This tour includes the towns of: Algarrobo, Sayalonga, Competa, Canillas de Albaida, Torrox, Nerja and Frigiliana.
In the Axarquía region, sweet wine is king, but drier wines and some liqueurs such as Pacharán de Alfarnate, made with wild sloes, can also be tasted.
ALGARROBO
It has 4,700 inhabitants and has beautiful houses with great architectural originality, undoubtedly the result of the passage of different cultures (Phoenicians, Romans). We must visit the San Sebastián Sanctuary, the Parish of Santa Ana S.XVII and the Necropolis of Trayamar dating from the VII century BC.
SAYALONGA
It stands out for its crops: vines, almond trees, olive trees and medlars. The church of Santa Catalina, from the 16th century, in the Mudejar style, is the most outstanding building in the town.
Another monument of great importance is the Fuente del Cid, where it is said that the Cid Campeador drank water on one of his visits to these lands.
COMPETA
He lives basically from viticulture. It is one of the most spectacular urban enclaves in the province. For mountain lovers, a tour of the forest track that goes to Venta Panaderos through the Casa de la Mina, can become an unforgettable excursion. We will walk through the steep streets of the town, where the houses present their traditional Arab-style construction with one or two floors and flattened semicircular arches for access. Architecturally, we highlight the Church of the Assumption (16th century).
Muscatel wine and raisins are very famous, both products internationally appreciated for their excellent quality. One of the best-known festivals in the region is celebrated, the so-called “Wine Night”, on August 15. Among the most outstanding dishes are the fennel stew and migas. The fried pumpkin, the Easter tortilla, the lomo al ajillo, the choto, the asadura a la pastoril, cod and some vegetables (spinach) complete this interesting gastronomic offer.
CANILLAS DE ALBAIDA
It is a mountain town. La Atalaya and Sierra Verde dominate the landscape, home to eagles, wild boars and mountain goats, where unforgettable excursions can be made through its innumerable trails and paths. Landscapes of ravines and gullies that, accompanied by pine groves, ascend to the crags of the Chapa, Carneros and Albucaz pits, always above 1,600 meters of altitude. Among its urban area, the tower of the parish church of Ntra stands out. Sra. de la Expectación, built in the 16th century in the square where the Town Hall building is also located.
At the top of the town is the hermitage of Santa Ana, in a state of abandonment, which was built in the 16th century. From this place you can see a splendid panoramic view of the nearby mountains. In the municipality there are a good number of caves or natural grottos such as Las Piletas, El Agua, El Melero and El Conejo.
In gastronomy, in addition to the excellent wines – muscatel, dry, semi-dry and sweet -, Canillas de Albaida has its own dishes such as fennel stew, corn flour crumbs, fried kid, porridge and ajoblanco and gazpacho as cold soups for summer.
TORROX
With 12,000 inhabitants, it is a beautiful white town that is surrounded by the Tejeda and Almijara mountains. Historically, Torrox reached its greatest prosperity during the Muslim period due to its role as a hub on the commercial silk road between Granada and Middle Eastern cities such as Baghdad and Damascus. In Torrox there is a lot to see:
The Sanctuary of the Virgen de las Nieves, the Church of the Incarnation, the Casa de la Moneda… The Roman remains found in the coastal area of the Lighthouse are important. In the town, of Arab origin, remains of towers and walls, narrow, steep and zigzagging streets are preserved.
Many of the typical dishes of the Axarquía receive a particular “touch” in Torrox, such as migas, gachas, maimones, “papas a lo pobre”, ajoblanco, etc. Also noteworthy are the zoque, or tomato gazpacho, and the ensaladilla arriera.
NERJA
On the coast, what is most frequently found is the sardine skewer. Among the sweets, buñuelos de viento and arropía stand out. The local wines are famous: one sharp and dry and another, called “aguapié”, with a lower proportion of alcohol.
In Nerja the sea and the mountains meet, configuring a unique coastal landscape: the Cliffs of Maro. Its uniqueness has earned them the declaration of protected natural space as a Natural Area. These cliffs as a whole preserve an important landscape quality that is accentuated in a special way with those of Cerro de la Caleta and Loma de la Torre de Maro, as well as in the numerous coves, often watched over by beacon towers that add a singular brushstroke of history Nerja enjoys a privileged climate and a dreamlike landscape setting, where spectacular cliffs and golden sand beaches alternate. We must not miss visiting its impressive cave, a true prehistoric cathedral.
