The Axarquia
The Axarquia is a beautiful area of Spain to the unspoilt east of Malaga. The coast is composed of long sand and pebble beaches which are dotted with family run barbeque restaurants. Even in peak season you can always find a good spot on the beach and enjoy a safe and warm swim in the Med. Moving inland the countryside is rich in pine groves, cork oaks, olive, almonds, avocadoes and pomegranates. The land is fantastic for rambling, walking and riding.
The Tejeda and Almijara mountain ranges are in this region and they are protected by the Andalucian Government. The main species among the local fauna are mountain birds such as the Egyptian and Common vulture, Booted Eagles and Peregrine falcons. Wild goats and Ibex graze here and you may be lucky enough to see the rare and protected mountain cats, eyed Lizards and Chameleons.
All the towns and villages in the area have numerous festivals which are held throughout the year. Before you visit check the local town hall websites for the fiestas to make sure you do not miss any. Many of the festivals are based around dates of religious significance. The Easter week, or Santa Semanta, is a very special time. Each village holds its own parades in which the towns people carry large statues of Jesus or Mary around their villages. In the large cities the parades are spectacular and hundreds of thousands of people attend. In some villages, such as Cómpeta, the town re-enacts the 12 stations of the cross. The towns Mayor, who used to be the village priest, acts the part of Jesus and carries a very large very heavy cross through the town climbing a couple of hundred meters to where he is crucified at the top of the village (no nails are involved). The enactment is very moving and should not be missed if you are in the region on Good Friday.
Each village holds a summer feria which is the Spanish equivalent of the Harvest Festival. This being Spain, there are no vegetable competitions in sight, instead there is lots of free local wine, foam parties and all night partying. The feria's start in late July and move around the villages throughout August.
The Tejeda and Almijara mountain ranges are in this region and they are protected by the Andalucian Government. The main species among the local fauna are mountain birds such as the Egyptian and Common vulture, Booted Eagles and Peregrine falcons. Wild goats and Ibex graze here and you may be lucky enough to see the rare and protected mountain cats, eyed Lizards and Chameleons.
This page contains useful information on the towns and villages of the Axarquia. We have provided a map, see below, which shows where the Axarquia is in realtion to Malaga and the rest of Andalucia as well as where the towns and villages are located within this region. Information on the individual towns and villages is provided below - to skip straight to a particualr town please click the relevant name on this list:
Algarrobo | Archez | Arenas | Canillas de Aceituno | Canillas de Albaida | Competa | Corumbela | Daimalos | Salares | Sayalonga | Torrox and Torrox Costa
Algarrobo | Archez | Arenas | Canillas de Aceituno | Canillas de Albaida | Competa | Corumbela | Daimalos | Salares | Sayalonga | Torrox and Torrox Costa
All the towns and villages in the area have numerous festivals which are held throughout the year. Before you visit check the local town hall websites for the fiestas to make sure you do not miss any. Many of the festivals are based around dates of religious significance. The Easter week, or Santa Semanta, is a very special time. Each village holds its own parades in which the towns people carry large statues of Jesus or Mary around their villages. In the large cities the parades are spectacular and hundreds of thousands of people attend. In some villages, such as Cómpeta, the town re-enacts the 12 stations of the cross. The towns Mayor, who used to be the village priest, acts the part of Jesus and carries a very large very heavy cross through the town climbing a couple of hundred meters to where he is crucified at the top of the village (no nails are involved). The enactment is very moving and should not be missed if you are in the region on Good Friday.
Each village holds a summer feria which is the Spanish equivalent of the Harvest Festival. This being Spain, there are no vegetable competitions in sight, instead there is lots of free local wine, foam parties and all night partying. The feria's start in late July and move around the villages throughout August.
Algarrobo
The pretty white village of Algarrobo is situated 37 kilometres east of Malaga and just 5 minutes
from the sea. Algarrobo Pueblo is 4 kilometres inland and 85 metres above sea level. It lies within the area of Axarquia, on the scenic route of sun and wine, and has a residential population of 4,600.
