Maro Sugar Factory

Q: Is there any paranormal activity at this place?

According to Iker Jiménez, who says he was impressed in his Cuatro feature, this factory yielded numerous strange recordings, among which the sound of what appears to be a gunshot stands out.

A 19th-century sugar and liqueur factory in the Las Mercedes (Tetuán) estate, 2.5 km west of Maro, supplied with water by the Acueducto del Águila. Private property, in ruins.

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The Sugar Factory of Maro is one of the most interesting heritage sites in the Nerja area and a unique testament to its industrial past. Situated a short distance from the village of Maro, in the area known as Pago de las Mercedes, this former sugar mill was dedicated to producing sugar and alcohol from the cane grown in the area.

It is a 19th-century factory: the Pérez del Pulgar family built it around 1879–1880, with workers’ housing, a manager’s house and extensive cane fields, and the Acueducto del Águila carried its water. It produced sugar and, later, liqueurs. It passed through the Banco Hipotecario and the Marquis of Tous, and in 1930 it was bought by the Larios sugar company. The halls of the main building, the pond and its distinctive chimney still stand.

Note: it is private property, has no specific protection and is in poor condition (damaged roofs, cracked walls and looting); in 2023 Hispania Nostra added it to its Red List of endangered heritage. View it from outside: do not go into the buildings.

Do not confuse it with the Ingenio de Maro, Felipe de Armengol’s sugar mill (1585) in the village itself, which closed after a fire in the 19th century.

Walking among the remains of the Fábrica de Maro is a journey through the economic history of the area and a chance to discover a corner steeped in mystery and legend. Its proximity to the beaches of Maro and the Cuevas de Nerja makes it a perfect addition for getting to know the most authentic Nerja.

Video

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Maro Sugar Factory — video 1

History

1930

Mysteries and Legends: The Maro Sugar Factory

The quiet village of Maro, in the province of Málaga, Spain, is known for its peace and natural beauty. Yet it hides a place that has fascinated researchers and paranormal enthusiasts for decades: the old Maro sugar factory. Built in the late 19th century, it was a vital source of jobs and prosperity for the local community until production stopped; in 1930 it passed to the Larios sugar company. From then on, strange incidents and unexplained sightings began to emerge, turning the abandoned factory into the focus of numerous paranormal investigations.

Unsettling testimonies: Accounts from former workers and their families fuel the intrigue around the Maro factory. People speak of mysterious noises at night, shadows gliding along empty corridors and doors that open and close by themselves. One of the most chilling stories is that of the “Man with the Shovel”, a worker who died in an accident in the 1920s and who, according to legend, still wanders the factory.
Paranormal investigation: The growing number of stories and experiences led a group of paranormal investigators to explore the Maro factory. Equipped with specialist gear such as infrared cameras and audio recorders, the team recorded unexplained phenomena. Temperature sensors showing sudden changes, whispering voices on audio recordings and blurred figures caught on infrared cameras were among the striking findings.
Locals' experiences: It is not only workers and investigators who have reported experiences at the Maro factory; local residents have also shared intriguing stories. Whispering voices, flickering lights and shadows in the windows have unsettled neighbours. Even people simply passing by have felt an oppressive atmosphere.
A range of experiences: It is worth noting that experiences at the Maro factory are not always frightening. Some describe subtler sensations, such as a breeze in a closed room or the sweet smell of sugar production. This has sparked debate about the nature of the phenomena, from residual energy to manifestations of conscious entities.
Conclusions and unanswered questions: After intensive investigation, no definitive explanation has been found for the phenomena recorded at the Maro factory. While some argue they may have natural or psychological explanations, the findings have fuelled debate about the paranormal and its link to places steeped in history and tragedy.
The mystery remains: The Maro sugar factory stands silent, jealously guarding its secrets. Its mystery continues to attract researchers, enthusiasts and sceptics alike, while the local community and the media keep debating whether the paranormal exists. Only time and future research will shed light on the enigmas surrounding this abandoned factory, which remains a fascinating and puzzling place that challenges our understanding and invites us to explore the unknown. What secrets does the Maro sugar factory hold? Are they mere urban legends, or is there something more at play? The answer still eludes us.

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Review profile

Summary of the 219 most recent Google reviews (June 2017 – August 2026). These are visitors' opinions, analysed by EsNerja.

According to 219 recent reviews on Google (219): most mentioned: very photogenic, especially at sunset · interesting history and local heritage · easy to reach on foot · street art and murals add character.

Months with the best average rating

May, July, November

Based on review dates; not a forecast.

Frequently asked questions

It is private property and in poor condition, with a risk of collapse. You can see and photograph it from outside, but it is best not to go into the buildings.

According to Iker Jiménez , who says he was impressed in his Cuatro feature, this factory yielded numerous strange recordings, among which the sound of what appears to be a gunshot stands out.

Maro Sugar Factory is at 29780 Maro, Málaga. Phone: 639 25 26 17.

It is open 24 hours a day, every day. These are the hours it lists on Google; they may change on public holidays.

The nearest beach is Barranco de Maro Cove, 950 m (about a 12-minute walk) away; the Balcón de Europa is 2.5 km (about a 31-minute walk) away; and nearby you can visit Eagle Aqueduct (Acueducto del Águila) (450 m).

Maro Sugar Factory has a 4.4 out of 5 rating on Google from 218 reviews. Visitors generally found this abandoned sugar factory atmospheric, photogenic and interesting for its history, street art and views towards the sea and Nerja. It is often described as easy to reach and enjoyable for walking, but many note its ruinous condition and some safety or nuisance issues.

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