The Cave has a total of 4,283 m. of route, of which only a third part can be visited as a tourist. It has three entrances, two natural and the third that was artificially enabled in 1960 for your visit. Your visit will surprise us by the magnitude of the rooms, with high ceilings and magnificent formations of stalactites and stalagmites, where practically all known types are represented. The Caves have 22 paintings probably from the Aurignacian period and have been declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument.
Local food has its tourist side, with high-end restaurants, and its own gastronomy in which farm products are mixed with seafood: paprika with fish and clams, migas with broth and clams, noodle casserole with fish, ajoblanco with grapes, ajocolorao, grilled sea bream from Burriana (one of the coves in the area), imaroga salad, pumpkins, etc. We will taste the famous San Juan cake, made with flour, oil, sugar, matalauva and eggs.
FRIGILIANA
It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful towns, not only in the region but in all of Spain. The extension of its municipal term is 39.74 square km and its population is 2. 200 inhabitants, which triples during the summer months, with the arrival of tourism. The Moorish center is beautiful and its radiant white streets, decorated with flowers, trap us in a charm that we will not want to escape. Its architecture is in the purest Mudejar style respected through the centuries. Frigiliana’s history dates back to prehistoric times, and since then it has been inhabited by numerous cultures, such as Phoenicians, Romans and Arabs, who have provided the place with monumental wealth.
The paving of the streets and the use of space are spectacular in this town (many houses are embedded in the rock). A visit to the Casa de los Manrique de Lara, from the 16th century, is essential. In the old town, twelve glazed ceramic mosaics have been placed in which the story of the rebellion of the Moors in this town is told in the form of blind man’s ballads. The artistic creation is due to two artisans, the ceramist Amparo Ruiz de Luna and the glass painter Pilar García Millán.
The Church of S. Antonio de Padua dates from the 17th century and was built on
an old mosque, running all the expenses in charge of the Manrique de Lara. It is almost entirely Renaissance in style and has a Latin cross floor plan in three naves separated by semicircular arches resting on rectangular pilasters. In one of its arches we can appreciate fresco paintings dating from the 17th century.
The most representative dishes of Frigiliana are the “ajocolorao”, the kid stewed in oil, the flour crumbs and the Easter stew. In desserts, we have arropía, sweet potatoes with cane honey, San Juan cakes or the “sanjuanero” hornazo, cane honey and, of course, muscatel wine.
Of interest:
The shape of the towns of: Moclinejo, Almáchar, El Borge, Cútar, Comares and Totalán.
Raisin cultivation is located in the central area of the Axarquía and has a typical sweet flavor, due to the geographical location and climate of this place. This fruit has different sizes: small, normal, large and extra, and the production is around 200,000 kilos of raisins.
MOCLINEJO
The raisin route begins in Moclinejo, located 20 kilometers from Málaga and 32 from Vélez-Málaga, where you can find different places to taste the tasty local wine, a must-see for the traveler.
The town offers the visitor beautiful perspectives of the bay of Malaga, especially at night where its lights and reflections form a romantic contrast with the darkness in the background.
The urban nucleus is at an altitude of 451 meters and extends over the slope of two hills, Córdoba (708 m) and Piedras Blancas (673 m). The streams of Totalán and Granadillas cross the term.
ALMACHAR
The next point of the stop is Almáchar. This town called “LaPradera” by the Arabs, has 2,200 inhabitants and is located 26 kilometers from Málaga and 24 kilometers from Vélez-Málaga. The famous raisins of the place, which by the way provide work for a large part of the population, are a good snack for the visitor during their tour of the town.
It is located 200 meters above sea level. The Acebuchal (542 m) and Patarra (489 m) hills are the highest points of the term.
The Borge and Almáchar rivers bathe the lands of the municipality, to which the Especiero, Huertos and Sirzo streams flow.
EL BORGE
The third place of destination is the capital of the muscatel raisin: El Borge, a small town located 28 kilometers from Málaga and 24 kilometers from Vélez-Málaga, whose origin is believed to be in the settlement of the shepherds who brought here to graze. his cattle. The surrounding landscape around the town will encourage the traveler to try its grapes and raisins, and you will not be disappointed as they have an exquisite flavor.
El Borge is 237 meters above sea level. It is located between two mountains in the valley of the Borge river, which later becomes the Almáchar and leaning on the slope of the Egido hill near Santo Pitar (1019 m).
The population center is crossed by the Barriocara stream, partially vaulted.
CUTAR
The route along this route has as its next destination Cútar. This Axarquian town, with around 900 inhabitants, is located 32 kilometers from Málaga and only 16 kilometers from Vélez-Málaga, on a mountainous slope that stretches out at our feet, forming a beautiful color mosaic.
Two products distinguish this municipality: on the one hand its oil and on the other its raisins. As for grapes and raisins, suffice it to say that they enjoy international fame thanks to their quality and flavor.
