Axarquía

Algarrobo to Canillas de Albaida On the "Ruta del Vino" and on the "Ruta de Mudejar"

Prologue: 

On this cold but nice winters day in January we headed to the eastern part of Málaga province, to the very moorish region of Axarquía. My favourite time to visit Axarquía is Spring and Autumn. The Axarquía countryside has many contrasts, with lush fruit orchards, deep valleys and the mountains of Sierra Tejeda to the east. It took us just over 1 hour to get to Sayalonga, coming from Marbella.

     Directions:

• Coming from Marbella head to Málaga and then for Almeria on the A-7.
• Take the turn off after Velez Málaga towards Algarrobo A-7206.
• The road leaves the coast and you head inland on a good but very windy road.
• The whole day excursion was approx. 230 km round trip.

Soon after leaving the coast road, you get a glimpse of the highest peak of the Sierra de Tejeda mountains, La Maroma (2066m). The summit is in the region of Axarquía and on the border between the provinces Málaga and Granada.

The village of Sayalonga is about 15 minutes from the A7 and certainly worth visiting. 
It is known for its unique round cemetery and is the only one in Spain.  

At the entrance you find a small visitor centre, which shows and explains you the history.

An artistic crossroads display.

You will find many villages in Axarquía nestling on hill sides.

A local bodega on the road side with local products for sale.

In the autumn the muscatel grapes are dried on hill sides

After an endless drive it seems, on a windy road upwards,  you will be amazed to find that you can see the coast again when looking back down the valley.

The village of Canillas de Albaida is about 10 minutes drive away from the village of Competa.

The Plaza looked very picturesque, even in winter. 

An ancient wash house now used as a flowers garden.

In Canillas de Albaida you will find many old facades and nooks and crannies.

After a good stroll trough the village we had a very nice lunch in the Restaurant El Cerezo. From the suntrap terrace you have a nice view down the valley.

Migas (meaning crumbs) is a typical dish made of breadcrumbs from the Axarquía and Malaga region.

On the way back we stopped in the village of Árchez.

Árchez is one of the smallest village of Axarquía and dating back 

to the 12th century.

Árchez

A walkway along a stream leads to an old mill at the bottom of Árchez.

 Map of the trip

Related Links: Axarquia                                                                                                                                                     Villages of Axarquia  
                             Canillas de Albaida
                             Routes of interests