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Situated o­n a hill with views towards the Axarquía regional capital Vélez-Málaga and the Mediterranean in o­ne direction and to Comares perched precipitously o­n a mountain in the other, Benamocarra is a typical village of Moorish origen, with narrow streets and white-washed houses.

Benomocarra is o­nly nine kilometres from Torre del Mar o­n the coast, and  is reached by a pretty decent road, and yet it remains a surprisingly traditional place in many ways. Agriculture is as important as rural tourism, mules are still used as a means of transport, and you may even see bullocks rather than tractors used for ploughing fields. And widows clad in black and children riding bareback o­n small ponies are almost as common a sight as teenagers o­n mopeds sporting the latest fashions.

The character and easy accessability of the village itself and the attractive countryside around about have meant that increasing numbers of northern Europeans have invested in properties in the area over the last 10 years or so. English and German expatriates in particular have been buying up run down farmhouses and rural properties.

Simply strolling around Benamocarra is a pleasure, taking time to appreciate its picturesque corners, steep streets ending in panoramic views of the surrounding sierras and the gentle pace of life. Many of the white-washed houses, whether old or new, are given splashes of vibrant colours with their tiled stairways, bougainvillaea, and balconies crammed with pot plants. Also much in evidence o­n properties of all ages are Arab-style arched entrances.

Snippets of information o­n aspects of the village’s history are dotted around the streets in the form of  panels made from tiles. A specific point of interest is the 16th century Santa Ana parish church, which was built in the Gothic style and has a Mudejar tower. Just around the corner from the church is the house where the composer Eduardo Ocón was born in 1833.

Benamocarra is also o­ne of the villages o­n the so-called Route of Sun and Avocado, and locals boast the avocados grown here are the best you’ll taste anywhere.