Today we are heading to one of the most enigmatic corners of the Costa del Sol: El Acebuchal.
Located in the municipity of Competa, a few kilometers from Frigiliana, this small village was once a refuge for the maquis, which led to its abandonment by the Spanish authorities during the Franco era.
Fifty years later, the Garcia Sanchez family brought life back to El Acebuchal, transforming it into a perfect place to enjoy the rural tourism.
El Acebuchal: the ghost town of Malaga province
El Acebuchal is located in a privileged area, right in the heart of the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park. Founded in the 17th century, this village was part of an old muleteer route that connected Granada with Malaga, being a resting place for passing merchants.
As we have mentioned, in the 40s, the rural houses of El Acebuchal became a refuge for the maquis, the anti-Franco guerrilla group. As a consequence, the Civil Guard evacuated the village, leaving it completely abandoned for several decades.
The houses were left in ruins, without water or electricity, which gave it the nickname of 'ghost town' or the 'lost town'.
When did El Acebuchal come back to life?
In 1998, after 50 years of abandonment, El Acebuchal began to be revived thanks to the efforts of Antonio García 'El Zumbo' and Sánchez Virtues, who dreamed of reviving the village. They began the restoration gradually, without water or electricity until 2003.
Today, Antonio is the manager and cook of the El Acebuchal bar-restaurant and together with his family, they manage more than a dozen rural accommodations. Little by little, other Frigiliana families with roots in El Acebuchal followed their example, restoring old houses and maintaining traditional Andalusian architecture.
Currently, there are more than thirty renovated houses, with white facades and flowers in the windows, for those looking to disconnect in this unique enclave. Also notable is the small chapel of San Antonio, where weddings and baptisms are celebrated.
A walk through El Acebuchal: a village with Andalusian charm
Walking through the streets of El Acebuchal is like taking a trip to the Andalusian past. It is common to see burros and mules walking its paths. In the village there is no television signal (only satellite) or telephone coverage, so if you decide to eat or stay there, it is necessary to bring cash, as cards are not accepted.
Thirty years after the rehabilitation of the first house, El Acebuchal lives with the vitality and joy that the postwar took away from it. Enjoy a traditional breakfast o one lunch with game meats These are some of the pleasures that this destination offers. The calm, silence and natural environment make El Acebuchal the ideal place for a relaxing getaway.
How to get there and where to stay in El Acebuchal?
To get to El Acebuchal from Malaga capital, take the A7 to Frigiliana. From there, you should follow the road towards the village, but it is important to pay attention to the signs, as the detour can be easily missed.
El Acebuchal offers various rural vacation rental accommodations, perfect for disconnecting and immersing yourself in nature. Furthermore, in the surrounding area, you can find options in the towns of Frigiliana, Cómpeta or Torrox, ideal to continue enjoying the tranquility and beauty of the area.
Visit El Acebuchal: a magical village in the province of Malaga
El Acebuchal is one of the hidden gems of the Costa del Sol, a village that combines history, nature and tranquillity. Its quiet atmosphere, picturesque streets and natural beauty make this place a unique destination for those looking to disconnect and live an authentic Andalusian experience.
Ideal for a visit or a rural getaway, El Acebuchal offers an unforgettable stay.
