Welcome to Montejaque, a picturesque white village nestled in the mountains of the Serranía de Ronda. This charming village is a living testament to its rich Andalusian origin, with its steep and narrow streets, and whitewashed houses with Arabic-tiled roofs. This unique architecture is especially evident in the upper district of the village.
The lower district, with its modern streets, houses the parish church of San Juan. But Montejaque is not just a journey into the past, it is also a starting point for exploring the neighbouring villages of Benaoján, Jimera de Líbar and Cortés de la Frontera.
With a history dating back to the 12th and 11th centuries BC, Montejaque is a destination that promises an unforgettable experience. Are you ready to discover it?
The charm of Montejaque lies not only in its natural beauty, but also in its rich history. The name of the village comes from the Arabic 'Monte-Xaquez', which means 'Lost Mountain'. This name is an echo of its flourishing past during the Arab reign of Al-Andalus, when a fortress dominated the mountain range. Although this fortress has disappeared over time, the Arab influence is still alive in the architecture and culture of the village.
In addition to its Arab heritage, Montejaque also houses Roman remains, including a bridge over the Campobuche river, which speaks of an even older period in the history of the village.
With the arrival of the Christian armies and the expulsion of the Moors, Montejaque was handed over to the Count of Benavente, who was named Lord of Montejaque and Benaoján. This change of hands marked the beginning of a new era in the history of Montejaque.
The history of Montejaque is also marked by the bravery and courage of its inhabitants. During the war of independence against France, the residents of Montejaque and the surrounding areas joined together to form an army of 250 people. Despite being outnumbered, they fought and won against 700 French soldiers. This episode is a testament to the resilience and indomitable spirit of the people of Montejaque.
Montejaque, a charming white village nestled in the mountains of the Serranía de Ronda, is a tourist destination that offers a unique blend of history, culture and natural beauty. Its narrow and steep streets, its typical Andalusian white houses and its rich Arab history create an atmosphere that transports visitors to a distant time and place. But Montejaque is more than just a journey into the past; it is also a destination for nature lovers and hikers.
Montejaque offers visitors a unique experience of tranquillity and safety. A walk through its streets is a journey into the Arab past, with typical Andalusian white houses on both sides of the streets, which exude great beauty and charm.
On the outskirts of the village, visitors can enjoy the rich local fauna, where it is possible to find animals such as the mountain goat, deer and cows. The natural environment of Montejaque is a true paradise for nature lovers.
Montejaque is known for its hiking routes, where visitors can capture beautiful photos, such as the view of Monte Hacho. One of the most popular routes is the one that leads from Montejaque to the Cueva del Gato.
The route begins at the car park next to the MA-555 road very close to the Cueva del Gato. It is recommended to leave the car in the car park further down next to the Guadiario river and the Rural Hostel, thus avoiding a steep descent. The route goes from the car park to the bridge that is behind the Benaoján-Montejaque station, it is practically almost flat along a good path that goes very close to the Guadiaro river. Along the route, hikers have the opportunity on several occasions to go down to the river and observe rapids, waterfalls and some small water dam. The return is made by the same place to the Cueva del Gato where they will enjoy its spectacular cave, waterfall and lagoon where if it is summer or a hot day you can take a refreshing bath.
Montejaque, beyond its natural beauty, is a treasure trove of places of interest that capture the rich history and culture of the region. Here are some standout places you won't want to miss:
The Benaoján/Montejaque train station is more than just a means of transport. It is an important landmark and a starting point for exploring the region. From here, you can embark on trips to neighbouring villages and enjoy the stunning views of the Andalusian landscape.
To know its exact location, you can consult this link to the map.
In the heart of Montejaque is the Plaza de la Constitución, a meeting place for locals and a starting point for exploring the village. Surrounded by white buildings and with a fountain in the centre, the square is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the village.
You can find the Plaza de la Constitución on this map.
