Axarquia

The Axarquia

The Axarquia, east of Malaga, with its sub-tropical temperatures is known for having the best climate in Europe. The Axarquia region is bordered by the Mediterranean to the south and mountains to the north. Covering 1,000 square kilometres, it stretches from the eastern side of Malaga to the east of Nerja and inland to Alfarnate.

The population of the Axarquia is about 125,000 with 85,000 living in coastal municipalities and 40,000 inland. Velez-Malaga is the largest town in the Axarquia and has the largest population with 55,000 inhabitants.

The Axarquia is riven with deep valleys lined with terraces and irrigation channels that go back to the time of Muslim occupation. Almost all the villages are of Arab origin and the influence is seen in the layout of the narrow, winding streets lined with white-washed houses.

History and Culture

Archaeological remains from Phoenecian, Carthaginian, Roman and Arab eras dot the countryside and coastline, whilst artifacts dating from 30,000BC to the Bronze Age can be seen in underground caves notably at Nerja and Rincon de la Victoria.

Axarquia is a land of contrast where high mountains look down upon the beautiful beaches of the Costa del Sol. The highest of the mountains, in the northeast of the area, is La Maroma which reaches an altitude of 2,080 metres and is snow-capped in the winter. The Axarquía is excellent for hiking and several companies run walking holidays centred around Cómpeta.

There are many undeveloped villages and towns in the inland regions and some remain on the coast. Mules are still used as a means of transport and bullocks can be seen ploughing the fields.

Places to Visit

Lake Viñuela is a man-made reservoir that not only provides much-needed water for the surrounding area but has also been instrumental in creating a picturesque landscape within an already glorious rural locale.

Cómpeta is an ideal place to go to appreciate Andalucian village magic in all of its flower-balconied and whitewashed-building-ed goodness. And for the wine, for which the town is noted – so much so that they celebrate with a Noche del Vino (or a Night of Wine) come every August. Another Axarquia favorite is the village of Frigliana, known as one of Andalucia’s most attractive little towns. Other beautiful villages in the Axarquia include Comares and Torrox Pueblo.

The area also has some attractive seaside towns. Nerja boasts 16 kilometers of sandy shores, lots of great chiringuitos and also offers up a more hidden attraction: its caves. You can check out the prehistoric underground world along with its ancient remains and cavernous concert hall during a day trip. Torre del Mar is another popular costal town, particularly popular with Spanish holidaymakers.It is a bustling town with a beautiful promenade and lots of shops.