Axarquía
Authentic region in Andalusia
The Axarquía region is located east of the city of Málaga. It is an atmospheric and authentic part of Andalusia. Enjoy everyday life in a white village in the Axarquía or visit the Andalusian cities with their rich culture and history.
Our holiday homesWhite villages
East of Málaga city
The area of the Axarquía region runs along the coast of Rincón de la Victoria until slightly past Nerja and inland to the town of Alfarnate. The Axarquía, with its Moorish history and charming, whitewashed villages amid a beautiful landscape of mountain peaks and valleys, is an atmospheric and authentic part of Andalusia.
The region has 31 villages, each with its own charm and local products or dishes. The higher you get in the mountains, the more it looks like the time has stood still. Enjoy everyday life in an authentic white village. The pace is low and therefore relaxing. How about a delicious glass of wine on an idyllic terrace? It is also nice to visit a local market.
Markets in the AxarquíaCar routes
Explore the Axarquía
There are several scenic routes to get to know the region of Axarquía:
- Ruta Mudéjar: Arenas, Árchez, Salares, Sedella en Canillas de Aceituno.
- Ruta del Sol y del Aguacate (sun and avocado): Rincon de la Victoria, Macharaviaya, Vélez-Málaga, Benamocarra, Iznate en Benamargosa.
- Ruta del Sol y del Vino (sun and wine): Algarrobo, Sayalonga, Cómpeta, Canillas de Albaida, Torrox, Nerja en Frigiliana.
- Ruta del Aceite y los Montes (oil and mountains): La Viñuela, Alcaucin, Periana, Alfarnate, Alfarnatejo, Riogordo en Colmenar.
- Ruta de la Pasa (raisin): Totalan, Comares, Cútar, El Borge, Almachar en Moclinejo.
Markets in the Axarquía
Local products, handicrafts and more
The towns and villages in the Axarquía region usually host a colourful and lively street market once or twice a week. Most markets have stalls selling fresh local products, fruit and vegetables, jewellery, pottery and ceramics. You will also find clothes, handbags, linens and seasonal products. Some villages also have a regular flea market, car boot sale, antique or art market. In most larger towns you will also find a daily covered market selling fresh fish, meat, fruit and vegetables, e.g. the Mercado Atarazanas in Málaga.
Here you will find a list of markets. Most markets are in the mornings from 9 or 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Canillas de Aceituno
A magical village
Location
Our village Canillas de Aceituno is situated against the natural park of the Sierra Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama, a beautiful nature reserve and ideal destination for e.g. hiking or mountain biking. The village has 2300 inhabitants. At an altitude of 645 meters, at the foot of the highest mountain in the Axarquía called La Maroma (2065 m), it overlooks lake Viñuela and the Mediterranean Sea.
Magical village
Canillas de Aceituno belongs to the network of magical villages (pueblos mágicos) of Spain. To be part of this a village must meet a range of aspects that makes it special, memorable, magical, such as: authenticity, quality, monuments, natural beauty and beautiful landscapes, the taste of local products and gastronomy, festivities and traditions. They are unique villages that will stay in your memory. Magical villages are therefore attractive and unique destinations that are definitely worth a visit!
Amenities
Canillas de Aceituno has a number of small grocery stores, a bakery, 2 butchers, several tapas bars and 4 good restaurants: La Sociedad, Bodegón de Juan Maria, Nebula and Secret Garden Restaurant. There is also a modern pharmacy and a bank with an ATM. On Friday mornings there is a small market on the square at the beginning of the village.
Festivities
Festivities (Ferias) are an important part of life in southern Spain. Each village has its own festive day, which is often celebrated until late at night. In Canillas de Aceituno the 'Día de la Morcilla' (Black Pudding Day) is celebrated on the last Sunday of April. This event attracts many people from all over Andalusia to taste the local delicacy. In May the Romería de San Isídro takes place, a procession and celebration in honor of the patron saint of the farmers. The Feria in the second week of August is a three-day festivity with performances, all kinds of activities and a foam party for the children.
More information on the festivities in the Axarquía
Our holiday homes in Canillas de AceitunoThe village is small, cosy and lively. It has a bakery, a few small supermarkets, good restaurants and unlike many other villages it is not yet very touristic.
Robert and Janieta