The municipality of Guaro, between Coín and Tolox and adjoining the River Grande, one of the tributaries of the Guadalhorce, is one of the ports of entry to the Sierra de las Nieves Nature Park, which has been designated by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve.

This advantageous location will give some idea of the beauty of the setting. It is just a short distance from the Costa del Sol but at the same time is insulated from the hustle and bustle of the coast, all the more so by the fact that traffic is restricted in many of the village streets. A state of balance has thus been reached between the needs of contemporary life and the traditions of an eminently agricultural and therefore slow-paced village.
This territory sprawls out gently among hills whose altitude varies between 200 and 500 metres and that are covered mainly by olive and almond trees and low brush, with groves of cork oaks here and there where the terrain is not suitable for crops. The landscape has an unmistakably agricultural flavour but is nevertheless compatible with the installation of new cultural and leisure facilities.

Remains discovered in the area of Ardite show that the first settlements in these lands occurred in prehistoric times, and there is also evidence of the Roman imprint at Cerro del Polvillar. The village was founded by the Arabs, however, at a date that has not been determined with certainty.
The Muslims first settled at Guaro Viejo (Old Guaro) and shortly afterward at present-day Guaro. It received the designation of “villa” (royal burgh) by decree of Felipe IV in 1614. Some years later, in 1648, this king wished to pay for certain services performed for the crown by Juan Chumacero Sotomayor Carrillo de la Vega, so the villa of Guaro was converted to a county and that person became its first Count.

 

Coín was taken by Christian troops in 1485 and Guaro surrendered immediately afterward. There is every indication that relations between Mudéjars and Christians were peaceful for a long period, and it is even recorded that in matters of justice the counsel of a distinguished Mudéjar personage was sought for the purpose of reaching a verdict.

Outstandings Visits:
The San Miguel parish church is in the upper part of the village. It was built in the early sixteenth century and modified in the eighteenth and further modified-for the last time, so far-in the twentieth century after the Civil War. It has a Latin cross floor plan but no side naves. There is a niche with the image of San Miguel (Saint Michael) on the façade, above a semicircular arch between Tuscan pilasters. On the right side is the bell tower, which in this case has two levels.
The eighteenth century La Cruz del Puerto hermitage is half a kilometre from the village. It houses a statue of El Cristo de Limpias (Christ of Limpias). For many years this place was used by Guareños, who were going to other provinces to seek employment; it was here that they awaited the transport that was to carry them to their destination.

 

 

The San Isidro hermitage is located next to the River Grande, in a eucalyptus grove with the same name as the saint. It is of very modern construction (1992) but is in the traditional Andalusian style. Its only function is to house the image of San Isidro during the pilgrimage that is held in his honour here.
Rulos del Molino is a small olive oil and popular arts museum that habitually opens to the public, although it is a private entity. A complete electric-powered oil mill from the early twentieth century has been reconstructed here, as well a “mola oleatoria”, that is, an animal-powered oil mill, as well as a winery with an eighteenth century screw press.

How to Get There:
Although there is more than one route to this village it is best to leave the city of Málaga by the A-357 in the direction of Campillos. After passing Cártama take the A-355 to Coín and there take the A-366. Three and a half kilometres past Coín turn onto the A-6207, which leads straight to Guaro.

Interesting Facts:
Surface Area: 22.5 square kilometres
Population: about 2,100
What the natives are called: Guareños
Monuments: the San Miguel parish church, hermitages of La Cruz del Puerto and San Isidro, Rulos del Molino (museum)
Geographical Location: in the Guadalhorce valley region adjoining the Las Nieves mountain range. The village is about 500 metres above sea level. It is 50 kilometres from Málaga and 15 from Marbella. The area records an average annual rainfall of 660 litres per square metre and the average temperature is 17º C.
Tourist Information: Town Hall, Plaza de la Constitución, 5 (29108). Telephone: 952 457 573; Fax: 952 457 660