The Axarquía region, located in the easternmost area of the province of Malaga, derives its name from an Arabic word meaning "the position to the east of a place." Its landscapes are characterized by their rugged terrain due to the proximity of the Penibética mountain range to the sea. Despite economic and urban changes brought about by new subtropical crops and the impact of tourism, particularly along the coastal strip, many vineyards still remain in the area.
One of the best ways to explore the beautiful region of Axarquía is by car. If you've decided on a car hire at Malaga airport, you have the opportunity to explore any of the routes we recommend here to get to know the region in more depth. From the Mudejar Route, which takes you through towns of Moorish origin, to the Sun and Avocado Route, which showcases the fertile plains of fruit trees and vegetables around the river Vélez, there's something for everyone. We hope you enjoy our suggestions and don't forget that each rental with us counts towards future discounts.
As you move inland from the coast, you'll come across small villages that have preserved traces of their Muslim heritage in their popular architecture. The reconquest of this area was not completed until the 15th century, and the influence of this history is still visible today. The houses are typically positioned on hillsides and adapted to the topography of the terrain, with steep, winding streets and unusual corners. Arches across the roads, passageways connecting the upper stories of houses, and whitewashed walls are all characteristic features of these villages.
One village that is well worth visiting is Sayalonga, which has a particularly interesting cemetery. Another village of note is Cómpeta, which is known for its "paseros," or raisin drying houses. These villages, along with others in the region such as Árchez, Frigiliana, Macharaviaya, Salares, Sedella, Nerja and Torrox, offer visitors a glimpse into the rich history and culture of La Axarquia.
The Mudejar Route is one of five routes that can be taken in the La Axarquia region and has been declared a Tourist Attraction of Andalusia. This interesting itinerary takes visitors through some of the smallest villages in the region, none of which have more than 2,000 inhabitants. The route is named for the area's Arab past and several minarets (brick towers attached to mosques) still remain to this day.
The Mudejar Route includes the villages of Arenas, Árchez, Salares, Sedella and Canillas de Aceituno. In Arenas, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of both the sea and the mountains and visit the murals inside the Church of Santa Catalina. In Árchez, the smallest municipality in the province of Malaga in terms of area, visitors can take a walk through the historic center and see the 15-meter minaret of the Church of the Incarnation, which has been declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument. Behind the church, there is a walkway parallel to the Cajula River and at the end of the walkway, next to the village school, there is a well-maintained children's playground.
In Salares, a tiny village with fewer than 200 inhabitants, visitors can see the minaret of the Church of Santa Ana, the Casa Torreón from the Arab era, and a Roman bridge. In Sedella, visitors are welcomed by a large Andalusian arch and can see the old public laundry at the entrance to the village. A walk along Villa del Castillo Avenue and Llana Street will take visitors to a small square where they can see the Church of San Andrés Apostol.
The final village on the Mudejar Route is Canillas de Aceituno. Here visitors can walk through its central streets, including San Antonio Street which is known for its flowers. They can also enter the Church of Our Lady of Rosario and take a break in Constitution Square in front of City Hall. For hiking enthusiasts, several routes can be started from this village such as Saltillo or La Maroma (the highest peak in Malaga province at 2,066 meters).
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