Algatocín (Valle del Genal)

This short walk provides an introduction to Algatocín and its surroundings. The loop around the village passes the church, the many small businesses in the town, the pleasing stonework on the houses, and the steep slopes leading to covered walkways. A stop at the mirador gives views of the surrounding countryside.

A linear extension explores the first kilometer of the SL-A 177 Los Nacimintillos/Las Pilas loop east of the village. The wide track is generally well-drained, although some parts can be muddy after days of heavy rain.

Notes
If you would like a longer walk, continue on the SL-A 177 Los Nacimintillos/Las Pilas track to make a 4 km loop that will bring you back to Algatocín. See the brochure in the resources list below.

Walk 27 of a long-distance walk through the Serranía de Ronda
From our journal.
A plaque on today’s walk explains the term "El Alambique" which lends its name to the house we are staying in. A year-round spring of fresh water located inside the house feeds a cistern on the lowest floor. It must have been very handy in the days before running water when this building was a mill. The spring and associated cistern were essential because the mill processed both olives (to make olive oil) and grapes (to make wine). The cistern was used in the distillation process which gives its name to the house: El Alambique.

Possibilities for eating/sleeping
Casa El Alambique is a lovely restored olive mill. Staying here is like living in a museum.
Benarrabá also has the largest supermarket in the area, Super Valle del Genal, open seven days a week; a pharmacy; and a health clinic with 24-hour emergency staffing including on weekends. If there is anything special you need to tuck away in your backpack, this is the place to get it.

Resources
Fedamon SL-A 177 Los Nacimintillos/Las Pilas brochure
www.fedamon.com/senderos/sl/malaga/SL-A%20177_los-nacimientillos-las-pilas-algatocin.pdf

Ayuntamiento de Algatocín
www.algatocin.es/6914/turismo
The ayuntamiento has listings of places to stay, descriptions of what to see in the town, and listings of trails in the area.

Previous day’s walk: Benarrabá - Algatocín - PR-A 239
www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/benarraba-algatocin-pr-a-239-valle-del-genal-82603952

Next day’s walk: Benalauría - Arroyo de las Verguelas
www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/benalauria-arroyo-de-las-verguelas-valle-del-genal-82995432

Link to journal
http://hiking.topicwise.com/doc/GenalValley