The town is located on a slope that dominates the hills of Peña de Hierro and Cútar (585 m). The altitude above sea level is 331 meters.
COMARES
Comares, with a population of 1,700 inhabitants, is 35 kilometers from Málaga and 24 from Vélez-Málaga. It is located in a place full of ravines, with farmhouses and farmhouses scattered around a hill whose sides are scattered with the houses of Comares.
The population center is located, in a slight decline, on the crest of a steep mountain, at an altitude of 685 m. The place is full of ravines and hamlets and farmhouses scattered around the mount. Its highest point is the Mazmúllar hill (721 m). The term is bathed by the Cueva river, into which the Cútar, Fuente Delgada and Solano streams flow, dry for most of the year. The water for the supply of the town comes from the sources called Delgá, Gorda, Caño Seco and Maroto.
TOTALÁN
At the end of the route you will reach Totalán, which has 800 inhabitants and is 22 kilometers from Málaga and 56 from Vélez-Málaga.
The secret of its grapes is due to the fact that they are cultivated in early fields, and this gives them a characteristic and exquisite flavor that makes them ideal, not only for eating, but also for turning into raisins.
In addition, it is a place where the traveler can dedicate himself to hunting.
The lands of Totalán, on the border between the Axarquía and the municipality of Málaga, extend through the basin of the stream that receives its name and correspond to a very moved relief of steep hills covered with olive trees, almond trees, bushes and pastures. The orchards, generally for vegetables and some fruit trees, are scarce and take refuge on the banks of the stream.
Of interest:
This tour is made up of the towns of: Viñuela, Alcaucín, Periana, Alfarnatejo, Alfarnate, Colmenar and Riogordo.
This Route offers the possibility of entering the heart of the Axarquía and passing through the slopes of the mountains that limit its north side:
Tejeda, Alhama, and Enmedio, enjoying a unique landscape.
It also receives the name of the Almazaras because along this route and in most of its towns you can see these olive processing centers, from where the precious liquid is extracted.
LA VIÑUELA
A town 45 kilometers from Málaga and 14 from Vélez-Málaga, and currently has 1,900 inhabitants.
It is located at an altitude of 131 m above sea level and 14 km. from Velez-Malaga. The terrain is rugged, highlighting the hills called Agudo (558 m), Encinas (344 m), Mangamasa (402 m) and La Negra (271 m), considered an emblematic symbol of the town, which crosses the Salia river, while that the term is made by the rivers Guaro, on which the reservoir has been built, and Seco.
ALCAUCÍN
It has more than 1,500 inhabitants and is located 54 kilometers from Málaga and 20 from Vélez-Málaga.
Alcaucín is located at the foot of Sierra Tejeda, 508 m above sea level and near the Zalia River. La Maroma (2080 m) dominates the town, as it happens in almost all of the surroundings. Other heights are Morrón de la Cuña (1222m), Mesa de Zalia (958m) and Loma de las Monjas (850m).
The Alcaucín river crosses the term and several streams pour into it, such as the Alcázares, which rises in the heart of Sierra Tejeda.
The municipality of Alcaucín is rich in medicinal waters (the spring of Las Majadas) and minerals (sources of El Espino, Puente Don Manuel and de los Caños).
PERIANA
The third place on this tour leads to Periana, a population of 3,700 inhabitants that bases its prosperity on two products: oil and fruit (especially peach). It is located 58 kilometers from Malaga and 23 from Vélez-Málaga.
Periana is 547 m above sea level. In its term the Guaro river is born, forming a beautiful waterfall. The waters of this river, into which the Sabar, which borders Mondrón, and the Seco flow, bathe the lands of the municipality before becoming a pool in the Viñuela reservoir.
ALFARNATEJO
Next comes Alfarnatejo, the fourth town on this oil route, where about 500 inhabitants make their home, separated from Málaga by 50 kilometers and from Vélez-Málaga by 36.
Alfarnatejo is 925 m above sea level. The municipality, with its rugged terrain, is surrounded by the peaks of Chamizo (1,637 m), El Gallo (1,356 m) and El Vilo (1,412 m) and in the municipality itself are the Altos del Fraile (1,222 m) and Altos de Dona Ana (1188 m). The Sabar River crosses the municipality and there are several streams that irrigate their lands.
ALFARNATE
Following this route we arrive at Alfarnate, a town with more than 1,700 inhabitants. Its rugged terrain is located 49 kilometers from Malaga and 40 from Vélez-Málaga.
