lifa (Ronda): Andalusian relic next to a valley of cornicabras

About 14 kilometers from the center of Ronda, on the old road that linked the city with El Borge, stands the Torre de Lifa, a relic of an Andalusian castle. Its location in the Sierra de las Nieves provides a natural setting of great beauty, surrounded by landscapes dotted with cornicabras and other native species. Next to the tower is a waterfall, an element that adds freshness and appeal to the place. This site encapsulates the union between nature and historical heritage that characterizes many hidden corners of Málaga.

Pico de la Concha (Istán): a natural viewpoint towards Africa

At 1,215 meters altitude, Pico de la Concha rises above the Costa del Sol as an exceptional viewpoint. On clear days, it is possible to glimpse Africa from its summit, while overlooking the Mediterranean coastline and, to the north, the succession of Málaga mountains. Located near Marbella and Istán, and in contact with the Sierra de las Nieves, this peak is part of the Sierra Blanca, a setting of lush forests that provides a different perspective of Málaga's geography. The combination of height and location makes La Concha one of the most unique places on the Andalusian coast.

Castillo de Bentomiz (Arenas): history and panoramic views of the Axarquía

In the eastern part of the province, near the village of Arenas, stand the remains of Castillo de Bentomiz. This fortress played a significant role in the history of al-Andalus: under the reign of Abderramán III, the future Umayyad Caliph of Córdoba defeated there Omar Ibn Hafsún, the rebel who dominated much of Andalusian territory. Over the centuries, it remained a strategic enclave until its definitive conquest by the Catholic Monarchs in 1487. The castle, which once had two walled enclosures, offers panoramic views that span both the Axarquía coast and the surrounding villages and fields, serving as a silent witness to the past and present of this region.

La Sauceda (Cortes de la Frontera): a depopulated area among ravines and cork oaks

Between Los Alcornocales Park and Grazalema Park, in the municipality of Cortes de la Frontera, lies La Sauceda, an example of a depopulated area that retains traces of human activity in the midst of nature. This site is located in a privileged environment, surrounded by ravines, cork oaks, and holm oaks, forming a mosaic of biodiversity. Throughout the year, water and light transform the landscape, which takes on different hues and atmospheres depending on the season. The presence of a recreational area in the midst of this natural setting makes it a unique space, where past and nature intertwine discreetly yet intensely.