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Axarquia, with its sub-tropical temperatures, is known for
the best climate in Europe. The region is bordered by the Mediterranean to the south and mountains, which shelter the area,
to the north. Covering 1,021 square kilometres of territory within the eastern extreme of the Province of Malaga in
Andalucia, Axarquia stretches from the eastern side of Malaga City to the east of Nerja along the coast and inland to the villages
of Alfarnate and Zafarraya, bordering the Province of Granada to the north.
Until a few years ago, Axarquia was one of Andalucia's forgotten areas. In contrast to the built-up western Costa del Sol,
major attractions east of Malaga are the spectacular unspoilt countryside and coastal villages. The hill and mountain scenery are ablaze
with flowers and blossom from January onwards. Shepherds lead their goats and sheep through hills and valleys, eagles soar
the skies and pretty, unspoiled white villages abound, each having a version of local sweet wine made from sun-dried grapes.
Axarquia is riven with deep valleys lined with terraces and irrigation channels that go back to the time of Muslim
occupation. Almost all the villages that dot the olive, almond and vine-planted hillsides are of Arab origin and the
influence is seen in the layout of the narrow, winding streets lined with white-washed houses reflecting the sunlight. There
are also many lush tropical river valleys with orange and lemon groves, eucalyptus, avocado, banana, kiwi, chirimoya and
mango trees. Wild herbs and lavender grow everywhere and further up the foothills and mountain slopes there are pine, oak
and carob trees.
The natural sub-tropical climate for the latitude is of hot summers, mild winters and little or no rainfall either side of
the long summer season. This is further influenced by surrounding geographical features. Huge mountains to the north and
east provide a barrier from north winds and the 50 kilometres of coastline maintain mild temperatures in winter. 3,000
hours of sunshine are enjoyed each year, an average of 8.3 hours per day. Despite the warm climate, from November to May
skiing is enjoyed in the Sierra Nevada, less than two hours drive away. There is also a wide choice of golf courses
and other sports available year round.
Two international airports, at Malaga and Granada, connect the Axarquia with year-round, regular, direct flights to the UK
and other European destinations. These 24/24 airports, never more than 40 minutes away, facilitate seeing friends and family
and conducting business trips.
Archaeological remains from Phoenician, Carthaginian, Roman and Arab eras dot the countryside and coastline, whilst
artefacts dating from 30,000BC to the Bronze Age can be seen in underground caves notably at Nerja and Rincon de la Victoria.
The total population of Axarquia is about 125,000 with 85,000 living in coastal municipalities and 40,000 inland.
Velez-Malaga, still undiscovered and just 1 kilometre inland from the coast, is the capital of the region. Velez-Malaga has a
prestigious 18-hole golf course at Baviera, a 225 berth marina at Caleta de Velez (the Bay of Velez), a private small-aircraft
airfield, a quaint fishing port, a 13th century castle and hundreds of beautiful buildings surrounding Arab coutyards. With
55,000 inhabitants, it has the largest population of the area. The smallest municipalities in the Axarquia
are Macharaviaya and Salares, each with 400 inhabitants.
Axarquia is a land of contrast where high mountains look down upon the beautiful beaches of the Costa del Sol.
The highest of the mountains, in the northeast of the area, is La Maroma which reaches an altitude of 2,080 metres and is
snow-capped in the winter in contrast to sunbathers on the beaches below. There are many undeveloped villages and towns in
the inland regions and some remain on the coast. Mules are still used as a means of transport and bullocks can be seen
ploughing the fields. At the same time the larger coastal resorts provide a nightlife until the sun rises and all facilities
the visitor or resident might desire. It is a land of gaiety, colour, fiestas and natural produce from the sea and land
providing a healthy, fun and economic lifestyle.
Information and images provided by www.absoluteaxarquia.com
Towns, villages and some of the hamlets in the Axarquia are:
Alcaucin, Alfarnate, Alfarnatejo, Algarrobo Costa, Algarrobo Pueblo, Almayate, Almachar, Anoreta Golf, Archez, Arenas,
Banos de Vilo, Baviera Golf, Benagalbon, Benajarafe, Benamargosa, Benamocarra, Benaque, Burriana Beach, Cajiz, Cala del
Moral, Caleta de Velez, Canillas de Aceituno, Canillas de Albaida, Chilches, Colmenar, Comares, Competa, Corumbela, Cuevas
de Nerja, Cutar, Daimalos, El Borge, El Morche, El Penoncillo, Espino, Frigiliana, Guaro, Iznate, Lagos, Lake Vinuela, La
Vinuela, Los Gomez, Los Marines, Los Romanes, Los Vados, Los Ventorros, Macharaviaya, Maro, Mezquitilla, Moclinejo,
Mondron, Nerja, Niza Beach, Pasada de Granadillo, Periana, Portugalejo, Puente don Manuel, Rincon de la Victoria, Rio Bermuza, Riogordo,
Rubite, Salares, Salto del Negro, Sayalonga, Sedella, Torre del Mar, Torrox Costa, Torrox Pueblo, Totalan, Trapiche, Triana,
Valle Niza, Velez-Malaga, Venta Baja and Vinuela.
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