Alfarnate is located in the northeast of the province. The municipal term is surrounded by mountains, among which the Enmedio, del Lobo and Palomera mountains stand out. The main heights are those of Vilo (1,412 m), Gallo (1,356 m) and Chamizo (1,637 m), at whose foot the town is located.
COLMENAR
After Alfarnate the road takes us to Colmenar (4,000 h.) located 35 km. from Malaga and 44 km. from Velez-Malaga.
Perched in the mountains, at an altitude of 696 m above sea level is Colmenar. Its municipal term includes part of the Sierra de los Camorolos and Sierra del Jobo, where the peaks of Chamizo, Pelado, Sierra Prieta, Águila, Ballesteros and the hills of La Viña, Moriscos, Miraflores, Granados and Solano are located.
RIOGORDO
The last town on this route is Riogordo, which has more than 2,800 inhabitants and is 39 kilometers from Málaga and 41 from Vélez-Málaga. Along this route you can appreciate both the beautiful areas of olive groves and the characteristic flavor of the golden liquid of this place in the Axarquía. In addition, the oil from this region has a supreme quality that makes it the basic ingredient in the Mediterranean diet, so the gastronomy of this route of oil is marked by the flavor of this product.
Of interest:
The form towns of: Arenas, Árchez, Salares, Sedella and Canillas de Aceituno.
The Axarquía, as a mountainous region, preserved an important population after the reconquest, both Mudejar, maintaining their religion and customs, as well as Moorish or converted. The Castilians reused and “Christianized” some of the existing buildings and took advantage of the urban layout.
CANILLAS DE ACEITUNO
Located at the foot of Sierra Tejeda is the last point of the Mudejar route, Canillas de Aceituno. Surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation dotted with olive trees and vineyards, among which almond trees stand out. It is 51 kilometers from Málaga and 18 from Vélez-Málaga and has a population of 2,800 inhabitants.
The municipal term extends over the skirt of Sierra Tejeda. The population center is located at an altitude of 645 m, from which a splendid landscape is dominated, and the peak of La Maroma (2068 m), the highest in the province of Malaga. Other heights are those of the Fort (1490 m) and Rompealbardas (770 m).
Its lands are suitable for the cultivation of vineyards, olive groves and a varied sample of fruit trees such as orange, fig, medlar, etc.
SEDELLA
Located 57 kilometers from Málaga and 29 from Vélez-Málaga, Sedella appears, surrounded by numerous terraces cultivated with vegetables and with a population of around 900 inhabitants.
The town of Sedella is located at an altitude of 689 meters above sea level, in very rugged terrain between the Tejeda and Almijara mountains.
The hills of El Fuerte (1,490 m) and El Tablón (818 m) are found in its term, the highest peak being that of La Maroma (2,080 m), which it shares with Canillas de Aceituno.
The streams of Matanzas, Granados and Encinar irrigate their lands. They are tributaries of the Rubite River that passes through the south of the term, in which there are plenty of springs given its proximity to the Tejeda and Almijara mountains.
SALARES
Following this route, Salares appears. Located to the south of the Sierra de Almijara and with more than 350 inhabitants, it shows those who visit it cultivated slopes where the luminosity of its greenery is relaxing for the eyes. Its old town, 65 kilometers from Málaga and 34 from Vélez, forms a cluster of narrow streets with large slopes that prevent the movement of vehicles.
It extends to the south of the Sierra de Almijara, at 579 m above sea level. It is 7 km away. from Árchez and 34 from Vélez-Málaga. In the central part there is a ravine flanked by the Cuascuadra (1,590 m), Guzmán (778 m) and Peñas Blancas (702 m) hills.
ARCHEZ
After Arenas we enter Árchez. This small and beautiful town of 400 inhabitants provides the traveler with a pleasant stop on the way to contemplate the beauty of its surroundings and its undeniable Moorish roots. This authentic jewel of Nasrid architecture.
The municipal area is located in the valley of the Sayalonga river and on the slopes of the Tejeda and Almijara mountains. It is located at 435 m. above sea level.
ARENAS
Arenas has more than 1,400 inhabitants and is located 44 kilometers from Malaga. Formerly the town was called Arenas del Rey in homage to Fernando el Católico, who according to tradition was housed there during the conquest of Vélez-Málaga.
Arenas is located at the foot of the hill that crowns the Bentomiz fortress at 416 meters above sea level. The urban nucleus is located in a depression surrounded by hills, which exceed it by 200m except for the Vélez entrance, giving the impression of being the setting for a large amphitheatre.
Of interest:
¡Bienvenido a Cortijo Amaya! Tu destino perfecto en Málaga. Encanto rural, vistas al mar y comodidades para grupos. Contáctanos hoy mismo.
