Cártama is situated in the lower reaches of the Guadalhorce Valley at the foot of two small hills (Espartales and Llana) and forms part of the Hoya de Málaga, only 15 minutes from the capital. This means that all roads leading from the coast to the interior must pass by Cartama, providing it with an unsurpassable position from a commercial, historical, archeological and touristic point of view.
From the main view point, Cerro de la Virgen, one can catch sight of all the zones that make up the municipality, Cartama, Estación de Cártama, El Sexmo, Doña Ana, La Aljaima, and the Sierra de Gibralgalia.