Periana: what to see among the olive groves and hamlets of the Axarquia

Periana lies inland in Malaga’s Axarquia region, at the foot of the Sierra de Alhama. Olive groves and peach orchards surround the village and its neighbouring hamlets, with vegetable gardens, country lanes and views towards La Viñuela Reservoir.

The Church of San Isidro Labrador, the village fountain and the nearby baths at Vilo are among the main places to visit. You can also head to Mondron to buy olive oil or spend a few hours walking the paths between the hamlets.

History of Periana

Archaeological finds within the municipality show that the area has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Small farming settlements existed here during the period of Al-Andalus, and the use of the waters at Vilo also dates back to that time.

In 1761, the village chapel became a parish church, an important step in Periana’s development. More than a century later, the earthquake of 25 December 1884 destroyed much of the village and caused many deaths. The rebuilding of homes and the construction of a new church shaped a substantial part of the village centre seen today.

What to see in Periana

You can explore the village centre on foot, then extend your visit to the baths at Vilo and the hamlet of Mondron. The main stops include:

• Church of San Isidro Labrador: a neo-Mudejar church built after the earthquake of 1884. View the church on the map.
• Periana Fountain: a place closely associated with the village’s water supply and everyday life. View the fountain on the map.
• Baños de Vilo: a sulphurous spring around 2.5 kilometres from the village centre. View the baths on the map.
• Mondron Olive Oil Cooperative: the olive mill run by the San José Artesano cooperative in the hamlet of Mondron. View the cooperative on the map.

Church of San Isidro Labrador

The church is one of Periana’s most recognisable buildings. Its eclectic design incorporates neo-Mudejar features, with a nave and two aisles. It is dedicated to San Isidro Labrador, the village’s patron saint. Celebrations in his honour take place in May, with the procession as one of the main events.

Baths at Vilo

The baths lie beside the River Guaro in the hamlet of Baños de Vilo. The sulphurous water emerges at around 21 °C and has long been used for bathing. The small surviving pool is a reminder of the former spa.

You can combine a visit with a trip through the nearby hamlets, among vegetable gardens and fruit orchards.

Olive oil in Mondron

The San José Artesano cooperative is based in Mondron, one of Periana’s hamlets. It produces and sells local olive oil, particularly from the verdial variety. It is a good place to buy oil directly from the mill.

Mondron’s Olive Oil Museum preserves machinery from the old mill, showing how oil was extracted before modern production methods were introduced.

Nature and countryside

The landscape ranges from the vegetable gardens beside the River Guaro to the slopes of the Sierra de Alhama. Between them lie olive groves, orchards and small hamlets that you can visit on foot, by bike or by car.

• La Viñuela Reservoir: south of Periana, the reservoir can be seen from various points around the municipality and is a familiar feature of the Axarquia landscape.
• River Guaro: the river passes farmland and old mills before reaching the reservoir. Its valley offers a glimpse of Periana’s agricultural surroundings.
• Sierra de Alhama: these mountains form the backdrop to the village, with walks involving greater changes in elevation than the paths in the lower countryside.

Walking in Periana

Several walks start in the village and pass through olive groves, hamlets and river valleys. Routes published by the town council include:

• Ruta del Tajo: this walk leaves Periana and passes through Moya to Vilo, returning along the same path. It covers around 8 kilometres in total and takes approximately two hours. It is graded easy and follows a mixture of surfaced lanes and dirt tracks.
• Ruta de los Ríos: this route takes in Regalon, Los Marines, Cerro de Alcolea and La Viña. The council’s route description gives a total distance of around 14 kilometres, including the return journey, and an estimated walking time of five hours. It is graded moderate, with a climb to the hilltop and sections of uneven ground.
• Ruta de la Vía del Tren: this walk passes through the area around the former railway station and Rio Seco. The council describes it as an easy route of around 15 kilometres, taking approximately four and a half hours.

