Guaro
Guaro is a small Andalusian village set in Sierra de las Nieves natural reserve park, which has been named a UNESCO Biospheric Reserve, the surrounding countryside is stunning and ideal for those wishing to enjoy a rural retreat, hiking or walking in the natural countryside of Andalusia.
It’s not too hard to find the village, located just three kilometres from historical Monda, six kilometres from Coín, 20 kilometres from the coast and upmarket Marbella, 50 kilometres from Malaga and the international airport. The road links the coast to Alhaurin El Grande and historical Ronda.
About town
Guaro is really a small working village, which most of the year has little present to tourists aside from nuts. Precisely almonds, the surrounding countryside is blooming with almond trees, which help sustain the economy of the village. The village’s slogan is “The Natural Almond Paradise”.
However, during the month of September, Guaro transforms into one of the most visited white pueblos in Andalusia, for the Festival of the Luna Mora (Blackberry Moon Festival). During the festival the village is illuminated during the evening by over 20,000 candles and some of the most important Andalusian musicians come to perform.
The town’s history dates back to pre-historic times and there are a few Roman remains and evidence of Moorish settlements to be seen. The town itself is typical in Andalusian style, with some very attractive historical buildings, making the town worth a visit. Set on a steep hill, the narrow, winding streets of Guaro, undulate up and down, definitely hard work with a pushchair!
Facilities and amenities for tourists are few. If you are looking for a destination equipped for tourism, then Guaro isn’t the one for you. There are small local stores, and some lovely restaurants and bars. For a more extensive shop you need only head six kilometres over to the town of Coín, where you will find large supermarkets, stores and services.
Places to visit
Within Guaro itself there are some interesting cultural and historical monuments, including the 15th century Church of San Miguel. Most notable is the arch set upon Tuscan Pillars on the façade. Los Rulos de Molino is a small museum of olive oil and artisan crafts.
From Guaro you can easily some of the pretty whitewashed Andalusian mountain towns, such as Ronda, and the beautiful natural parks of the Sierra de las Nieves and Grazalema.
If you want to spend a day exploring the coast, head down to Marbella, around 18-20 kilometres away and from there you can easily explore east to Fuengirola and west to Marbella.
There are a host of golf clubs close to Guaro driving down towards the coast, and in the Sierra de las Nieves natural park you can partake in Safari Jeep Adventures, quad biking, or follow some of the stunning routes by foot. Including climbing to the summit of La Concha, the mountain that backs Marbella.
Luna Mora Festival
The Luna Mora Festival is a wonderful Andalusian festival, which takes place in Guaro around the second or third week of September. Noted for the thousands of candles that light up the village during the evenings, the host of big name musicians that come to play, and for its Moorish theme.
A medieval Moorish market dominates the streets, and local sellers and craftsmen, dressed in ancient Moorish costume try to sell you their wares. Belly dancers sway to Arabic music and everyone sways to, taken away with the beautiful, relaxed atmosphere setting and probably a glass or two of local wine, or a cool beer.
Climate
Guaro enjoys the sub-tropical Mediterranean climate, which has hot summers and warm winters. Divided from the sea by the mountains means the heat can soar in summer, but it remains comfortable for the most part. Temperatures are an average of 32 ºC in summer.
