Cambil

The municipality, comprising the villages of Cambil and Arbuniel, stretches from the Guadabullón river valley up to the peaks of Almadén, the second-highest peak in the province, in a landscape characterised by mountains, olive groves and water. The Villanueva, Oviedo and Cambil rivers irrigate the orchards and fields around both villages, where the constant sound of water accompanies daily life amongst irrigation channels, washing places and old mills.

The centrepiece of Arbuniel is the source of the river of the same name, a spring with an abundant flow that gave rise to the village and enabled its agricultural development. Next to it stands the Parish Church of San Juan Bautista, built in the 19th century. Every summer, the Arbuniel Historical Re-enactment transforms its streets into a living stage where locals and visitors alike relive the town’s past.

The historic centre of Cambil, designated a Site of Cultural Interest, lies at the foot of two hills crowned by the Nasrid-era castles of Cambil and Alhabar, of which only a few sections of wall remain; with narrow, whitewashed streets and old manor houses, the highlights include the Parish Church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación, in the Renaissance style and boasting a valuable artistic heritage, including one of the most important 17th-century altarpieces in the province; the Palace House on Calle Real; the Old Hospital for Poor Travellers, with its striking Baroque façade; and the Casa de los Salazares or Casa del Condestable, a reflection of the town’s noble past.

Nearby lies the beautiful hamlet of Mata-Bejid, with its unique poplar grove and buildings in the regionalist architectural style. In the vicinity is the Mata-Bejid Visitor Centre, the starting point for exploring the natural park, and the remains of the Castillejo of Muslim origin in Mata-Bejid, declared a Site of Cultural Interest.

Just one kilometre from the town centre, the footprints of prehistoric reptiles have been found, specifically those of archosaurs, with specimens kept at the town hall. It is a unique palaeontological resource.

The traditions of Cambil remain very much alive, with celebrations such as the Tambora, held in the early hours of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and the festival of Santo Cristo del Mármol, which includes a vigil before the icon in its chapel at the end of February. Local identity is also reflected in aguacebá, a traditional drink made from water, sugar, cinnamon, roasted barley flour and ice, linked to the former snow industry of the Sierra Mágina and a symbol of the area’s popular culture.

For those seeking active outdoor pursuits, Cambil is one of the great settings of the Sierra Mágina. Within its municipal boundaries lies one of the park’s visitor centres, from which routes lead to mountain peaks and trails winding through forests of holm oaks and gall oaks, rocky areas and viewpoints offering sweeping views over the olive groves and countryside, such as Peralejo, Gibralberca or the climb to Pico Mágina and Miramundos. Nearby lies the Cambil Via Ferrata, an adventure experience amidst rock and landscape.

The water and olive grove trails, the surroundings of the River Arbuniel and the cascading springs of Mata Bejid highlight the importance of water in the landscape.

What’s more, the municipality boasts climbing routes on the castle rock itself and hosts sporting events such as the Mágina Bike and the Mágina Top Trail, which climbs to the highest peaks of the mountain range. In short, it is a place where the mountains and olive groves come together to offer a truly complete experience.