Nerja Today

Benamocarra, Málaga Province

Benamocarra is, as one would expect, another town in the Axarquia owing its heritage to the Arab occupation. The name is derived from one of the Berber tribal families in the Atlas mountains of North Africa, most probably a General who gave the land to soldiers taking part in the conquest of the area in the 12th and 13th centuries, Banu Mukarran meaning the 'sons (or descendants) of Mukarran.

The town was conquered by the Catholic Monarchs in 1487 and by the 16th century, all Moriscos (Muslim converts to Christianity) had been expelled and the area repopulated with Christians from other districts.

Benomocarra, an agricultural community, is built on the hillside known as La Quera, the other hills in the area being covered in almond, olive, orange and lemon trees as well as some of the more recently introduced sub-tropical fruits.

The urban area is typical of the architecture and layout of the Axarquia region, with narrow streets, often very steep, nothing over two floors high and with little 'plazas' (squares) dotted here and there. And, of course, colourful flowers and plants adorning many of the balconies.
 

 

Location

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Places of Interest

16th century Iglesia Parroquial de Santa Ana

Fuente de los Caños

Santo Chiquito

Ermita de San Isidro

Birthplace of the writer and composer Eduardo Ocón Rivas
 

Local Cuisine

Local specialities include: Ajoblanco (chilled garlic soup with almonds, bread, oil and vinegar), Gazpachuelo (hot egg soup seasoned with vinegar or lemon), Tortillas de Bacalao (cod omelettes). Gazpacho Frito (fried tomato, garlic and vegetable soup), Ensalada de Aguacates (avocado salad). Frito Moruno con morcillas (spicy fried black pudding), Migas (fried breadcrumbs with pieces of meat).

 

Local Fiestas

Carnival (February)

San Isidro (May 15th)

Romeria de San Isidro (End of May)

Corpus Christi (June)

Feria del Cristo de la Salud (Last Sunday in October

 

Where to Stay

Hotel Cerro La Jaula***
29719 Benamocarra