Cártama
The village has been inhabited since Phoenician and Roman times, and its municipal boundaries extend from the same-named Sierra to the banks of the river Guadalhorce. Most of the area within these boundaries is used for agriculture, particularly the production of fruit and vegetables, olives, almonds, and almond oil.
Location
East of Malaga in Andalusia, in the interior, is a charming town called Cartama. A partially whitewashed town, it is ideally located for a happy, relaxed life taking in those beautiful views and is only a short distance from the coast. It is situated at the foot of two peaks, Espartales and Llana.
The municipality is (83.9 kilometers) 1 hr 7 min from Ronda and (21.3 km) from Málaga. It is one of the most extensive towns in the province, covering c. 150 km2 (58 sq mi).
The distance between Cártama and Málaga is 32 min (21.3 km) via A-357
Cártama to Málaga airport is about 18 min (21.6 km) via A-357
Cártama to Fuengirola beach is about 30 min (37.0 km) via AP-7 and A-7
Cártama to Marbella centre is 44 min (40.5 km) via A-355
Cártama to Torremolinos is 26 min (23.5 km) via A-357 and A-7
Cártama to La Cala de Mijas is 35 min (46.6 km) via A-7
Cártama to Coin is 21 min (15.2 km) via A-7059
Cártama to El Chorro is 49 min (47.0 km) via A-357 and MA-5403
How Much Does Getting from Cártama to Malaga Airport (AGP) Cost?
There are 6 ways to get from Cártama to Malaga Airport (AGP), including a town car, taxi, train, and bus. The cheapest option is to drive (18 minutes) and costs between £4 - £6 (15.1 miles)
A Brief History of Cártama
After establishing themselves in Malaga, the Phoenicians ventured further inland via the river. They established a settlement called Cartha, meaning "concealed city."
The Romans renamed the city Carthima in 195 BC. During their time there, it flourished as a processing centre for marble and a trading town for the rich supply of raw minerals extracted from the hills in the surrounding area. Carthima became prosperous and well-known for its chic lifestyle. It was renowned for its luxurious baths, villas, and magnificent statues of Mars and Venus, the town's two most revered deities.
Because of the importance of Carthima/Cártama during Roman times, one member of each prominent local family was given a position on a Decemviri, a powerful magistrates' commission consisting of ten individuals.
This was one of only three decemvirate appointments in the entire province of Bartica, which corresponds with the region known as Andalusia today.
Cártama's influence started to dwindle as Rome's hold on Spain began to loosen over time. It was neglected during the Visigothic period, but it attracted the interest of the Moors, who valued it as highly as the Romans. They rebuilt the old castle, which had fallen into disrepair, and Cártama could move forward again.
During the final days of Moorish rule, the invincible Christians concluded that Cártama was the ideal location to launch an assault on Málaga. This city was the object of their desire. It was 1485, and the Moors of Cártama were not particularly eager to engage in combat. The town was quickly taken, and the plan for the final siege of Málaga was now in place.
It is unknown how impressive it must have been during the Roman era when a mighty castle guarded the town and the river valley (Cartama is located at the head of the Rio Guadalhorce). However, visitors today are undoubtedly impressed by the sprawling white town of Cártama right now because of its crumbling fortress on a hill.
A magnificent iron bridge that spans the river and connects the main town and Estacion de Cartama spans the river and has been exquisitely restored. The Puente Verde or Puente de Hierro (Green or Iron Bridge) is the name of this span.
You can drive from the town to the Costa del Sol in a matter of minutes. Cartama Pueblo, Estacion de Cartama, Doa Ana, El Sexmo, Sierra de Gibralgalia, Loma de Cuenca, Nueva Aljaima, Estación de Aljaima, Cortijo Paco Perez, Las Tres Leguas, Los Mondeos, and El Pilarejo are the 11 districts that make up the 105km2 municipality of Cartama. Espartales and Llana, two mountains comprising the Sierra de Cartama, encircle the entire area. Views of the surrounding countryside are viewable from both mountains.
