On Friday last, we had the most perfect weather for our trip to . The Almond blossom was out, as was the bright yellow Broom and carpets of dwarf irises.
Our first stop was the Cafe Gloria, a former Railway Hotel in Ventas de Zafarraya, run by Daniel. We had breakfast in the back dining room which has an original heating system in the form of a railway furnace. We the headed downstairs to the Museum, run by Francisco (Paco) which is full of an eclectic mix of artefacts, many connected to the Railway and has a curious stairway, leading up to the former Hotel, which has half size treads on left and right.
We met Don Francisco Moreno Lopez, Father of Daniel & Paco, who can remember the original railway, the last leg of which was completed from Velez Malaga – Ventas de Zafarraya in 1922. In those days, the train would depart from Ventas de Zafarraya at 06.00 a.m., arriving in Malaga at 11.00 a.m. it would depart again at 16.00 p.m. from Malaga and arrive in Ventas de Zafarraya at 10.00 p.m.
We then travelled the short distance to the Boqueta de Zafarraya, where it’s possible to walk along the old railway line, which a few of us did. The views from here are stunning and the air so clear and fresh. We then drove to the village of Alfarnatejo, where the Mayor greet us, thinking we were another Group whom they were expecting – he asked us to make a return trip to visit them !
Finally, we had lunch in the Restaurant Museum Venta de Alfarnate, which has been a very significant place en route from the coast, to change horses, have a rest and refreshment. A few Bandits were previous visitors as was King Alfonso Xlll.
Another enjoyable trip !
Christina Sinclair
Co-ordinator Nerja History Group
687 602 057
email:nerjahistorygroup@yahoo.com