An interesting feature of the countryside here is an enormous U-shaped gap known as El Boquete de Zafarraya, a road runs through the gap connecting the provinces of Malaga and Granada.

The village layout is typically Moorish;the name Alcaucin is derived from the Arabic Al Cautin (arches), and an 18th century parish church stands in the village square. The Alcazar Nature Reserve and the sulphorous springs of Las Majadas are both found in the area.

Alcaucin is only 15 minutes away from the beach and 35 minutes to Malaga. Amongst the most characteristic buildings, are "The Fountain of the Five Jets", the church of Our Lady of the Rosary, the Arabic Baths, the Alcazar and Zalia Castles.