Archez: things to see and do in the Axarquia

Archez is a small village in the Axarquia region of Malaga province, set in the Turvilla River valley at the foot of the Tejeda and Almijara mountains. Its minaret, narrow streets and whitewashed houses reflect its past under Muslim rule. You can combine a visit with Canillas de Albaida, Competa, Salares, Sedella or Canillas de Aceituno to explore more villages in this part of Malaga.

Farming has shaped the landscape and village life, with vegetable gardens and cultivated land on the surrounding slopes. A walk through the streets takes you past small squares and spots with views across the valley.

History of Archez

Archez may have begun as a small farming settlement during the period of Al-Andalus. Although little is known about its earliest centuries, the layout of the old centre and the minaret of the former mosque recall that past.

Archez came under Christian rule in 1487, during the conquest of the Axarquia by the Catholic Monarchs. The former mosque gave way to the church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación, which retains the minaret as its bell tower.

In the 16th century, increasing restrictions were imposed on the Moriscos, people of Muslim ancestry who had converted to Christianity. The ban on the use of Arabic and various customs, introduced in 1567, helped trigger the Alpujarras rebellion in 1568, which also affected the Axarquia.

After the rebellion, much of the Morisco population of the Kingdom of Granada was deported to other territories of the Crown of Castile. This relocation was separate from the expulsion of the Moriscos from the Spanish monarchy, ordered from 1609 onwards.

What to see in Archez

Archez’s main landmark is the minaret of the church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación. You can explore the old centre around it and walk down to the river to see the remains of the mills. The village is part of the Axarquia’s Mudéjar Route, along with Arenas, Salares, Sedella and Canillas de Aceituno.

1. Minaret of the church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación: The tower of the former mosque dates from the 14th century and is now used as a bell tower. It is around 15 metres tall, with decorative brickwork and geometric patterns, and was declared a protected historic and artistic monument in 1979. (Map)
2. Church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación: This single-nave church in the Mudéjar style was probably built in the late 15th or early 16th century on the site of the old mosque, retaining its minaret as a bell tower. The parish is listed among those founded in 1505. The church was repaired in 1574 following damage during the Morisco rebellion and restored again in 1663. (Map)
3. Old mills: The remains of the mills beside the Turvilla River recall the village’s agricultural past. (Map)
4. Views of the village and mountains: The slopes around Archez offer views of the houses in the village centre and the surrounding Axarquia landscape. (Map)

What to eat in Archez

Archez shares many traditional dishes with other villages in the inland Axarquia. Garden vegetables, almonds, olive oil and fennel are all part of this cooking tradition.

• Fennel stew with rice: One of the village’s traditional stews.
• Migas: This dish is made with breadcrumbs in the area and may be served with sardines.
• Ajoblanco: A cold soup made with almonds, garlic, bread and olive oil.
• Scrambled eggs with garden vegetables: Dishes made with local produce that varies with the season.
• Cod fritters with sugar cane syrup: A recipe combining cod with the sweetness of sugar cane syrup.
• Chickpea and cod stew: A traditional Holy Week dish.

Locally produced wine is also part of the food culture of Archez and the Axarquia. Ask in the village’s bars and shops about wines from the area.

Archez fair and local festivals

Archez’s celebrations include patron saint festivals, processions and traditions linked to rural life. If you would like to visit during one of them, check the town council’s programme for that year.

• Archez fair: Held in July in honour of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación, with music, community activities and religious celebrations. The dates and programme are announced each year.
• San Antón (Saint Anthony’s festival): Usually held in late January, with a Mass, a procession and community activities.
• Holy Week: Processions make their way through the village streets during these religious celebrations.
• El Sanjuaneo: On 24 June, Saint John’s Day, it is traditional to spend the day in the countryside and share a meal with family or friends.
• Corpus Christi and Noche Andaluza: The religious celebration is accompanied by cultural activities and Andalusian folk traditions.
• Las Candelarias: In early September, neighbours and families gather around bonfires to eat, sing and spend the evening together.

How to get to Archez from Malaga Airport

Archez is around 60–65 km from Malaga Airport by road. As a guide, the drive usually takes about an hour, depending on traffic and the route you choose. The final stretch follows winding roads through the inland Axarquia.

Hire a car to explore Archez and the surrounding area

A car allows you to combine a visit to Archez with other Axarquia villages and drive to the starting points of walking routes. It is also useful if you are staying in a rural holiday home outside the village centre.

Hire a car in Malaga

Taxi or transfer from the airport

A taxi or private transfer takes you from the airport to your accommodation in Archez. It is a convenient option if you would rather arrive without driving. If your holiday home is outside the village, provide its exact address when booking the transfer.

View taxis and transfers

*No advance payment is required and cancellation is free. We therefore recommend booking in advance to secure your vehicle and the quoted price.

Tourist information and accommodation

For accommodation, you can look for rural holiday homes and country properties in Archez and the surrounding area. Check whether the property is in the village or out in the countryside, as its location will affect how you get around during your stay.