St. Peter's Church and the Virgen de los Remedios Chapel, the latter of which was erected on the site of a former mosque and draws tourists from all over the region, are noteworthy structures and well worth a visit.
Outdoors around Cártama
The neighbouring areas of Cártama are well-known for the rugged terrain and beautiful scenery that they contain. Because of this, they are perfect for engaging in outdoor sports such as golf, rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding.
Cártama Tourist Office
With its lavish views and fascinating history, Cártama allows visitors to experience southern Spain in a way that is quite different from the typical package vacation. However, it is still close enough to the coast to allow visitors to also explore the resort side of life.
Visitors can obtain all the necessary tourist information at the Tourist Office Cártama, which is in the municipality's City Council in the Guadalhorce Valley region.
Their address is: Calle Rey Juan Carlos I C/ Juan Carlos I no. 62, Cártama, 29570
Starting at the foot of the north face of Sierra de Mijas through lush pine forests which then open up to reveal the highest point where you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views. There is a wide variety of Mediterranean shrubs and some fantastic wildlife to be spotted, with numerous species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.
If you would like to live close to the mountains, in the campo, as one of the leading inland property specialists, we can help you find the perfect finca with as much land as you desire.
There are different rules for buying property inland than on the coast so be sure to choose an estate agent with specific inland knowledge.
Places to eat and drink in Cártama
The majority of Cartama's dining establishments can be found in the city's two primary neighbourhoods, Cartama Pueblo and Estacion de Cartama (also known as the railway station). Cartama Pueblo is the town's oldest section and is located in the town's geographic centre. Pueblo is located to the south of Estacion, which is located to the north of the Autovia de Guadalhorce (A-357).
The two communities are located on opposite sides of the highway. Tapas, some dishes from other countries, and mouth-watering Spanish cuisine can be found on the menus of many of these restaurants.
The pubs and bars in Cártama offer their customers a unique variety of entertainment and a distinct atmosphere, which helps to differentiate them from one another as there are many! Most British tourists can be found in Estacion.
However, if you enjoy tapas, then your best bet is to visit establishments that are run by the locals, as these places will provide you with a truly authentic tapas experience.
1 - Restaurante El Callaíto
Address: Ctra. de Coín, 36, 29570 Cártama, Málaga, Spain
Phone: +34 952 42 26 09
Restaurante El Callaíto on Facebook
A good place to eat, with decent prices, quality food and incredibly good service.
Address: Avenida de Andalucía, 35, (Estación de Cártama), Cártama, Spain
Phone +34 952 42 01 37
Meson la liebre de Carlos on Facebook
“Fantastic Local Restaurant” Steakhouse, Mediterranean, Barbecue, European. Special diets catered for include Gluten Free options.
Address: C. Alcaudón, 5, 29570 Cártama, Málaga, Spain
Phone: +34 952 42 23 63
Excellent burgers the best in the area, great BEER!
Address: C. Juan Carlos I, 73, 29570 Cártama, Málaga, Spain
“Best Pub in town, I was overly impressed, and the best part? Prices!!!”
Address: C. el Viento, 3, 29570 Cártama, Málaga, Spain
"A good place to have coffee, a beer or a drink with friends. You can take the kids because it has a ball park. They are very nice and the sofas are very comfortable." - Google Review
Address: C. Santo Cristo, 9, 29570 Cártama, Málaga, Spain
"We had such an amazing breakfast of pan con tomate y jamon, it was huge and amazing value. Coffee was delicious too. Lovely place!" - Google Review
Shopping in Cártama
Most of Cartama's shopping areas are in the Pueblo and the Estacion. If you look in either of these two towns, you will find various stores that can meet your daily basic shopping needs. Here are some that we think will help you.