The Church of Santiago el Mayor is an architectural gem that dates back to the 16th century. With its impressive facade and richly decorated interior, the church is a testament to Montejaque's rich religious heritage.
To see the Church of Santiago el Mayor on the map, click here.
This museum-like washhouse is a reminder of how clothes were washed years ago in Montejaque.
These are just some of the many points of interest that Montejaque has to offer. Every corner of this charming village is full of history and beauty, waiting to be discovered.
You can see the location here.
Located in the heart of Montejaque, in the Serranía de Ronda, the Speleology Interpretation Center is a fascinating place to learn about the karst geology of the surrounding mountains. Through a variety of means, including informative panels, display cases with rock samples, ceramic remains, lithic industry evidence, paleoanthropological remains and audiovisual presentations, visitors can gain a deep insight into the formation and evolution of this impressive landscape.
In addition, the center houses the Information Point of the Natural Park "Sierra de Grazalema", providing visitors with a wealth of information about this natural park and its rich biodiversity.
To see the exact location of the Speleology Interpretation Center, you can check this map link.
Montejaque, with its vibrant calendar of fairs and popular festivals, offers a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of the region.
The Summer Fair, which is usually celebrated in the second half of May, is one of the most anticipated events of the year in Montejaque. This fair is an explosion of color, music and dance, where visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, from live music concerts to sports competitions and traditional games.
The "Battle of the Bridge" is a unique festival in Montejaque that is celebrated annually, usually at the end of September. During this festival, the neighbors recreate a historical battle against the French army during the War of Independence. This representation is not only a way to honor the brave inhabitants of Montejaque who fought for their town, but also an opportunity for visitors to learn about this important episode in the history of Spain.
The Christmas season in Montejaque is truly magical. The village streets are lit up with festive lights and numerous events are held, such as Christmas markets, carol concerts and the traditional Midnight Mass at the Church of Santiago el Mayor.
The gastronomy of Montejaque is a reflection of its rich history and its location in the Serranía de Ronda. Here, the traditional flavours of Andalusia are combined with influences from Arab cuisine to create dishes that are both familiar and surprisingly unique.
Montejaque, with its rich culinary heritage, offers a variety of typical dishes that will delight your palate. One of the most outstanding is the Andalusian gazpacho, a refreshing cold soup made from tomato and vegetables, which is the perfect choice for hot summer days. Another dish that you cannot miss is the bull's tail, a traditional stew in the Serranía de Ronda that is slowly cooked until the meat is tender and full of flavour, offering a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
Montejaque is also famous for its local products. The extra virgin olive oil, produced from the olives grown in the surroundings of the village, is an essential ingredient in many dishes. You will also find excellent local wines, as well as handmade cheeses and sausages.
Of course, the best way to experience the gastronomy of Montejaque is by visiting its restaurants and bars. Here, you will be able to try a variety of tapas and main dishes, accompanied by a good local wine. Whether you prefer an elegant restaurant or a cosy tapas bar, you will find something to suit your tastes in Montejaque.
Montejaque, a charming village in the Serranía de Ronda, is accessible both by bus and by train. A bus from Ronda arrives in Montejaque once a day, and there is a train station just 7 kilometres from the village.
If you plan to arrive from Malaga airport or any other point close to the coast, the most direct route is through Ronda, as Montejaque is very close to this city.
For those who prefer the comfort and flexibility of driving, we offer car rental services at your arrival at Malaga airport or the AVE station in Malaga. We invite you to check our competitive prices. We also have taxi services at Malaga airport for your convenience.
In the map we provide, you can see the recommended route to get to Montejaque from Malaga by car. There are two options: one that goes through Ardales and another that goes from Estepona to Montejaque without going through Ronda. Depending on your starting point, one route may be shorter than the other.
Don't forget to check our prices for car hire in Malaga. We are committed to providing quality service at affordable prices.
Town Hall: Plaza de la Constitución, 4 - 29360
Phone: 952 16 71 96
Credit cards accepted
