Sabaneta is very close to Medellin but it feels very different. You can get to Sabaneta by heading south a few stops from Poblado on the metro but it feels like small town, traditional Antioquia. It is a great place to escape the hectic pace of Medellin and enjoy a quaint, interesting afternoon.
People are very friendly in Sabaneta and there is a lot to do. You can visit one of the region’s most beautiful and important churches before tasting a famous buñuelo and tucking into a delicious bandeja paisa. Enjoy the traditional feel of a local fonda, head up to enjoy an amazing view of the valley or explore an important nature reserve.
In this article I will share some of the best things to do in Sabaneta.
Sabaneta Park
The central park in Sabaneta is one of the best in the whole of the Valle de Aburra. The park is at the heart of daily life as a meeting place for locals. It is surrounded by small restaurants, bars, and stores while the Church of Santa Ana stands majestically overlooking the park.
Work on the church began in 1986 and was completed in 1930. In 1962 it was damaged in an earthquake and had to be repaired. In September 1968 during mass, many of the parishioners reported the appearance of the Virgin, an event which made the impressive church a center for religious faith in the region.
Since this event, every Tuesday thousands of devotees from across Medellin come to Sabaneta to attend mass in Sabaneta and eat in the nearby restaurants. The church was consecrated in 1990 and today there is a lot of religious art available for sale around the square. Definitely one of the best things to do in Sabaneta.
El Peregrino
Sabaneta is famous across Colombia as one of the spiritual homes of the buñuelo. Particularly popular at Christmas, buñuelos are also enjoyed throughout the year with breakfast or as an evening snack.
Buñuelos are fried dough balls that are soft on the inside with a slightly firmer outer layer. The buñuelos famous in Sabaneta are similar to donuts but with a more savory taste, made with cheese, eggs, corn starch, and a touch of yuca. At Christmas, they are combined with natilla, hot chocolate, and a tamal.
Locals and visitors will travel out to Sabaneta from Medellin specifically for their celebrated buñuelos, particularly in December. El Peregrino produced the biggest buñuelo in history and is very famous for its tasty dough balls. Many of the restaurants, cafes and street vendors will offer tasty buñuelos in Sabaneta.
Going for some tasty buñuelos with friends in December is one of the best things to do in Sabaneta.
Casa de Cultura La Barquereña
La Barquereña was constructed in 1845 and operated as a private residence before being acquired in 1991 by the local government to be used as a center of culture in the municipality. It has beautiful traditional architecture, and lush, well-maintained gardens, and nice views over the city.
The ‘House of Culture’ offers classes in all aspects of art, music, theatre, photography, and dance to the locals while also hosting cultural events and performances. The house connects you to the history of Sabaneta while celebrating, developing, and promoting the talent of the local community.
La Octava Maravilla
La Octavia is a restaurant with an incredible view high above Sabaneta across the whole of the valley. Perched on the side of the rich, green mountain, it has some great spots for amazing photos and a very relaxed atmosphere.
They offer traditional Colombian food alongside steaks, burgers, wings, and picadas (sharing platters). The service is good and it is a great place to enjoy the sunset or the afternoon with friends and family. As the sun sets it can get a little chilly but the fresh mountain air feels great if you are looking to escape the city.
With great food and amazing views, it is definitely one of the best things to do in Sabaneta.
Mayorca Mega Plaza
Mayorca is one of the biggest malls in the region with an excellent range of shops, restaurants, events, and activities.
The huge mall is conveniently located in the North of Sabaneta close to the highway and the metro. Mayorca is set over various floors with a large public walkway running high above the street to connect two separate towers. They have a lot of outlet stores with some bargains alongside all of the popular international brands you would expect.
Mayorca also has a big cinema, bowling, children’s activities, shows and events. The Mega Plaza connects the traditional town of Sabaneta with the modern developments of Medellin. Going bargain hunting then enjoying some good food is one of the best things to do in Sabaneta.
El Viejo John Restaurant
El Viejo John, or the Old Man John in English, offers excellent traditional Colombian food such as bandeja paisa, seafood casserole, empanada, mondongo soup, sancocho, tamales, and fried fish. They provide huge portions piled high so be prepared to take home some leftovers for the next day (and possibly the day after that).
It has a very traditional, rustic feel and is located in the popular central park in Sabaneta. Another great place
Fonda Sitio Viejo
Once you have filled up on bandeja paisa and buñuelos then you can head to a fonda to enjoy some Aguartdiente and traditional local music. Fondas are what locals describe the traditional bars which have a lot of wood, overhanging balconies, and a very classic paisa style.
At Sitio Viejo you can drink surrounded by friendly locals who will shift from dancing salsa and merengue to passionately singing rancheros and despecho music in full voice. Despecho, translated into English as ‘spite’, are dramatic, emotional songs about heartbreak and lost love. Think Latin soap operas but with more orchodian and impassioned hand gestures.
La Romera Natural Park
Less than 5km from Sabaneta’s central park, it is one of the most important natural reserves in the region. La Romera is one of the main water basins feeding the valley which means it has an incredible variety of fauna and fauna. The park is protected and has a long, storied history. You can find sloths, ocelots, pumas, armadillos, raccoons, and a wide range of birds.
It is a great place to experience the unique nature of the region and enjoy the fresh mountain air. Escaping the city for some fresh air is one of the best things to do in Sabaneta on a warm afternoon.
