General information on Cártama
In hearing the place names of Cártama and Cártama Estación you may not be filled with awe and wonder, but don’t discount them too quickly. A closer look will reveal ancient and important history, great fiestas, rich and diverse flora, fauna plus wildlife, as well as modern living to challenge the best known of the inland towns and villages. Cartha, the first recorded name for the town of Cártama, given by the Phoenicians, does not mean hidden city for nothing!
There are currently around 17,500 inhabitants in and around the twin towns that are located in the Guadalhorce Valley, some 20 kilometres from Málaga and almost 260 metres above sea level; a location that means the sea, the city and the countryside are all within easy reach – historically great for commerce and now also perfect for business and tourism alike. Yet, it has only been in fairly recent years that many of the ‘Expat settlers’ have started to make their home in the place where, to name a few, the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and from 1485 the Christians, lived before them. Here’s just a taster of the things that more and more of us are enjoying discovering…
Looking up as you enter Cártama Pueblo, whether by day or night, it is hard to miss the beautiful Chapel/Hermitage - Ermita de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios - nestled on the hillside. This apparently dates from the 18th Century but it is actually built on the site of a previous Ermita from the 16th Century. It is a steep and winding walk to here, but once you have arrived, you are not only rewarded by the sight of the beautiful Ermita but also the amazing views of the Guadalhorce Valley, the many citrus groves (that give the most wonderful scent during the blossom season) and the surrounding towns.
It is from the Ermita, around 21st April (be sure to check these dates with the Ayuntamiento) that the Virgin de los Remedios leaves on her journey to another wonderful ‘must see’ Church in the village – San Pedro - where she stays until 26th April. Of course, this is the time of the main fiesta and a chance for locals and visitors alike to demonstrate their passion for their Saint!
The Castle, located close to the Ermita, dates from the 10th Century and has been the home and stronghold of many armies and therefore, witness to many battles over the years. Its fall to the Catholic Kings in 1485 was so significant that it was recorded in bas-reliefs of the Coro in Toledo Cathedral and it is said, that the Christians prepared the conquest of both Ronda and Malaga from here. It was even used as a refuge for French soldiers during the War of Independence. Not long after it fell into disrepair but, thankfully, now is being restored by an injection of more than 600,000 euros.
Now it is time to cross the green iron bridge ‘El Puente de Hierro’ that has recently been cleaned up and illuminated by 15 new street lights and enter into the more modern and developing Cártama Estación. From here you can look along the river and riverbed where many local people enjoy local nature, taking picnics, walking their dogs and horse riding. There are great plans for this to become an extensive riverside leisure and recreational area.
But let’s digress a little and drive five minutes out of town into the somewhat mountainous countryside. Be sure to park the car or bike and take a walk – you will be delighted by the varying range of wild flowers and particularly bird life throughout the changing seasons. After more than four years living in these mountains, we’re still amazed by the variety and colours of the plants, flowers and shrubs including: Common Red Poppies, Iris, Sweet Alison, Daisies, Lavender, Wild Asparagus, Mint and Fennel, Fan Palms, Oleander and Narcissus – and that’s just through the eyes of a lay person; an educated botanist would be able to be more specific and encompassing!
Now is a favourite time of the year for us as the Bee Eaters (noisy multicoloured birds) and even Golden Oriels (look out for a flash of incredibly bright yellow with contrasting black as the male passes by!) are back to enjoy the hotter months. Throughout the year many other birds can be spotted by the lucky or the patient and these include stonechats, finches, eagles and even vultures. There are also foxes, snakes and lizards plus many insects that you may or may not be excited about meeting. Of course these creatures are shy and get out of the way of any humans and other animals whenever possible, so don’t let that put you off.
After all the fresh mountain air and exercise get yourself back to the towns. If you have really worked up an appetite you will be more than satisfied by a steak to rival any Texan Steakhouse, in size as well as flavour, in La Liebre de Carlos on Avenida de Andalucía. Or even just kick back and have one of the best cups of coffee in town at Los Galgos. If you have a sweeter tooth, stop off at one of the bars or cafes and indulge in ‘Chocolate y Churros’ (if you live in Spain or have visited often and have never indulged in this then you should rectify the error of your ways – and diet sheet – as soon as possible!).
Why not make a date for the other important fiesta that takes place in Cartama Estación in mid-May when the patron Saint of the Isidore Farmer – San Isidro Labrador – is honoured. There is a procession through the town and celebrations that carry on along the banks of the Guadalhorce River well into the early hours.
Cártama Estación obviously grew up around the transport network and commerce and it is now an increasingly popular place for those that work in and around Málaga plus, for those that want the option of nightlife, bars, restaurants and local markets as well as the countryside, the international airport and beaches all close to hand. It seems to change constantly but we’re happy to see that the traditional butcher, baker and candlestick maker (okay we are not sure about the latter) plus local markets on Fridays and Sundays continue to survive alongside the more modern offerings.
The local amenities really do get better year on year – the latest addition of the fountain and palm trees not only improved safety but also the overall look and feel of the towns. As horses have always been important to the people of Andalucía, it is great to see these in focus with the recent opening of local and foreign run trekking businesses as well as a Spanish owned Equestrian Centre that has some of the finest horses we have ever seen. There is an international school (Sunland) plus a planned sports centre to be located between the two towns and new a state of the art hospital close by.
As we said this is only a taster (we’ve not even had time to mention Aljaima, El Sexmo, Santa Rosalia and so on) why not come and find out more for yourself – you never know – you may like it so much that you’ll never leave!
Jane and Christian Blinkenberg are the owners of Casa Aymara SL (formerly Rural Estates SL).
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