Algarrobo Pueblo retains much of its Moorish influence with narrow streets bedecked with flowers, plants and panoramic views. The mountain stream, the Rio Algarrobo meanders through the village, past its Tropical Park and Olympic size public swimming pool. The parish church of Santa Ana dates back to 1505 although the current structure was built in the 17th century. The village has prehistoric origins and remains of Bronze Age, Phoenician and Roman artifacts have been unearthed at El Morro de Mezquitilla. A little to the east, at Chorreras, there are more Phoenician sites dating back to the 8th and 7th centuries BC. Also, at Trayamar Necropolis, Phoenician and Punic tombs from the 8th century have been found along with ruins of a city from the 10th century BC. Now it is a tranquil and charming village locally famous for its ginger and olive cakes. Despite an excellent location and wealth of amenities this village has not suffered from rampant development and an influx of tourists – it really is an undiscovered gem.
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from the sea. Algarrobo Pueblo is 4 kilometres inland and 85 metres above sea level. It lies within the area of Axarquia, on the scenic route of sun and wine, and has a residential population of 4,600. Algarrobo Pueblo retains much of its Moorish influence with narrow streets bedecked with flowers, plants and panoramic views. The mountain stream, the Rio Algarrobo meanders through the village, past its Tropical Park and Olympic size public swimming pool. The parish church of Santa Ana dates back to 1505 although the current structure was built in the 17th century. The village has prehistoric origins and remains of Bronze Age, Phoenician and Roman artifacts have been unearthed at El Morro de Mezquitilla. A little to the east, at Chorreras, there are more Phoenician sites dating back to the 8th and 7th centuries BC. Also, at Trayamar Necropolis, Phoenician and Punic tombs from the 8th century have been found along with ruins of a city from the 10th century BC. Now it is a tranquil and charming village locally famous for its ginger and olive cakes. Despite an excellent location and wealth of amenities this village has not suffered from rampant development and an influx of tourists – it really is an undiscovered gem.
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Archez
The tiny white village of Archez lies 51 kilometres from Malaga and 25 kilometres from the coast at Torre del Mar, at an altitude of 435 metres above sea level and set in the foothills of the Sierra Almijara an area of outstanding natural beauty. With its winding streets this village has many restaurants, bars, shops and local amenities, providing a perfect place to relax and enjoy a truly Spanish village life.
The friendly local population of about 400 enjoys various fiestas throughout the year especially the very popular summer blues festival. Within the village the parish church of Nuestra Senora de la Encarnacion, which is a 16th century Mudejar building on the previous site of a mosque, is a minaret dating from the 13th century preserved in perfect condition. The village of Canillas de Albaida is a couple of kms above Archez and the village of Cómpeta is only 4 kms away.
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Cómpeta is situated 49 kilometres from Malaga and 18 kilometres from the coast at Torrox Costa, at an altitude of 636 metres. It lies within the area of Axarquia in the foothills of the Sierra Almijara, on the scenic Route of Sun and Wine, and has a population of 2500.
The area is irrigated by numerous springs and steams from the surrounding mountains. The nearby Casa de la Mina nature reserve is spectacularly beautiful. The main product of Cómpeta is the grape, the wines being excellent and renowned throughout Spain. There is an interesting wine museum in the village that sells different types of local produce and handicrafts, as well as doubling as a bar and restaurant.
Annually on the 15th August there is a popular fiesta to celebrate the `Night of the Wine´ flamenco and other music and dance accompany the free-flowing wine. The `Night of the Wine` is a very old traditional party which has been celebrated for a long time. Traditionally the inhabitants of Cómpeta went to their cortijos (farmhouses) up in the mountains during the vintage and did not return until October, when the raisins were packed and the grapes had been pressed. On August the 15th they met at Plaza Almijara for a farewell party, where they sang and danced fandangos and drank the famous local wine.
The village is composed of the traditional pretty white town houses with narrow geranium strewn streets and has all the amenities you could possibly want, including a large heated swimming pool, restaurants, bars, banks, school etc.
Property in Competa
The friendly local population of about 400 enjoys various fiestas throughout the year especially the very popular summer blues festival. Within the village the parish church of Nuestra Senora de la Encarnacion, which is a 16th century Mudejar building on the previous site of a mosque, is a minaret dating from the 13th century preserved in perfect condition. The village of Canillas de Albaida is a couple of kms above Archez and the village of Cómpeta is only 4 kms away.