Supermercados Carrefour Market Cártama C/ María Zambrano, 1, 29570 Cártama; Lidl Cartama, Ctra.Ma-421,P.I.El Cerro de Cartama 29570 Cartama; or Coviran along Calle del Ojen, they all sell fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and fish. You can also find shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, and many other toiletries there. Everything you would expect to find in a Waitrose store in the UK.
Take a walk down Avenida Andalucia if you are in Estacion. This street is full of cute little shops including, Farmacia Mercedes Aguera is a pharmacy; Zapateria & Complementos Avenida is a shoe store; Productos Carnicos Molino de Calderon is a butcher shop; and Anamar is a haberdashery shop, amongst many others.
In Estación de Cártama, at Floristeria Trujillo, you will find a wide range of beautiful Spanish flowers, rest assured you will not be disappointed with the selection on offer, especially if you need them for a business event, a birthday party, a wedding, or even a gift for a loved one.
If the above does not tempt you to explore the town’s many shops, then we highly recommend a shopping day in Malaga, which is close by and has many larger shopping centres as well as interesting places to visit.
The distance between Cártama and Málaga is 32 min (21.3 km) via A-357.
Schools in Cártama
There is certainly no shortage of schools in this region of Andalucia, so much so that there are too many to mention. Therefore, and to make it easier for people to search we have decided to include a link to a map showing all schools throughout Cártama and its immediate area.
See a list of schools in Cártama.
Nova School Sunland International
Nova College For students aged 3 to 18, Sunland International is a private school in Málaga that follows the British International Curriculum. It takes place in a rural area.
International schools along the Costa del Sol.
Suppose you prefer to avoid the bustling city of Malaga. In that case, there are numerous educational options in Benalmadena, Marbella, and San Pedro de Alcantara.
Spain is one of the least expensive European countries for international schools. Still, it provides education and facilities on par with the rest of the continent.
However, remember that the annual school fee usually does not include extras such as uniforms, books, bus transportation, school meals, or extracurricular activities.
The International School Estepona
The International Academy Estepona is the leading primary school and nursery in West Marbella, located in El Paraiso, Estepona, in the heart of "The New Golden Mile" on the Costa del Sol, Malaga.
Aloha College Marbella
With 863 students from over 50 different nationalities, Aloha College Marbella is one of the biggest and most reputable schools in Southern Spain. It is a non-profit educational foundation. From Early Years to Sixth Form, we provide a British International education (ages 3 to 18).
Queens British Grammar School
A small academic institution, Queens British Grammar School focuses on providing high-quality instruction based on the English national curriculum. All lessons in school are taught in English by certified instructors who speak the language natively and have recently delivered the national curriculum.
See The 10 Best International Schools in Malaga Province.
M-131 - Málaga-Cártama Bus Timetable and Route
For those who travel by bus, there is a regular bus service that runs between Cártama and Malaga it is the M -131. As you will see from the timetable below the service runs 7 days per week and takes approximately 45 minutes to travel the route and has 23 stops along the route.
For further information view the full Málaga-Cártama Bus Timetable and Routes.
M-131 bus Schedule | Ampliación Cártama to Malaga Centre
Day Operating Hours Frequency
Sun 6:40 AM - 11:00 PM 45 min
Mon 6:40 AM - 11:00 PM 45 min
Tue 6:40 AM - 11:00 PM 45 min
Wed 6:40 AM - 11:00 PM 45 min
Thu 6:40 AM - 11:00 PM 45 min
Fri 12:00 AM - 11:00 PM 45 min
Sat 12:00 AM - 11:00 PM 45 min
Cártama Must See Monuments
Cártama was built by the various civilizations that migrated there. It now has a distinctive and fascinating map. The fort is one of the first essential structures you will see when you arrive in this town. The Romans constructed the Castillo de Cártama, altered by the Arabs, and then used by Christian soldiers during the Reconquista. You can get a spectacular panoramic view of the Guadalhorce meadows from the castle. The chapel of Nuestra Seora de los Remedios, located on the Monte de la Virgen, is another vantage point with magnificent views.
