Located just 40km from Malaga in the Antequera region is the picturesque whitewashed village of Villanueva del Rosario.

The village is surrounded by a stunning landscape dominated by the El Jobo and Camarolos mountains which is home to the highest elevation in the region at El Chamizo (1,641 metres). The whole area is truly an area of beauty and this adds to the charm of the village.

Due to its location in one of the natural passes between the coast and the interior of Andalusia, the area around the current village was one of the places that attracted settlers early.

In the area there have been archaeological finds from many eras including the Paleolithic, Neolithic, Calcolithic and Bronze Ages

The oldest site is that at El Ventorro del Cojo and cave paintings from the Lower Paleolithic period have been discovered in the El Malnombre cave in the Camarolos Mountains

Other notable finds in the area include the ruins of Roman Bathouses at La Tosquilla and several Visigothic necropolises (Calerilla, Repiso, Rabia, Picacho)

The area of the current village was uninhabited for several centuries until the 18^th century when the current village began to take shape.

The village itself is charming and has some pretty buildings and monuments although none of them are of any notable interest. The main reason for visiting the village is it is a great base for lovers of nature and those interested in hiking and trail walking.

The area around the village is some of the most scenic in the area and the lakes and waterfalls along with the dense vegetation makes a trip to the area well worth it.

There are five routes for walkers in the area which are Tosquilla, Tajos, Chamizo and Las Fuentes I and II which give the visitor a chance to take in the natural beauty of the area

Details of these routes can be obtained from Casa de Oficios “Rivera del Cerezo” (“Banks of the Cerezo” Youth Training Centre) or by telephone at 952 742 547.

One of the best times to visit the village is early October when the patron saint fiestas honoring the Virgen del Rosario take place on 7 October. For four days there are dances, musical performances, various fair attractions and a thunderous concluding fireworks show. The most anticipated event during these days is the bullfighting festival, as it is the only occasion during the entire year that the village can witness a bullfight.

Tourist Information: Town Hall: Plaza de España, 9 (29312). Telephone: 952 742 008; Fax: 952 742 213