The village of Alcaucin is 54 kilometres from Malaga and 20 kilometres from Velez-Malaga. There is a daily bus service to both destinations. The village lies at a height of 508 metres above sea level and has a population of about 1.500 inhabitants. It nestles on a hillside in the foothills of the Sierra Tejeda mountains. The mountain pass at Zafarraya, a gigantic V shaped opening in the sierras is clearly visible from the town and is a characteristic part of the local landscape.

The Phoenicians built a fortress here which was later used by the Arabs who gave the town its present name, Alcautin, "The Arches". The town fell to the Christian forces in 1487. The village is surrounded by olive groves, vineyards and pine forest. In the middle of the town, reached through narrow winding streets, the church of Nuestra Señora de Rosario is to be found, it was built in the eighteenth century. The hermitage of Jesus del Calvario, another interesting building, is located in the higher reaches of the village and from this part of town there are stunningly beautiful panoramic views of the village and the countryside. The village has some poular bars and restaurants and enjoys excellent access from the coast and the new coastal motorway.