The walking routes section of Periana Town Council’s website includes these and other walks. When choosing a route, consider the distance, ascent and terrain, as well as how much time you want to spend walking.

Autumn and spring are generally good seasons for walking among the olive groves while avoiding the summer heat. Take water and wear suitable footwear. After rain, some stream crossings can be more difficult.

A car makes it easier to reach walks starting outside the village centre or visit other hamlets during the day.

Festivals in Periana

Olive oil, peaches and celebrations in honour of San Isidro Labrador feature prominently in Periana’s festival calendar. Holy Week and the summer fair are also celebrated.

August Fair

The summer fair brings music, dancing and activities for different age groups to the village. It takes place in August, with a programme that changes each year.

Verdial Olive Oil Day

Usually held in April, this festival celebrates local olive oil. Tastings and a traditional miller’s breakfast offer the chance to try it alongside produce from the area, with cultural activities and music also on the programme.

San Isidro Labrador celebrations

Periana celebrates its patron saint around 15 May. The procession of San Isidro Labrador passes through the village streets, alongside a programme of live music and other activities.

Holy Week

In March or April, depending on the church calendar, residents and visitors gather for the processions and religious services of Holy Week.

Peach Day

Periana’s peaches have their own celebration during the summer. Tastings and food events showcase ways to use the fruit in both savoury dishes and desserts.

Dates and programmes for each year are published on the Periana Town Council website.

What to eat in Periana

Verdial olive oil and peaches are the municipality’s best-known products. Salt cod, almonds and locally grown vegetables also feature in many traditional recipes, with variations from one household to another.

• Cachorreñas: a traditional dish whose local recipe combines salt cod, orange and garlic.
• Migas: fried breadcrumbs served with accompaniments such as grapes, olives, seasonal fruit or salted fish.
• Ajoblanco: a cold soup made with almonds, bread, garlic, olive oil and vinegar, sometimes served with grapes or raisins.
• Gazpacho: one of the cold soups commonly eaten in the area, particularly during the warmer months.
• Gazpachuelo: a soup enriched with mayonnaise, with different versions depending on the ingredients added to the stock.
• Parpuchas de espárragos: small asparagus fritters made with flour, egg and garlic.
• Morretes: asparagus, mushrooms and potatoes in an almond sauce.

The traditional miller’s breakfast combines bread and olive oil with flakes of salt cod and pot-brewed coffee. Sweet specialities include olive oil biscuits, wine biscuits and torta romana, as well as fresh curd cheese with honey and desserts made with peaches.

Getting to Periana from Malaga

Allow approximately an hour to drive from Malaga Airport, depending on traffic and your chosen route. One option is to take the A-7 towards Velez-Malaga, then follow the A-356 to the turn-off for Periana.

A car is convenient for travelling to and from the airport and for visiting the baths at Vilo, Mondron and other villages in the Axarquia during your stay.

Car hire at Malaga Airport

Arrange your journeys to and from the airport and explore Periana, its hamlets and La Viñuela Reservoir at your own pace. You can also extend your trip to Riogordo or Alfarnate.

car hire Malaga airport

Private transfer to Periana

Travel from the airport to your accommodation with a pre-booked transfer. It is a comfortable option if you would rather arrive without driving and have your return journey arranged too.

Book a transfer to Periana

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

Bus from Malaga

The M-364 bus connects Malaga with Periana via Torre del Mar and Velez-Malaga. Check timetables and stops on the Malaga Metropolitan Transport Consortium website, searching for route M-364.

If you arrive by plane, you will first need to travel from the airport into Malaga to connect with this service. Check the outward and return timetables before planning a day trip.

Arriving from elsewhere in Andalusia

From the coast east of Malaga, the approach is via Velez-Malaga and the A-356. If you are travelling from inland Andalusia, the route will depend on your starting point. Approaches via Colmenar or the Zafarraya area include stretches of mountain road.

Tourist information for Periana