Competa: sights, walks and traditions in the Axarquia
Competa lies inland in Malaga’s Axarquia region, between the Sierra Almijara mountains and the coast. Its whitewashed houses spread across a hillside of narrow, steep streets, with Plaza Almijara as the village’s meeting place. Wine, mountain paths and celebrations tied to the grape harvest are all part of life here.
Alongside families who have lived here for generations, Competa is home to residents from several European countries, including the UK, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway. This international community lives alongside the village’s farming traditions and local festivals, while its winemaking heritage remains evident in the wineries and restaurants.
History of Competa
The name Competa is often linked to the Latin word compita, meaning ‘crossroads’. This suggests a possible Roman origin, although the name alone cannot establish when the settlement began. The street layout retains traces of the village that developed during the Moorish period.
In 1487, Competa became part of the Crown of Castile following the surrender of the settlements around Velez-Malaga. Later tensions led to the Morisco rebellion of 1569, in which Martín Alguacil, a native of Competa, played a prominent role. The Moriscos were Muslims who had converted to Christianity and their descendants. The uprising spread across the Axarquia, with one of its main battles taking place at the Peñon de Frigiliana. The rebels’ defeat was followed by the expulsion of Morisco residents and the arrival of Christian settlers from elsewhere.
Agriculture, particularly grape growing, shaped the local economy for centuries. Tourism and the arrival of foreign residents have become more important in recent decades, but the village remains closely connected to its wine and the farmland around it.
What to see in Competa
Plaza Almijara is a good place to start exploring. From here, you can walk through the old village, visit the mosaics along the Paseo de las Tradiciones and continue to Plaza de la Vendimia. Wear comfortable shoes: hills and steps are part of the walk.
- Plaza Almijara: home to the church, café terraces and some of the busiest spots in the centre. It is a convenient place to pause during your walk. (View the square on the map)
- Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción: a 16th-century church whose exterior was remodelled after the earthquake of 1884. Its Neo-Mudéjar tower, built in 1935, rises above the village rooftops. (View the church on the map)
- Paseo de las Tradiciones: beside the church, ceramic mosaics depict traditional trades and scenes from village life. (View the walkway on the map)
- Plaza de la Vendimia and the hanging houses: the square has a grape-treading area used during the Noche del Vino celebrations. Nearby are the so-called hanging houses, built above the steep drop in the terrain. (View the square on the map)
- Museo de Artes y Costumbres: this museum of local life and traditions displays farming tools, photographs and everyday objects that show how people in Competa once lived and worked. (View the museum on the map)
Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama Natural Park
Part of Competa’s municipal area lies within this natural park, which extends across the provinces of Malaga and Granada. Its mountains combine pine forests, ravines and slopes of pale rock, with walking routes through the Sierra Almijara.
There are routes of different lengths and levels of difficulty, from walks close to the village to mountain treks towards Frigiliana or the villages of the Sierra Tejeda. The map of the natural park shows its location; access and starting points depend on the route you choose.
Walking routes from Competa
These two options introduce you to the Axarquia countryside, though there is a considerable difference between a local walk and a full mountain stage:
- Gran Senda de Malaga, stage 7: Competa–Canillas de Aceituno: this stage links the two villages via Canillas de Albaida, Salares and Sedella. It is a long walk with substantial climbs and descents. If you plan to complete the whole stage, allow enough time and arrange your return journey. You can also plan a shorter walk between some of these villages. (View the starting point on the map)
- Irrigation channel path towards Canillas de Albaida: this path follows an old irrigation channel through farmland towards the neighbouring village. The walking time and elevation change depend on where you turn back or how you complete the route. (View the path on the map)
Check the weather forecast and route before setting off. Take water on longer walks and avoid the hottest part of the day in summer.
Festivals and traditions in Competa
The local calendar is closely tied to farming, wine and religious celebrations. The Noche del Vino and the summer fair are two of its best-known events.
Noche del Vino: the wine festival
On 15 August, Competa celebrates the Noche del Vino, or ‘Night of Wine’. The present-day festival was started in 1973 by local resident Aurelio Fernández Navas. It recalls the gatherings at which families said farewell before moving out to the countryside for the grape harvest.
