In the Province of Malaga, the coastline offers not only idyllic beaches and stunning scenery, but also a fascinating journey through history through its watchtowers.
These historic structures not only bear witness to past eras, but also offer a unique approach to exploring Malaga’s cultural heritage.
Join us on this tour to learn more about these imposing towers and how you can discover them from the sea with Embajadores de Málaga!
Origins
Watchtowers on the Spanish coastline have their roots in the Muslim era, more specifically in the Nasrid period, a historical period that spans from the 13th to the 15th century in the history of Al-Andalus and which dazzled the world with the magnificence of its palatial fortress, the Alhambra.
During this time, the Kingdom or Sultanate of Granada, the last islamic statehood in the Iberian Peninsula, built a series of towers along its coasts to protect itself from raids and attacks at a time in history when it was keen to resist.
Surrounded and besieged by Christian armies by land and sea, these towers, with their robust structures and strategic location, allowed constant surveillance of the sea and communication between different points along the coast.
After the Christian conquest
After the fall of the Kingdom of Granada in 1492, the watchtowers continued to play a crucial role in defending the coast. Although the last Islamic form of state ceased to exist, a large part of the population still processed the muslim faith and did not recognise the new legitimate authorities, a situation that was known to the Ottoman Empire, which had expansionist aspirations in Iberian territory.
This, added to the piracy that has historically plagued the Strait of Gibraltar, meant that its use had to adapt to new needs and technologies, from navigation control to protection against attacks. It was precisely Emperor Charles V (Charles I of Spain) who ordered the construction of these buildings throughout the Mediterranean after the Turkish occupation of Algiers in 1516.
In Spain, new coastal watchtowers were erected in the first half of the 16th century from the Costa Dorada to Huelva, including the Balearic Islands, all of them maintaining the structure of circular plan and location on high points. There was a final outcrop in the 18th century, this time in the form of a battery, mainly due to the conflicts that took place with the British on both the European and American coasts.
However, with the evolution of military tactics and the improvement of communication technologies, the defensive role of these towers gradually diminished, as did that of the city walls, losing practically all of their defensive role.
Current status and further use
Nowadays, many of these watchtowers have been restored and preserved, allowing visitors to explore and understand their historical importance. Along the Spanish coast, approximately 200 watchtowers can be found and are an integral part of the national maritime heritage.
Some have been integrated into local or regional tourist routes, providing a unique insight into coastal heritage and offering a tangible link to their history. The conservation of these towers not only helps to preserve the heritage, but also enriches the experience of visitors seeking to connect with their past.
Watchtowers in the Province of Malaga
In the province of Malaga, from Manilva to Nerja, there are 41 towers that enrich the coastal landscape. Among the most outstanding are:
- Battery Tower in La Cala de Mijas.
- Cantal Tower in Rincón de la Victoria.
- Pimentel Tower in Torremolinos.
- Salt Tower in Casares.
Also known as almenara towers, because of the fire that was made to warn of something, they are not only historical monuments that show the importance of local history, but also strategic points for a unique experience on the coast of Malaga.
Explore the coastline with Embajadores de Málaga
At Embajadores de Málaga, we invite you to live a unique experience exploring these watchtowers from the sea. We offer boat trips from the main ports of Malaga, aboard the best boats and exclusively for you.
Sail along the coastline and admire these impressive structures up close, while enjoying a panoramic tour of the coast of Malaga and the beautiful Alboran Sea.
Don’t miss the opportunity to combine history, natural beauty and a unique nautical experience! Contact us to book your tour and discover Malaga like never before.
