This route has beautiful landscapes, we’ll find a lake surrounded by mountains and picturesque villages facing the Mediterranean, villages with a history and memories of an Arab and Phoenician past from where these villages are originally from. A route that we won’t forget and that is known as the Route of the Olive Oil and the Montes de Malaga, that runs through the villages of Riogordo, Colmenar, Alfarnate, Alfarnatejo, Periana, Alcaucin and Viñuela.
The gastronomy is one of the main attractions of this route, being the olive oil a main ingredient in the Mediterranean diet. Along the way, we’ll also be able to try other autochthonous elements of the villages that we visit like the cold meats of Colmenar, the Roman bread of Alcaucin, snails and olive oil bagels in Riogordo...
We recommend of course to purchase a big bottle of olive oil, that stands out for its olive flavour, and is considered one of the best olive oils in the world. The region's fertile soil and sunny climate provide ideal conditions for growing olives, resulting in high-quality oil with a rich flavour.
In addition to olive oil, there are many other local products to discover along the route. In Colmenar, for example, you can try delicious cold meats and goat cheese made from locally sourced ingredients. The village is also home to the Museum of Honey, where you can learn about beekeeping and honey production in the region.
In Alcaucin you can try Roman bread made using traditional methods and ingredients. And in Riogordo you can sample snails cooked in a variety of ways and olive oil bagels that are perfect for dipping in your morning coffee.
The route not only offers us a rich gastronomic experience, but other alternatives of great touristic interest. Along the way, you can visit the Viñuela reservoir and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. The area is also rich in archaeological remains, like those found in Periana, and popular traditions in its different villages. As you travel along the route, you'll also hear legends of bandits that once roamed these paths; famous bandits that were born in many of the villages that we’ll visit.
To begin the route we must head to the village of Colmenar where we’ll be able to try one of its typical products like the cold meats and the goat cheese. You’ll also be able to visit the Museum of Honey or eat a typical dish of the area in one of its restaurants.
The last point of the route are marked by the villages of Alfarnate and Alfarnatejo, where we’ll find the Venta (country inn) of Alfarnate. This historic inn opened in the late 17th century (1690 according to the records) and was once a gathering place for bandits. Today it offers exquisite food in a romantic spot that remains loyal to its customs.
The route is easily accessible via the A-45 motorway or from the A-7000, a road that runs through the Montes de Malaga and that ends in Colmenar. It’s necessary to have a vehicle of our own, you can hire a car with GPS in Malaga with us at a good price and with total reliability.
If you're planning to visit this beautiful region and explore its rich history and culture, you might want to consider renting a car at Malaga airport. Car hire Malaga airport is a convenient option that will allow you to easily travel around the area and discover all it has to offer.
The Oil Route and the Mountains in the Axarquia offers a unique combination of stunning landscapes, rich history and culture, and delicious cuisine based on local products. From picturesque villages facing the Mediterranean to mountainous landscapes surrounding a beautiful lake, there is much to see and do along this unforgettable route.
Along the way, don't miss the opportunity to try local products like olive oil, cold meats, goat cheese, Roman bread and snails. And be sure to visit historic sites like Periana's archaeological remains and Alfarnate's country inn.
Periana’s archaeological remains are located in the village of Periana, which is part of the Oil Route and the Mountains in the Axarquia. Alfarnate’s country inn, also known as Venta de Alfarnate, is located in the village of Alfarnate and is considered to be the oldest inn in Andalusia. It has a rich history and was once a gathering place for bandits. Today it offers exquisite food in a romantic spot that remains loyal to its customs.
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