Discover Málaga’s most picturesque town where water takes centre stage

Besides being one of the most sought-after places to live, the province of Málaga is home to countless picturesque villages waiting to be discovered. Nestled to the north of Ronda, on the border of the Guadalteba region, lies Cuevas del Becerro – a charming village with a population of 1,592 (Spain's Statistics Institute 2023 data). This hidden gem seamlessly blends history and Andalusian tradition within a stunning natural setting, where water plays a central role.

A town with a legendary name

Cuevas del Becerro – literally translated as "the caves of the calf" is believed to originate from a legend about a golden calf said to have been discovered in one of its caves, located on the northern slope of the village. Another myth suggests that it was named after a calf trapped in one of the town’s caves and was only found thanks to its desperate bellowing. Whatever the truth may be, the mystery remains unsolved.

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The origins of Cuevas del Becerro date back to the Neolithic period, as evidenced by archaeological discoveries at Cerro del Castillón, in the vicinity of Fuente del Zorro and along the northeastern edge of Cerro de las Palomas.

Diputación Provincial de Málaga

Roman ruins have also been discovered in Cuevas del Becerro. At the Casas de las Viñas site, located near the town’s football ground, fragments of pottery and coins suggest the presence of a settlement during the Roman imperial era. Additionally, evidence points to the existence of what is believed to have been an oil production facility. However, the town's real Roman treasure is the remains of a pottery complex, featuring two fully intact kilns and part of a third, once used for ceramic production.

Ayuntamiento de Cuevas del Becerro

Despite its Roman heritage, the first recorded mention of what is now Cuevas del Becerro dates back to its conquest from the Muslims by Alfonso XI of Castile in 1330. Following this, the town was incorporated into the Kingdom of Castile.

What to do in Cuevas del Becerro

Nature activities

Cuevas del Becerro, traversed by the Cuevas River, is nestled in the Serranía de Ronda, a mountainous region renowned for its breathtaking landscapes of rugged peaks and verdant valleys. This stunning natural setting offers the perfect backdrop for a variety of outdoor activities, including numerous hiking trails. Among them, perhaps the most renowned is the fountain trail, a three-kilometre trail winding through the town, passing by fountains, streams, waterfalls and traditional irrigation channels.

Ayuntamiento de Cuevas del Becerro

Find holiday rentals in Cuevas del Becerro

Another of Cuevas del Becerro’s most iconic trails is Las Palomas, a picturesque route lined with fields of cereals and olive trees. Along the way, hikers can reach the Tajo de las Palomas, where the dramatic rock walls serve as nesting grounds for majestic Bonelli’s eagles.

Festivals and traditions

Deep-rooted traditions mark life in Cuevas del Becerro. Some of the most popular and famous are:

• Patron Saint Festivities in honour of Saint Anthony the Great (17 January): This celebration honouring the town's patron saint consists of the traditional blessing of animals and a procession through the town's streets.
• Candlemas (2 February): Neighbours gather to light bonfires with olive branches.
• San Isidro pilgrimage (Saturday nearest 15 May): The image of Saint Isidore is carried in procession from the town to the pilgrimage spot – a fun day in the countryside with food and music.
• Summer Festival (July): A festival that fills the streets with music, food stalls and dancing.
• Fair in honour of Saint Anthony the Great (last week of August): One of the town's most important festivities, with activities for all audiences, attractions, makeshift bars and events to honour the patron saint.
• Chestnut Roasting Festival: Celebrated in autumn, this tradition brings locals together to roast chestnuts in a warm and festive atmosphere, marking the arrival of the cold weather.

What to see in Cuevas del Becerro

If you visit Cuevas del Becerro, a beautiful town in Málaga, be sure to stop by San Antonio Abad church. Built in the early 16th century, this charming temple features a single-nave structure and a modest bell gable adorning its façade. Inside, the church has many artistic details, with its most revered treasure being the image of San Antonio Abad, the town’s patron saint.

Ayuntamiento de Cuevas del Becerro

On the outskirts of Cuevas del Becerro lies El Nacimiento, a natural spring that emerges from a rocky promontory. With the arrival of the first autumn rains, its flow intensifies, creating a breathtaking spectacle. From El Nacimiento, the Cuevas River winds its way through the town before joining the Guadalteba River.

Houses for sale in Cuevas del Becerro, Málaga

On idealista, you can find many properties in Cuevas del Becerro, one of the most picturesque villages in Málaga. For example, this 500 m2 detached property in the countryside selling for €680,000.

Independent rural house idealista

For a more affordable and highly attractive price, we present this three-storey semi-detached house, offering a total of 204 m² of living space, with four bedrooms and two bathrooms. The sale price is €164,000. Additionally, there is the option to rent the property with a rent-to-buy agreement, at a monthly rent of €600.

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There are also new-build homes in Cuevas del Becerro, such as this designer semi-detached house for €189,000.

idealista

The property has a constructed area of 120 m2, two bathrooms and three to four bedrooms.

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