Properties for sale in Carratraca Spain|Grapevine Properties.
Carratraca a hidden gem in Andalucia
One of the smaller inland towns in Malaga Province, Carratraca is small with a population of only 850, but it is perfectly formed. If you are looking to buy a house in Malaga in a perfectly preserved rural Spanish pueblo, Carratraca could hit the spot.
Located in the picturesque Guadalhorce Valley, surrounded by an abundance of olive and almond groves and often referred to as the ‘gateway to the valley’. The village covers only 22.4 square kilometres, and every corner is packed with characterful whitewashed houses decorated with colourful flowers, narrow roads, lanes and plazas.
Although tiny, you may have heard of Carratraca’s Sulphur Water Spas. In fact, the word Carratracas is derived from the Arabic for cleaning impurities. Since Roman times the village has attracted visitors keen to benefit from health-giving properties of the Sulphur water, which is produced from underground springs at an average temperature of 18°C. Today, the spas appeal equally to history buffs and those who prefer to pamper themselves at the luxury Spa at the Villa Padierna Thermas Hotel in Carratracas.
As with all corners of rural Andalusia, look and you will find some marvelous bars and restaurants, one of the most famous being Fonda Pepa which has served luminaries such as the UK’s Prince Charles and Malaga born Antonio Banderas. Carratraca is famed for its traditional Southern Spanish cuisine created using fresh produce from the local vicinity.
Traditions are strong in Andalucia, like all villages in the area they strive to outdo to put on the most impressive Easter processions, with most of the villages taking part.
If you feel like a day at the beach, serious shopping or partying, you can head to the Costa del Sol or Malaga, both can be reached in under 1 hour.
If you want assistance finding the perfect inland Costa del Sol property, get in touch with Grapevine and we’ll be happy to help.