The 16th-century shrine designated a Location of Cultural Interest, was built.
The statue of Nuestra Seora de los Remedios, which a local shepherd allegedly discovered, also dates to this period. The pilgrimages in her name are among the most significant religious events due to the region's devotion to the Patron Saint of Cártama.
This devotion is so intense that the patron saint also has a museum named after her. The Nuestra Senora de los Remedios Museum was inaugurated in 2007 during the festival honouring the patron saint. It is located next to the San Pedro parish.
As we continue our journey, we reach the 16th-century church of San Pedro, which was constructed on the location of a mosque at the time. This church preserves the old mosque's minaret, which has been converted into a tower. It combines elements of Mudejar, Gothic, and Renaissance architectural styles.
A sizable iron bridge from the 20th century was also present. The Guadalhorce River Bridge connects the two city centres of Cartama Estación and Cartama Pueblo. The home of José Alarcón Luján, a 16th-century fountain, and a museum about the poet and rhapsode González Marn round out the town's other attractions.
Walking and Hiking in Cártama
Are you looking for the top walking routes in Cártama?
There are 8 beautiful walking trails in and around Cártama on AllTrails, so no matter if you are planning to go hiking, biking, trail running, or engage in other outdoor activities.
Find trail maps that have been carefully selected, as well as comments and pictures from other outdoor enthusiasts. Explore the outdoors and learn more about the local landmarks or relax on the many paths lined with trees surrounding Cártama.
Perfect for walkers and outdoor enthusiasts of any skill level, including little feet and paws.
Cártama Golf
There are 18 golf courses in Cártama and the surrounding area. They include IH Golf Academy - Guadalhorce Club de Golf, Real Guadalhorce Club de Golf, Baviera Golf, Golf, Country Club Alhaurin, and Lauro Golf Resort, to name a few. This year, Spain will play host to the Solheim Cup for the first time in history. From September 18 to September 24, 2023, it will take place at Finca Cortesn on the Costa del Sol.
We are aware that visiting some of these elite golf courses can be costly. Therefore, we have created a list of Low-Cost Golf on the Costa del Sol.
Cártama Climate
The summers in Cártama are brief, hot, dry, and mostly clear. In contrast, the winters in this region are lengthy, bitterly cold, windy, and partly cloudy. The temperature rarely drops below 3 degrees Celsius or rises above 36 degrees Celsius over the course of a year, but it typically ranges from 7 degrees Celsius to 31 degrees Celsius.
The average temperature in Cártama, Spain
The hot season begins on the 17th of June and continues until the 14th of September, during which time the average daily feverish temperature is higher than 28 degrees Celsius. August is the hottest month of the year in Cártama, with an average elevated temperature of 30 degrees Celsius and a low temperature of 21 degrees Celsius.
The cool season begins on November 17 and continues until March 18, during which time the average daily high temperature is lower than 19 degrees Celsius. January is the month with the coldest average temperatures in Cártama, with lows of 7 degrees Celsius and highs of 16 degrees Celsius on average.
Precipitation Levels in Cártama, Spain
A day that receives at least 1 millimetre of liquid or liquid-equivalent precipitation is considered a wet day. The likelihood of having a day that is cloudy or rainy in Cártama shifts throughout the course of the year.
There is more than an 11% chance of precipitation falling on any given day during the wetter season, which runs from September 28 to May 13 and covers 7.5 months of the year. The month of December in Cártama is typically the wettest, with an average of 6.4 days receiving at least 1 millimetre of precipitation over the course of the month.
The drier season is 4.5 months long, beginning on May 13 and ending on September 28. In Cártama, the month of July has an average of 0.2 days with at least 1 millimetre of precipitation, making it the month with the fewest number of rainy days.
When referring to days with precipitation, we differentiate between those that only have rain, those that only have snow, and those that have both rain and snow. With an average of 6.4 days of rain during the month of December in Cártama, it can be said that this is the wettest month of the year. According to this classification, the type of precipitation that occurs most frequently throughout the year is rain by itself, with the probability of rain reaching its highest point on December 16th.