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Arenas
Arenas village is of Moorish origin and is situated 44 kilometres from Malaga and 10 kiometres from the coast at Velez Malaga and is 416 metres above sea level. The terrain is composed of a succession of gentle hills abounding with almond and olive trees and grapevines.
The Bentomiz fortress built on a hill of the same and close to the village, has played such a decisive role in the history of Arenas that no reference is possible to this locality without first alluding to the Bentomiz castle, whose origin has been dated to the Iberian era. It is believed that the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans all successively occupied and modified it. Together with the castles of Comares and Zalia, Bentomiz castle was considered one of the three most important Muslin bastions in the central part of La Axarquia.
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The Bentomiz fortress built on a hill of the same and close to the village, has played such a decisive role in the history of Arenas that no reference is possible to this locality without first alluding to the Bentomiz castle, whose origin has been dated to the Iberian era. It is believed that the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans all successively occupied and modified it. Together with the castles of Comares and Zalia, Bentomiz castle was considered one of the three most important Muslin bastions in the central part of La Axarquia.
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Canillas de Aceituno
Canillas de Aceituno lies 51 kilometres from Malaga and 21 kilometres from
the coast at Torre del Mar and has a population of 2,800. The town is situated on the scenic Mudejar Route, at 645 metres altitude in the foothills of the Sierra Tejada mountain range, on the highest mountain in Axarquia, La Maroma which reaches 2,080 metres. The natural spring from the mountain attracts people from far away due to a belief that if the pure water is drunk, illness is prevented. Nearby is the spectacular canyon of the River Almachares where picnic and barbeque areas are provided. The nearby Cave of La Fajara and the Rahíges Nature Reserve are also worth visiting.
The village is of Moorish origin from which time a water tank and tower are preserved. The tower, which stands opposite to the town hall, is known as The Moorish Queen and has paired arches in Mudejar style. The church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario is of Gothic-Mudejar style built in the 16th century and stands at the top of the village. It contains paintings, sculptures and objects made from precious metals. The village was a refuge for Mozarab people - Christians that kept their religion and customs during Muslim dominance.
The town derived its name from the 8th century Moorish name of Azeytuni. Despite the similarity to the Spanish word for olive, 'aceituno' is the Arab word for a coloured fabric made with silk. During the 16th and 17th centuries, under Christian rule, the village continued to trade in silk. The offices for the control of the trade were housed in a building called the House of Tithes. It is understood that originally, when this house was built, it had a royal proprietor. In the 20th century it became a tavern and almond ware-house but today is uninhabited.
A new public outdoor swimming pool, with bar, children's pool and playground has been opened on the outskirts of the village. As with the whole village, this is surrounded by superb mountain, lake and sea views.
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the coast at Torre del Mar and has a population of 2,800. The town is situated on the scenic Mudejar Route, at 645 metres altitude in the foothills of the Sierra Tejada mountain range, on the highest mountain in Axarquia, La Maroma which reaches 2,080 metres. The natural spring from the mountain attracts people from far away due to a belief that if the pure water is drunk, illness is prevented. Nearby is the spectacular canyon of the River Almachares where picnic and barbeque areas are provided. The nearby Cave of La Fajara and the Rahíges Nature Reserve are also worth visiting. The village is of Moorish origin from which time a water tank and tower are preserved. The tower, which stands opposite to the town hall, is known as The Moorish Queen and has paired arches in Mudejar style. The church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario is of Gothic-Mudejar style built in the 16th century and stands at the top of the village. It contains paintings, sculptures and objects made from precious metals. The village was a refuge for Mozarab people - Christians that kept their religion and customs during Muslim dominance.
The town derived its name from the 8th century Moorish name of Azeytuni. Despite the similarity to the Spanish word for olive, 'aceituno' is the Arab word for a coloured fabric made with silk. During the 16th and 17th centuries, under Christian rule, the village continued to trade in silk. The offices for the control of the trade were housed in a building called the House of Tithes. It is understood that originally, when this house was built, it had a royal proprietor. In the 20th century it became a tavern and almond ware-house but today is uninhabited.
A new public outdoor swimming pool, with bar, children's pool and playground has been opened on the outskirts of the village. As with the whole village, this is surrounded by superb mountain, lake and sea views.
Property in Canillas de Aceituno
Canillas de Albaida
Canillas de albaida is situated 52 kilometres from Malaga and 21 kilometres from the coast at Torrox Costa, at an altitude of 575 metres on the Sierra Almijara mountain range. It lies within the area of Axarquia, on the scenic Route of Sun and Wine, and has a population of 700. It has all the local amenities you would expect from a small village including a public swimming pool and lots of bars and restaurants, but still remains tranquil and pretty.
The village has wonderful views of the National park and mountains which are easily accessed on foot. The village maintains a park and BBQ area, La Fabrica, which is a great spot for a picnic and walk.
Canillas de Albaida has Moorish origins from the 13th century. Its Arabic name means `The White One´. The Islamic past is reflected in the lay out of the streets and squares, and in the use of terraces for cultivation. The parish church of Nuestra Señora de la Expectacion, standing in the main square, was built in the 16th century. There are also two shrines, the 16th century Santa Ana and the 17th century San Anton.
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The village has wonderful views of the National park and mountains which are easily accessed on foot. The village maintains a park and BBQ area, La Fabrica, which is a great spot for a picnic and walk.
Canillas de Albaida has Moorish origins from the 13th century. Its Arabic name means `The White One´. The Islamic past is reflected in the lay out of the streets and squares, and in the use of terraces for cultivation. The parish church of Nuestra Señora de la Expectacion, standing in the main square, was built in the 16th century. There are also two shrines, the 16th century Santa Ana and the 17th century San Anton.
Property in Canillas de Albaida
Competa
Cómpeta is situated 49 kilometres from Malaga and 18 kilometres from the coast at Torrox Costa, at an altitude of 636 metres. It lies within the area of Axarquia in the foothills of the Sierra Almijara, on the scenic Route of Sun and Wine, and has a population of 2500. The area is irrigated by numerous springs and steams from the surrounding mountains. The nearby Casa de la Mina nature reserve is spectacularly beautiful. The main product of Cómpeta is the grape, the wines being excellent and renowned throughout Spain. There is an interesting wine museum in the village that sells different types of local produce and handicrafts, as well as doubling as a bar and restaurant.
Annually on the 15th August there is a popular fiesta to celebrate the `Night of the Wine´ flamenco and other music and dance accompany the free-flowing wine. The `Night of the Wine` is a very old traditional party which has been celebrated for a long time. Traditionally the inhabitants of Cómpeta went to their cortijos (farmhouses) up in the mountains during the vintage and did not return until October, when the raisins were packed and the grapes had been pressed. On August the 15th they met at Plaza Almijara for a farewell party, where they sang and danced fandangos and drank the famous local wine.
The village is composed of the traditional pretty white town houses with narrow geranium strewn streets and has all the amenities you could possibly want, including a large heated swimming pool, restaurants, bars, banks, school etc.
Property in Competa
Corumbela
Corumbela is situated 49 kilometres from Malaga and 16 kilometres from the coast at Torre del Mar at an altitude of 590 metres. The village lies within the area of Axarquia on the scenic Mudejar Route. Driving from the coast, Corumbela is located after passing through the whitewashed villages of Arenas and Daimalos.
Corumbela`s origins are unknown but it is thought that its name was derived from "La Paloma" (the dove), which the village was so called by the Romans. In 1493 following the downfall of the Nazari Kingdom of Granada the Catholic Monarchs handed over the village to Diego Fernandez de Cordoba as payment for services rendered during the final years of the re-conquest. The village later passed into the hands of the Medinaceli family and was in their possession until the year 1811 when the Parliament of Cadiz prohibited such family ownerships. It later became part of the municipality of Sayalonga and remains so to this day. An outstanding and interesting monument in Corumbela is the church with its Mudejar style minaret.
