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.
Statistics
Area: 6 square kilometres
Altitude: 120 mtrs above sea level
Population: +/- 2,900
Distance from Nerja: 31 km
Driving Time: +/- 40 mins
Location
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 Festivals
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
Useful Info
Tourist Office
calle Camino de Vélez s/n
29718 Benamargosa
Tel: 952517002
Tel: 952517271
[email protected]
Where to Stay
Hotel Cerro La Jaula***
29719 Benamocarra
Where to Eat
Posada de la Manuela
calle Zarzuela
29719 Benamocarra
Tel: 952509606
Bar Porras
calle Andalucía 24
29719 Benamocarra
Tel: 952509739