The Current Cártama Property Market and Price Trends
There is a wide choice of properties from large villas with private pools to modern apartments. So whether you are looking for a large family home or a smaller retirement or holiday flat, as an estate agent covering Cártama, we can make sure we find the perfect property for you.
What is the average price of a home in Cártama?
There are currently 68 properties for sale in Cártama (as of May 2023) on the thinkSPAIN property portal, with an average price of €277,000 and an average price of € 1,720 per square metre.
What areas in the vicinity of Cártama have the most properties for sale?
Fuengirola, Mijas, and Benalmádena are the locations closest to Cártama with the most property for sale.
Which locations near Cártama offer the most affordable real estate?
Carratraca, El Burgo, and Yunquera are the locations in close proximity to Cártama with the cheapest property prices.
Where can I find luxury properties for sale near Cártama?
Mijas, Fuengirola, and Málaga City are the areas surrounding Cártama with the highest prices for property.
Other locations within Cártama
Estación de Cártama, Santa Rosalia, and Gibralgalia
Property prices in Cártama are a lot lower as more and more people appreciate that although the coastal areas are excellent for holidays if you want to live here in Spain, this area, just inland, has so much to offer and only a short drive to Torremolinos which is 26 minutes away by car (23.5 km) via A-357 and A-7.
Healthcare in Cártama
We hope you enjoy exploring everything Cártama and the surrounding areas have to offer, as you can see there is a lot to see and do.
As an estate agent covering Cártama with over 30 years of collective experience, the team at Mediterranean Homes would love to help you find your dream property in Cártama. (“Estate Agent in Mijas - Mediterranean Homes”) If you have any questions, please just get in touch.
Are you looking for a reputable real estate agency to sell your property in Cártama?
Then look no further, your house will be listed for sale on all major property portals throughout Europe and the UK. Call Kelly and her team on +34 951 24 21 57
Public Health Centre (Centro de Salud) – Cártama-Estación – Cártama
Your neighbourhood public health centre, which is a part of the Andalusian Regional Public Health Service (SAS-Servicio Andaluz de Salud), is your entry point into the Spanish public healthcare system and a source of support if you are dealing with a medical condition that is either temporary or permanent in nature. It is also a route to applying for social care in situations where the need is linked to a medical condition that is being treated by doctors at the health centre.
The service is offered in Spanish; however, there are some doctors who speak English, and if you need one, you should ask for one in the event that there is one available. If none is available, medical professionals, health care workers, and their patients may use a translation service that is available around the clock and in which the translator communicates with the patient via telephone. Within the premises of some larger health centres located in regions with a higher concentration of people born outside of the country, there may be English-speaking volunteers available to function as translators.
Visit the Andalucian Healthcare Website. Once the site opens click on Tipo de Centro: 'Centros Sanitarios' and then 'Centro de Salud y Consultorios'; the province is Málaga; then enter the name of your town or council area is the Municipio.
Please note! You will be answered in Spanish, some English is understood and spoken (upon request)
Farmacias (Pharmacies) in Cártama
Farmacia Isabel Pérez Marín
Address: C. Juan Carlos I, 46, 29570 Cártama, Málaga, Spain
Phone: +34 952 42 20 22
Farmacia Francisco Pérez Marín
Address: C. González Marín, 25, 29570 Cártama, Málaga, Spain
Phone: +34 952 42 22 54
Current Properties for Sale in Cártama
Finca in Cártama
- R4681420
- Reference
- €249,000
- Price EUR
- 155 m²
- Built (total)
- 2,744 m²
- Lot/Plot
- 2
- Bedrooms
Finca in Cártama
- R4458820
- Reference
- €439,000
- Price EUR
- 143 m²
- Interior
- 177 m²
- Built (total)
- 3,600 m²
- Lot/Plot