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Corumbela`s origins are unknown but it is thought that its name was derived from "La Paloma" (the dove), which the village was so called by the Romans. In 1493 following the downfall of the Nazari Kingdom of Granada the Catholic Monarchs handed over the village to Diego Fernandez de Cordoba as payment for services rendered during the final years of the re-conquest. The village later passed into the hands of the Medinaceli family and was in their possession until the year 1811 when the Parliament of Cadiz prohibited such family ownerships. It later became part of the municipality of Sayalonga and remains so to this day. An outstanding and interesting monument in Corumbela is the church with its Mudejar style minaret.
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Daimalos
Salares
This small sleepy village is situated on a hilltop (579 metres above sea level) between two riverbeds and amidst high mountains, and is approx 39 kilometres from Velez-Malaga. With a population of 400 the main source of income is from agriculture, especially olives and almonds, with large areas covered by vineyards.
The name of the village is Latin in origin and comes from ¨Salaria Bastitanorum,¨ due to the existence of salt beds in the surrounding area at one time. However its layout is clearly inherited from the days of Arab rule. The Moors built a small fortress right in the village, of which one of the towers remains, near the church, forming part of the house called Del Torreon´. The Church of Santa Ana, dating from the 16th century, is the most architecturally important building in the village. It was built in the Mudejar style, with a central nave and a simple cross shaped ground plan.
The houses are extraordinarily beautiful; some of them are whitewashed and others are decorated with tiles depicting different religious images and the Way of the Cross. A Roman bridge still crosses over the River Salares, a water course which used to link up to the mule tracks to Alhama.
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The name of the village is Latin in origin and comes from ¨Salaria Bastitanorum,¨ due to the existence of salt beds in the surrounding area at one time. However its layout is clearly inherited from the days of Arab rule. The Moors built a small fortress right in the village, of which one of the towers remains, near the church, forming part of the house called Del Torreon´. The Church of Santa Ana, dating from the 16th century, is the most architecturally important building in the village. It was built in the Mudejar style, with a central nave and a simple cross shaped ground plan.
The houses are extraordinarily beautiful; some of them are whitewashed and others are decorated with tiles depicting different religious images and the Way of the Cross. A Roman bridge still crosses over the River Salares, a water course which used to link up to the mule tracks to Alhama.
Property in Salares
Sayalonga
Sayalonga is a pretty whitewashed village situated 41 kilometres east of Malaga and just 9 kilometres from the coast at Algarrobo Costa. It lies within the area of Axarquia, on the 
scenic Route of the Sun and Wine, at an altitude of 355 metres above sea level and has a population of 1,200. The village has winding streets be decked with flowers, bus services, shops, a doctors surgery, chemist, bank, restaurants, bars, post office and a primary school. The typical Andalucian squares are surrounded by lilac flowering Jakaranda trees and the village and surrounding villas have spectacular coastal views.
Sayalonga has maintained an old world peacefulness and charm where farmers ride their mules to the country side and goats graze amongst the olive groves. Yet it is only ten minutes drive to the beaches, the nearest marina and golf course and forty five minutes to Malaga international airport.
The area surrounding the village is irrigated by the river Algarrobo aiding the principle products here which are terrace grown vines and olives, citrus fruits and almond trees. The nearby Sierra Almijara National Park and the Tedjeda mountains are a paradise for nature lovers. Walking, cycling and touring can be enjoyed in an unspoilt natural environment of forests, mountains, rock formations, streams, wild plants, eagles and mountain goats.
Named by Roman settlers, Sayalonga means long dress. The greatest influence in architecture is the white-washed Moorish layout, typical of the area. Places of interest in the village include the 16th century church of Santa Catalina, the round cemetery – the only one in Spain, and the Fuente del Cid – a fountain where legend says El Cid stopped to drink water.
The poet Muhammad Al-Hasni, composer of a beautiful poem about Mecca, was born in Sayalonga in the 16th century.
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scenic Route of the Sun and Wine, at an altitude of 355 metres above sea level and has a population of 1,200. The village has winding streets be decked with flowers, bus services, shops, a doctors surgery, chemist, bank, restaurants, bars, post office and a primary school. The typical Andalucian squares are surrounded by lilac flowering Jakaranda trees and the village and surrounding villas have spectacular coastal views. Sayalonga has maintained an old world peacefulness and charm where farmers ride their mules to the country side and goats graze amongst the olive groves. Yet it is only ten minutes drive to the beaches, the nearest marina and golf course and forty five minutes to Malaga international airport.
