PueblosBlancosDiscoveryTours: Guaro

A Walk through the Almond-groves

Prologue:

Between January and February the Almond trees (Almendros) in southern Spain come into blossom. It is the first sign of Spring, and it is always a pleasure to see them in full bloom. As you walk near them, the air is filled with a sweet scent and you hear the humming of many insects like the bees feasting on the nectar.

We decided to take a walk through the countryside near the village of Guaro - Sierra de las Nieves - Málaga Province, in search of the almond blossoms. It was a very pleasant walk along a tranquil farm road, where small Farms (Fincas) are scattered around the countryside surrounded by olive trees, orange orchards and of cause, almond trees. Most of the way an amazing 360º panoramic view awaits you. At this time of year, very often you are able to see the snow capped mountain peaks of the Sierra de las Nieves with it highest peak Torrecilla (1909m) in the distance towards the south.

Directions

From Marbella on the A7 take turn off towards Coin A355.
Then drive past Ojen and take first turn off towards the village of Monda which takes about 20 minutes.
Drive through the village until you come to a crossroad, take a left turn towards Guaro/Ronda (N366). Guaro is about 10 minutes from Monda.
In Guaro you drive through the village as far as a large roundabout. From there you take the 3rd turn off and drive as far as to the Ermita de la Cruz del Puerto.
This is where you commence your walk.
The hike was a 6,5 km moderate circular tour and mostly on farm roads. It took us just over 3 hours with various stops and a picnic.

At the crossroad on top of the hill you find the Chapel
Ermita de la Cruz del Puerto.

Ermita de la Cruz del Puerto

A traditional crossroad where valleys and path converge leading to crops that provided sustenance and wealth to the villagers.

The most ancient inhabitants have always known the Cruz del Puerto Chapel as a timeless place where one can stop for a rest; a place where the prayers of the mule drivers could be heard, always begging for a good day, for good luck on their way and at their destination.

Copy taken from the information board.

We left our car near the chapel and walked towards the right, when coming from the chapel, in direction Alozaina.

As we walked along the tranquil country lane, we enjoyed the fantastic panoramic views.

This view takes you in the direction of the village of Alozaina
and the Sierra Cabrilla.

The blooming almond trees look like white and pink specks in the green country side.

You can see the almond trees growing near road sides, on hills, between olive groves and in orchards. Almond trees come in either sweet or bitter varieties. The blossom varies from snow white to pinkish red.

The almond trees sparkle and glow in the bright sunlight.

The Almonds (Almendras) play an important culinary role in the Andalusian cuisine. Most of the dishes have their origins from the Moors. The nuts are not only used in sweet cakes or sweets like Turron but also in many savory dishes. They form a base for many sauces like the Spanish Romesco Sauce. The almonds are also the main ingredient for the White Garlic Soup (Ajo blanco).

The view across the valley.

Some spring flowers lining the roadside.

The road slopes gently downhill.

As we walk along this country lane we reflect on our thoughts; how many different cultures must have worked and left their mark in these fertile lands around Guaro, from the Iberians, Romans, Visigoth, Arabs and now to modern day.

We see many farm houses set on the hillside surrounded by cultivated land.

At the crossroad we turn in direction to La Molineta towards the left.

Next to the road we come across a very old olive tree.

It is quite amazing to see the shapes and forms they grow into.

How old must these olive trees be?

Extra Virgin Olive Oil of high quality is produced in El Molino de Guaro.

We keep to the left. This road leads to down to a stream.

On the way we passed a herd of sheep and their shepherd.

What an idyllic setting.

Small orange grove.

The branches of the orange trees are weighed down by the ripe oranges.

As we reach the stream we are face a decision, shall we carry onto the other-side and risk wet feet, or shall we turn left alongside the stream.

We turned left along the stream and towards the eucalyptus trees.

This would make a nice spot for a picnic and to cool off in the hotter times of year.

The shepherd with his sheep has followed us.

From here we look back up from whence we came.
Set in the hillside we notice the lodge Casas Rurales La Molineta.
Casas Rurales are country houses converted into lodges or small hotels.
It is a reasonable way to stay over night and get close to village or country life.

We noticed a birds nest right in the middle of a lemon.tree.

We walk alongside the riverbed. The terrain becomes more rugged.

The view of La Molineta between the trees.

Carrying on, we found an intriguing building which looked like an old mill.

We had a closer look and found out it was a flour mill Molino Nazari

A information board explains the function of the mill.

After a closer look we found out that this flour mill dates back to the Nasarid period established in 1248. The Nasarid Kingdom of Granada (Reino Nasari de Granada) which was also responsible for the building of the Palace of Alhambra in Granada, was the last Muslim dynasty on the Iberian peninsula, and it lasted until the end of 15th century.