El Burgo is a delightful Andalusian village, approximately at 600m above sea level, located at 25 minute drive from Ronda and an hour’s drive from Málaga. The natural setting is breathtaking, truly incomparable to anything else you have seen before. The properties and the town are set in a canvas of olive groves, vineyards and mountain ranges that reach the far end of our eye sight. It is a popular area to have a (second) country home on a large Finca to enjoy the Andalusian country life, horse riding and hunting.
Living or residing here is enjoying inland Andalusia. Tucked in between Ronda and Antequera El Burgo lies quietly in the natural Park ‘Sierra de la Nieves’. The landscape varies from extensive olive groves and grain fields to low mountains covered in pine and oak to high impressive peaks. The properties we have for sale here all have large plots of land. Suitable for farming, horses and hunting. Since most of them are second homes they also comprise of a separate house where the caretaker lives with his family so the property will always look at its best even when you’re not around.
El Burgo is a fantastic place to own a second home, or a finca de recreo, like the Spanish call it. Having an estate in such a beautiful area in Málaga, Andalusia, is priceless. The fauna and flora here are so incredibly diverse, making your natural surrounding gorgeous all year round. Ranging from different trees, olives, pines, oaks, almonds, to fragrant wild herbs on the ground for you to pick! Thyme, rosemary, fennel…
If you are passionate about animals, then we suggest you hike deep into the countryside and find yourself a good hiding spot. We can almost guarantee you will spot the most incredible animals here. Whether soaring in the sky, or jumping from rock to rock, or running through the fields. You can spot eagles, the Spanish Ibex, mouflon, foxes, deer, wild boar… It comes to no surprise to us that around Ronda and the Sierra de las Nieves the hunting opportunities are good!
Facilities and Services in El Burgo
Since El Burgo is a small village in the province of Málaga you will find the basic facilities here, just like in any other town. Of course you can buy all your groceries here in the various shops. Meat, fruit and vegetables are fresher than anywhere in a city! The village also counts with a doctor’s service, a primary school, a cultural center and a public pool. The typical gift shop and hair salon are also to be found in el Burgo. But, for more extensive services you will escape to Ronda for the day. Whether it is for the larger supermarkets, or for a shopping day, or for a gastronomic experience. Also in Ronda is where you would go to the hospital if necessary.
If you like exploring the history of the towns of Andalucía, you won’t be disappointed here. There are still remains from the roman era, such as the Puente de Málaga. Aso from the Islamic period, like the Castillo de El Burgo. From the Christian era, we find the Ermita de San Sebastián. Furrhet, El Burgo used to be an unknown town, but more and more the town is getting a place on the map. Especially those who are fond of nature are exploring the hidden trails of el Burgo by foot, by bike, by horse…
Wining & Dining in El Burgo
El Burgo has a lot to offer when it comes to authentic Andalusian food. Since the restaurants are run by the locals, for the locals, you will still encounter the same recipes that were prepared generations ago. We find this absolutely mind-blowing and fascinating at the same time! What’s great about this, is that you will always be shocked at the prices. After having enjoyed a huge and delicious 3 course meal (menú del día) with drinks included, you won’t believe it when you pay less than 15, and sometimes even 10 euros per person.
It’s the local restaurants where you go to for the home-cooked meals, the feel good food. The bars serve hot and cold tapas and full dishes. Some examples of some really fabulous restaurants in El Burgo are Rúnico Restaurante, Bar Los Cantaores, Bar El Porras, Venta El Yoni, Bar Sierra de las Nieves, and so many more! For a more romantic or special occasion, you will probably explore the variety of restaurants in Ronda or Antequera. The quality tends to sweep you off your feet. Why? Because they combine the authenticity and the quality of the fresh local produce, with the modern cooking techniques, creating beautiful gastronomic experiences.
What to do in El Burgo?
A truly beautiful spot in El Burgo is the famous Mirador al Guarda Forestal, located at approximately 900m above sea level. From here, you can already imagine that the views are incredible.
The river El Turón offers spectacular sites to go swimming or canoeing in the right season, or any season if you are brave enough. Furthermore there are numerous walks through the mountains and the field. The old path in between El Burgo and Ronda is now again signposted and forms an interesting 25km hack.For hiking, there are endless routes, senderos. Some examples worth exploring are Sendero El Burgo – La Fuensanta, of 5km and low difficulty level. Another, Sendero El Burgo – Puerto de la Mujer, 6 km, intermediate difficulty level. Finally, Sendero El Burgo – Los Sauces – Yunquera.
Country property owners choose El Burgo most of the time to keep horses and go for endless routes through the mountain or they invite friends over for the weekend to go hunting on their private estates.
Festivities and Celebrations in El Burgo
The year kicks off the party season with Carnival in February, one you cannot miss if you decide to invest in a country estate in El Burgo. Continuing in February, probably the most emblematic festivity of all: The Fiesta de la Sopa de Siete Ramales. It is celebrated to honor one of the favourite and most typical dishes of the gastronomy of El Burgo.
And what is this delicious soup, you might wonder? I do! So here is the recipe:
- The 7 basics
- 200g of Pan Moreno (pan cateto)
- 2 large tomatoes
- 4 green peppers
- 1 large onion
- 4-5 garlic cloves
- green asparagus
- Potato
- Additionally
- 1 handful of fresh mint
- 6 spoons of extra virgin olive oil
- salt
- 4 eggs
Preparation: make a sofrito (stirfry) with the onion, garlic, peppers and tomatoes. Once combined, add the bread to the sauce in small pieces. Cover with water and let boil for 10 minutes. Whilst cooking, add also the mint. You can add a potato and if in season, don’t forget to add the asparagus.
This is one of those classic recipes from more than 100 years ago, when the food was scarce and the men of the land needed a good hearty meal to fill their stomachs.
Danielle Ernstsen | 12th May 2023