The area surrounding the village is irrigated by the river Algarrobo aiding the principle products here which are terrace grown vines and olives, citrus fruits and almond trees. The nearby Sierra Almijara National Park and the Tedjeda mountains are a paradise for nature lovers. Walking, cycling and touring can be enjoyed in an unspoilt natural environment of forests, mountains, rock formations, streams, wild plants, eagles and mountain goats.
Named by Roman settlers, Sayalonga means long dress. The greatest influence in architecture is the white-washed Moorish layout, typical of the area. Places of interest in the village include the 16th century church of Santa Catalina, the round cemetery – the only one in Spain, and the Fuente del Cid – a fountain where legend says El Cid stopped to drink water.
The poet Muhammad Al-Hasni, composer of a beautiful poem about Mecca, was born in Sayalonga in the 16th century.
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Sedella
Sedella is a small whitewashed village which lies 62 kilometres from Malaga and 33 kilometres from the coast at Torre del Mar. It is located within the area of Axarquia, on the scenic Mudejar Architecture Route, and has a population of approx 950 inhabitants.
Sedella stands at 689 metres above sea level in the foothills of the Sierra Tejada and Sierra Almijara mountain ranges. It has pretty flower bedecked winding, narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses, many of which have Arab style courtyards and gardens.Within the village the Casa Torreon is built in a Renaissance- Mudejar style and the church of San Andres has a preserved 16th century tower. Near to the village the remains of an old military fortress can be found.
This peaceful village has a daily bus service to Malaga, a weekly market and a daily supply of fresh meat, fish and vegetables.
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Sedella stands at 689 metres above sea level in the foothills of the Sierra Tejada and Sierra Almijara mountain ranges. It has pretty flower bedecked winding, narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses, many of which have Arab style courtyards and gardens.Within the village the Casa Torreon is built in a Renaissance- Mudejar style and the church of San Andres has a preserved 16th century tower. Near to the village the remains of an old military fortress can be found.
This peaceful village has a daily bus service to Malaga, a weekly market and a daily supply of fresh meat, fish and vegetables.
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Torrox and Torrox Costa
Torrox Costa is situated 47 kilometres east of Malaga on the coast, and Torrox Pueblo 2 kilometres inland and 125 metres above sea level. Torrox lies within the area of Axarquia, on the scenic Route of Sun and Wine, and has a population of 12,000 which increases with tourism during the summer months.
Torrox Pueblo has retained its white Moorish village structure with attractive narrow streets and a main square which is a lively and focal meeting place. Much of the town has beautiful views down to the coast. There was once a Moorish castle on the top of the hill on which the village now stands where, it is claimed, King Almanzor was born in the 10th century. During Islamic occupation, Torrox prospered in agriculture and the silk trade. 16tth century buildings include the Mudejar style church of Nuestra Senora de la Encarnacion and the shrine and Convent of the Virgen de las Nieves.
Torrox Costa has two splendid maritime promenades with attractive restaurants and bars and 9 kilometres of wide sandy beaches. To the east of the town, alongside the lighthouse, the new `Balcon de Torrox´ has been constructed as a lookout to the sea and headlands and with transparent flooring looking down on Roman remains below.
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Torrox Pueblo has retained its white Moorish village structure with attractive narrow streets and a main square which is a lively and focal meeting place. Much of the town has beautiful views down to the coast. There was once a Moorish castle on the top of the hill on which the village now stands where, it is claimed, King Almanzor was born in the 10th century. During Islamic occupation, Torrox prospered in agriculture and the silk trade. 16tth century buildings include the Mudejar style church of Nuestra Senora de la Encarnacion and the shrine and Convent of the Virgen de las Nieves.
Torrox Costa has two splendid maritime promenades with attractive restaurants and bars and 9 kilometres of wide sandy beaches. To the east of the town, alongside the lighthouse, the new `Balcon de Torrox´ has been constructed as a lookout to the sea and headlands and with transparent flooring looking down on Roman remains below.
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