During the morning, the grape harvest is re-enacted at Plaza de la Vendimia, with grapes carried to the treading area and crushed underfoot. The celebrations include local wine, traditional music and a country lunch of migas, a dish of fried breadcrumbs, with cod, grapes and salad. In the evening, singing and dancing take place in Plaza Almijara.
Summer fair
The fair is usually held around 25 July in honour of San Sebastián. It grew out of the old agricultural and livestock fairs, where villagers traded animals and farm produce. Today, it brings together music, dancing, fairground rides and activities for different ages. The council announces the dates and programme for each year.
Other celebrations
During Holy Week, processions pass through the streets of the old village. The celebrations of San Antón and San Sebastián, Andalusia Day and the Day of the Cross also feature in the calendar, keeping local customs alive throughout the year.
Getting to Competa and exploring the area
From Malaga Airport, the drive to Competa is around 70 km and usually takes just over an hour, depending on traffic and the location of your accommodation. The final stretch climbs inland from the coast along a winding road.
You can explore the centre on foot, while a car makes trips around the Axarquia easier. For longer outings, such as a visit to Alhama de Granada, check the road route: places that look close on the map are not always a short drive apart in these mountains.
Exploring Competa and the Axarquia by car
A car is useful if you are staying outside the village, want to reach different walking routes or plan to visit other villages and the coast. From Competa, you can arrange a trip to Velez-Malaga or spend a day by the sea in Torre del Mar.
Car hire Malaga airport
Taxi or transfer from the airport
A private transfer takes you directly from the airport to Competa without driving or changing buses. Give the exact address of your accommodation when booking, especially if you are staying in a rural holiday home outside the village.
Book a taxi to Competa*No advance payment is required, and cancellation is free. We therefore recommend booking ahead to secure your vehicle and price.
Driving from Malaga Airport to Competa
From the airport, follow signs to join the A-7 towards Almeria. Continue towards Velez-Malaga and Torre del Mar, then take the exit for Algarrobo and Caleta de Velez. From there, the A-7206 climbs towards Competa through Algarrobo and Sayalonga.
To explore the old village, it is easiest to park before entering its narrow streets and continue on foot.
Getting to Competa by bus
Loymerbus connects Malaga with Competa on its service to Canillas de Albaida, stopping at Torre del Mar, Algarrobo and Sayalonga along the way. From the airport, you first need to travel into Malaga to catch this service.
Check the current Loymerbus timetable before planning your visit, including both the outward and return journeys, as departures vary according to the day of the week.
Tourist information for Competa
Town hall: Calle Rampa, 1, 29754 Cómpeta, Málaga.
Telephone: +34 952 51 60 06.
Council website: www.competa.es.
Tourism website: Turismo de Competa, with information about sights, routes and celebrations (in Spanish).
Frequently asked questions about Competa
What types of accommodation are available in Competa?
There are hotels, apartments and holiday homes in the village, as well as country houses and villas in the surrounding area. If you want to walk to restaurants and explore the centre on foot, choose somewhere in the village. For a countryside stay, check the location and road access before booking.
Can you visit Competa with children?
Yes. You can combine a walk around the squares and mosaics in the centre with a short outing in the surrounding countryside. Bear in mind the hills and steps if you have a pushchair, and choose walking routes that suit your children’s ages and experience.
What else is there to do apart from walking?
The surrounding countryside offers mountain biking and birdwatching. In the village, you can visit the Museo de Artes y Costumbres, stroll along the Paseo de las Tradiciones and try the local wines. If you are interested in a winery visit or tasting, check what is available during your stay.
What is the weather like in Competa throughout the year?
Summers are usually hot and dry. In winter, the village’s elevation makes it cooler than the coast, particularly at night. Spring and autumn are often pleasant for walking, although you should check the forecast for rain, wind and temperatures before heading into the mountains.
Which nearby places are worth visiting from Competa?
Canillas de Albaida and Archez are close to Competa and offer a chance to explore other villages in the inland Axarquia. Sayalonga lies on the road down towards Algarrobo and the coast. For a seaside outing, head to Torrox or Nerja.
