Axarquia

The Axarquía is one of the Malaga regions pioneer in the promotion of rural tourism and of the historical, geographical and social peculiarities that are inherent in it. In just 1000 square kilometres we find 31 unique villages with places to be discovered, and a variety of landscapes from the blue of the Mediterranean coast to the green of the high woods, from the agricultural landscapes to the beauty of its villages. And all this spiced by warm people and all imaginable tourist and popular services, and of course, the incomparable stamp of its gastronomy, festivities and traditional products.

Axarquia
The Axarquía holds a special attraction, which along with the fertility of its soil, has led man to inhabit it for thousands of years, leaving their mark for those who visit to see the caves and the remains of cities, streets and monuments. La Axarquía has been discovered only in the last decade or so and the main attraction is the rolling hill and mountain scenery, unspoilt white villages and sweet, strong wine made from sun-dried grapes.

Axarquia landscape
With the Sierra de Tejeda to the north, and the mountainous edge of Granada to the east, this rugged landscape offers excellent walking and abundant wildlife. Historically it was bandolero (bandit) country for many years, who preyed on traders carrying goods from the coast to Granada. The Axarquia is a land of contrasts, where one can touch the sky from the top of La Maroma (2,086 metres high) which is reached through lush woods and rivers of crystal clear water with waterfalls and different levels; but wide beaches can also be enjoyed at the warm Mediterranean. In between these, fertile fields, hills covered with grapevines and flatlands covered with olive trees for over two thousand years. Added to these charms is the whiteness of its villages, with narrow and steep streets, festivities and monuments, and ending with an exquisite gastronomy and unique products such as oil, wine, raisins and sweets. In the last few years the area has been discovered by northern Europeans who have made their homes in the pretty white mountain villages like Torrox Pueblo, Frigiliana and Competa.

Local industry is agricultural, growing tropical fruits such as avocado and mango. Rural tourism forms a large part of the economy, the unspoilt countryside offering hiking and horse trekking opportunities. Local wine is strong and sweet being made from sun dried Moscatel grapes. A must to taste but do not over indulge! Olive oil and peaches from Periana and honey from Colmenar are a must.

Axarquia by the beach
The Axarquia shares the Andalucian climate – glorious summers and mild warm winters as well as the miles of beautiful beaches. On the beaches you can find chiringuitos – seaside restaurants, often offering barbequed sardines to be washed down with a cool beer.

Like anywhere with a sense of identity and human warmth, La Axarquía invites you to experience it in your own way. It may be in watching wickerwork or pottery crafts, the enchantment of tumbling streams in the thick forests of Sierra Almijara, seaside swims, the colours across Lake Viñuela at dusk, the look on an old face in the shade of a roadside crag, or quite simply the charm of pleasing yourself in the peaceful surroundings of a comfortable home. Under that life-giving, golden sun.