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Alcaucin Andalusia Vacation Rental Pool Axarquia

Alcaucin

 

Alcaucin on the opposite side of the lake looks back to a long history of settlement. Already Neanderthals lived nearby, as proven by archeological finds in a cave near the pass above the village (Boquete de Zafarraya).

Later Phoenicians settled here and probably built the original castle of Zalia. The castle later was used by the Moors until it fell to the Christian armies during the Reconquista. Appropriately, they used the castle as a prison for the defeated Moors. In the late 19th century the castle was completely destroyed by an earthquake. Today you will find only a few remnants of the walls and two tower stumps. The Torre de Atalaya (watchtower) above Casa Estrellita probably served the fortress as a forward observation post, as it allows to monitor the coastal plains and the valley of Velez-Malaga.

The old village itself is a typical white village, which cannot deny its Moorish history. Narrow streets of white plastered houses with the obligatory flower pots on the wall, a beautifully restored spring with five outflows in Moorish-Andalusian style and the typical village church from the 16th century form an ensemble that stands in stark contrast to the (largely British-owned) new buildings in the surrounding area.

More important for the tourist is the location of Alcaucin on the edge of the Natural Park of the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama, making Alcaucin a good starting point for hikes into the park and to the summit of La Maroma.

The area is known for its abundant wildlife. Among others, you may see mountain goats, wild cats, weasels and badgers. Even large raptors are regularly seen soaring in thermals.

Some tour suggestions can be found here.

 

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