Cartama

The village has existed since Phoenician and Roman times, and its municipal boundaries stretch from the sierra of the same name to the banks of the River Guadalhorce, most of the area within them being devoted to agriculture, notably olives, almonds, fruit and vegetables.

In Cartama there are various workshops that make forged iron objects, ceramics and traditional pottery, as well as the use of esparto grass, palm and cane.

The parish church of San Pedro, whose construction date is written on an inscription on the main facade with the year 1502, is situated in the town square, where the orange trees give an Andalucian atmosphere appropriate to the Guadalhorce valley.

But the biggest and indeed the snappiest attraction in town is the 'Crocodile Park'.

The park is home to more than 300 crocs, including the massive Giant of the Nile, 'Big Nose' who is a pensionable seventy years old and measures nearly 5 metres in length. The breeding programme in the parks nursery is very successful, with each female laying between 30-50 eggs. Visitors can choose to take a tour or wander around the park independently. There is also a museum where you can swot up on croc facts.

There is also a small zoo and a video show, as well as the normal fast food restaurant/bar and souvenir shop. You can also have your photo taken holding a baby crocodile.

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