Los Peñones del Santo

Los Peñones de San Cristóbal, also known simply as Peñón or Peñones del Santo, is a viewpoint considered a natural monument of a geographical nature by the Junta de Andalucía since November 22, 2001, among other reasons due to its high geographical interest, since it is where the tropical valley, the typical landscape of the Alpujarra converge, and obviously the foothills of the Sierra Nevada (roof of the Iberian Peninsula).

In addition to the tourist and landscape interest, since it offers one of the best views of the city and the sea.

This unique enclave is made up of three rocks that jut out into the sea and serve as a natural separation of two of the most emblematic beaches of the Almuñécar Coast, Playa de San Cristóbal and Puerta del Mar.

Also, these rocks can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. Although the whole complex is known by the name of the largest of the three rocks, each one has its own name: El Santo, 30 meters high; The In the middle of up to 10 meters high; and El Afuera, which is deeper into the sea, and up to 12 meters high.

Its pedestrian access is from the Paseo Marítimo, through ramps and gardens to its highest area, until it reaches the viewpoint square where the cross that crowns the viewpoint has been installed since 1900. And as is obvious, the whole complex has a great symbolic value and an indisputable natural and landscape interest.

Although many cultures since ancient times, for something Almuñécar is the oldest city in the Spanish Mediterranean, they have left their mark on the current city, and it is said that in this place when the Phoenicians arrived there was already a small temple that was lost with the future of the centuries.

But what is undoubted is that those who had the greatest impact on the city of Sexit were the Muslims throughout the Middle Ages, and proof of this are, among others, the remains of the wall that we can find on the climb to the Rock, as well as the majestic statue of Abderrahmán I, who welcomes all visitors at the entrance of the rocks of San Cristóbal, which arrived in Almuñécar from Damascus on August 15, 755 after Christ.

And also from the Peñon del Santo we have unbeatable views of the old Arab castle, converted into the Castle of San Miguel after the Christian Reconquest at the end of the 15th century. Formerly, this monument was an island, which was linked to the fortress by a bridge whose remains can still be seen.

And of course, such an emblematic place could not be alien to legends, myths and be surrounded by a halo of mysticism.

Among others, the most famous legend about its origin is the one that tells that these rock formations are the fruit of the petrification of two brave knights who competed and competed for the conquest of a beautiful woman.

Which was none other than the daughter of the warden of the old fortress. But the indecision of the warden to grant the hand of his daughter, led to the despair of both lovers who threw themselves into the sea from the fortress, turning into rocks by the force of love.

On the other hand, geologically speaking, the composition of the rocks is made of alpujárrides, hard and dark materials, made up of shales highly affected by the erosion generated by the sea waves.

In addition, its importance as a natural habitat must be highlighted since different aquatic birds nest here, such as cormorants and a spectacular colony of seagulls.

But also under its waters we find a paradise for snorkels since among other elements we can enjoy algae meadows where various species of fish live and breed, invertebrates such as anemones, corals and urchins, and some endangered species such as the ferruginous limpet. .