Axarquia is a region of the province of Malaga with an exciting history, unique cultural heritage and dreamlike landscapes. From the fisherman villages of the Eastern Costa del Sol to the whitewashed villas in the mountains, this land is an interesting compendium of tradition, legends, art and nature. Are you in to discover it?
Mountains that shelter white villages
Located in the west of Malaga, the Axarquia extends to the limits with the province of Granada, where the Natural Park of the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama is a border. This protected area is ideal for hiking, speleology or climbing under the eagles' flight or in the presence of mountain goats.
From the impressive geological formations of the environment stands out the peak of La Maroma, of 6,778 feet of altitude, and the gorges of Tajos del Alcazar. Special mention should be made of the Cueva de Nerja, a subterranean cave full of stalactites, stalagmites and huge columns.
Distributed through the mountains of Tejeda and Almijara you will find some of the villages that best preserve the imprint of the Arab past of the region, such as Salares or Sedella. Strolling along its winding streets, with whitewashed houses and façades adorned with flowers, and visiting its Mudejar monuments is like making a journey back in time to an era of medieval kingdoms.
A coastline with dream beaches
Discovering this is a land of contrasts is as easy as moving from the High Mountains of the Axarquia to the maritime strip of the Eastern Costa del Sol. Overlooking the Mediterranean, the Rincon de la Victoria, Torre del Mar (in Velez-Malaga), Algarrobo, Torrox and Nerja await you with some of the best beaches in Malaga.
The jewel of the Axarquia coast is the Natural Parade Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo. Its caves and steep bottoms, its virgin coves and its submarine life will invite you to explore this magnificent spot. Especially if you like snorkeling or kayaking.
Country Landscapes
The Axarquia is dotted with unique wild environments that draw some of the most typical landscapes of the region. This is the case of the vineyards of Moclinejo or Competa, where good wine is made, or the olive groves of Periana, famous for the “aceite verdial”, an extra virgin olive oil of extraordinary quality.
On the way to Almachar or El Borge, you can also see the work houses with the traditional “paseros” in which the best raisins in the world are obtained. Besides, if you travel to Sayalonga you will understand why the loquat is the star product.
On the eastern Costa del Sol there are also subtropical crops that have enriched the cuisine of the Axarquia. A gastronomy that, in the coast is carried out by products of the sea, while in the hinterland áreas is marked by the Arab influence.
How to get around in Axarquia
Just 11 miles separate Malaga from Rincon de la Victoria, which is the first municipality of Axarquia. The motorway of the Mediterranean (A-7) goes through the whole region, allowing you to cross it by car without difficulty to Nerja, whose border is already bordered by the province of Granada.
A complete network of intercity buses also connects the capital of the Costa del Sol with different towns and cities of the area, such as Velez-Malaga, which has a marina in the town centre of Caleta de Velez.
