The province of Malaga offers wonderful options for lovers of “slow travel”. One of them is the Axarquía, an idyllic place for those travellers seeking to enjoy tranquillity and local cuisine during their holiday while immersing themselves in the traditions of the villages and hamlets they visit.
This region in the eastern part of Malaga province has a great variety of rural and coastal landscapes. On its coastline, the cliffs and hidden coves are highlights, while the inland villages with their white houses allow you to lose yourself in the streets of Arabic layout, mingle with local people and discover traditions that have survived the passing of the centuries.
Hotels and rural houses: where to stay in the Axarquia
Throughout the Axarquia, you’ll find rural houses in idyllic settings, with swimming pools and equipped with everything you need. If you prefer the tranquillity of rural accommodation, you can contact Ruralidays, an agency which specialises in renting rural houses in inland Malaga. You can choose a house with swimming pool next to lake La Viñuela, one with mountain views in Alcaucín, a luxury villa in Frigiliana, or accommodation with sea views in Torrox, among many other options. All of them with a common link: a natural environment where you can relax and disconnect completely.
If you prefer the services of a hotel, we recommend B Bou Hotel La Viñuela, a charming boutique hotel with a beautiful view of the reservoir that gives the hotel its name. Another hotel is the Balcón de Cómpeta, an authentic window onto the nature and beaches of the Axarquía located more than 600 metres above sea level.
What to see (and eat) in the Axarquia
One of the best ways to discover the idiosyncrasies of the Axarquía is to get to know its towns. One which you shouldn’t miss is Frigiliana, among the most beautiful towns in Spain. Its white houses, a privileged location between the mountains and the Mediterranean and its cultural mix make it a very special place. Another charming town is Nerja, where you can visit the locations where the series Verano Azul was filmed and see Chanquete’s iconic boat, Nerja’s beautiful historic centre, the Balcón de Europa (Balcony of Europe) or the Caves of Nerja.
Another of the towns that you should see is Vélez-Málaga, whose historic centre has been declared as a Historic-Artistic Site. If you want to see an unusual town, we suggest you visit Comares, which “hangs” from a mountain and has an impressive view of the Axarquía.
To add a touch of excitement to your trip, you can choose from numerous active tourism options. You can go kayaking through the natural park of the cliffs of Maro-Cerro Gordo, canoeing on the La Viñuela reservoir, or hiking along the Chíllar river.
As for the cuisine of the Axarquía, it has a tropical flavour. Avocado and mango feature in many of its recipes. It also has the only traditional cane honey factory in Europe, located in Frigiliana, used to dress fried aubergines and cod tortillas. Also unique is their traditional way of drying raisins, which gives them an incomparable flavour. To accompany it, make sure you try the Competa wine.
Beyond the Axarquia: The King’s Pathway
If you have enough time and want to see other areas, you shouldn’t miss one of the most spectacular places in the interior of Malaga province: the The King’s Pathway It’s a path which hangs from a gorge at a height of more than 100 metres; the full path is 7.7 kilometres long. If you stay in the Axarquía, you can get here in just two hours.
To complete the day at the King’s Pathway, nearby you’ll find the Conde de Guadalhorce de Ardales reservoir (known as El Chorro Reservoir), where you can enjoy various activities and swim in a natural environment.
Do you want to know more? Don’t miss our travel ideas:
