Towns and villages in Axarquia, Andalucia, southern Spain, L to Z
|
|
|
|
|
 |
TOWNS & VILLAGES L-Z
LOS ROMANES
Los Romanes is situated 45 kilometres from Malaga and 19 kilometres from the Mediterranean coast at Torre del Mar with
excellent road access. The village has a maximum altitude of 700 metres and a population of 600. It is located in a dramatic
setting next to and overlooking Lake Vinuela within the eastern area of Andalucia - a region called the Axarquia. From throughout
the village there are magnificent views over the turquoise waters of the lake towards the dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Tejeda
mountains, snowcapped in winter.
Further information about Los Romanes
MALAGA
Malaga is the capital of the Costa del Sol, located on the coast and surrounded by mountains. It has a population
greater than 600,000 with fast urban and economic growth. It is a beautiful city with many parks and well kept beaches.
As one of Spain's largest cities, Malaga has always played a
prominent role in national affairs. As one of Europe's premier tourist destinations - capital of the Costa del Sol/Costa del
Golf - its international status rivals that of Madrid and Barcelona.
The city enjoys one of the most pleasant
climates in the world, has major transport links to Europe's other capitals and to northern Africa, and offers superb
tourist amenities and attractions and a wide diversity of hotel accommodation.
Further information about Malaga
Top of page
MALAGA AIRPORT
Malaga airport is situated 6 kilometres to the west of Malaga city and 6 kilometres to the east of
Torremolinos, just off the main coast road N-340. There are many 24/24 leading car hire companies based in and at the airport and
a train station outside the international terminal from where trains run to the city every half an hour from 7.15h to 23.45h.
Buses run from the airport to the city every half an hour from 7.00h to 24.00h and from the city bus station to the airport
from 6.30h to 23.30h. Taxis are also available.
Further information about Malaga Airport
Top of page
MACHARAVIAYA
Macharaviaya lies 27 kilometres from Malaga and 9 kilometres from the coast, at an altitude of 235 metres. It
is situated within the area of Axarquia, on the scenic Route of Sun and Avocado, and has a population of 400. In recent
years several artists have adopted the village as their home. Founded in the 16th century on the site of an Arab settlement,
Macharaviaya is extremely pretty with Moorish architecture and original 18th century paving stones.
Further information about Macharaviaya
Top of page
MARO
The very pretty and charming village of Maro is situated on the coast, 3 kilometres to the east of Nerja, and
53 kilometres to the east of Malaga in the region of Andalucia called Axarquia. The Nerja Caves are
located close to Maro. Few visitors knew anything about this part of the coast until 1959, when five young boys, out hunting
for bats behind Maro discovered a remarkable system of caves and ancient cave paintings. Now the caves attract visitors
every day who come to wonder at this underground cathedral with its strange, melting-wax rocky architecture and what is
reputed to be the largest natural column in the world.
Further information about Maro
Top of page
MOCLINEJO
Moclinejo lies 20 kilometres from Malaga and 11 kilometres from the coast at Rincon de la Victoria, at an
altitude of 450 metres. The village is located within the area of Axarquia, on the scenic Route of the Raisin, and has a
population of 1,200. The villagers make unusual handicrafts which are sold locally. With spectacular views over the Bay of
Malaga, and proximity to the coast, Moclinejo is a sought-after village to live in.
Further information about Moclinejo
Top of page
MONDRON
Mondron is situated 60 kilometres from Malaga and 30 kilometres from the coast at Torre del Mar, at an
altitude of 610 metres. Set amidst dramatic scenery, Mondron is an attractive hamlet with a small community located
approximately 2.5 kilometres from the town of Periana within the area of Axarquia. Mondron`s main source of income is from
the surrounding crops, typical of the area.
Further information about Mondron
Top of page
NERJA
Nerja is situated on the coast 51 kilometres east of Malaga, in the southeast of Axarquia, on
the scenic Route of Sun and Wine, and has a population of 15,000 which increases with tourism during the summer months. It
is a very attractive white town that has maintained a great charm despite growing numbers of foreign residents and tourists.
The local authority adheres strictly to building regulations and new developments are built to resemble typical whitewashed
Andalucian villages. The old part of the town, full of interesting shops and tapas bars, dates from the 14th century and has
a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets in typical Moorish style.
Further information about Nerja
Top of page
PASADA DE GRANADILLO
Pasada de Granadillo and nearby Los Capitos, two secluded and little known hamlets in the Axarquia,
are situated 40 kilometres to the east of Malaga and just 14 kilometres from the coast at Torre del Mar. Set at an altitude
of 450 metres in a lush green valley, this community is surrounded by olive and almond groves, vineyards and tropical fruit
planations. Between them these hamlets have a population of about 60.
Further information about Pasada de Granadillo
Top of page
PERIANA
Periana enjoys wonderful views over Lake Vinuela and the Mediterranean coastline. The town is situated 58
kilometres from Malaga and 28 kilometres from the coast at Torre del Mar, at an altitude of 547 metres. It lies within the
area of Axarquia, on the scenic Route of Olive Oil and Mountains, and has a population of 3,500. The name of the village
dates from 1761 and is derived from two ancient defensive positions called Pereiro and Santana. Periana began as a simple
farmstead in wide meadowland that stood between the two.
Further information about Periana
Top of page
PUENTE DON MANUEL
Puente don Manuel (the bridge of Don Manuel) is situated in the Axarquia region of Andalucia, 40 kilometres
from Malaga and 14 kilometres from the coast. The original village is set on a crossroads with roads leading from the coast
and Velez-Malaga to Alcaucin, Zaffaraya, Periana and the Province of Granada. For centuries travellers have stopped here on
their way to different destinations in the Axarquia and beyond.
Further information about Puente don Manuel
Top of page
RINCON DE LA VICTORIA
Rincon de la Victoria lies on the coast 10 kilometres to the east of Malaga, in the southwest of Axarquia,
with a population of 18,000. Originally a fishing village, the increase in size is due
to it's proximity to Malaga and the airport and to tourism. Its beaches stretch for 9 kilometres. Rincon de la Victoria
comprises four urban nuclei: Rincon, La Cala del Moral, Torre de Benagalbon on the coast and Benagalbon inland, which lie
on two scenic routes the Route of the Raisin and the Route of Sun and Avocado.
Further information about Rincon de la Victoria
Top of page
RIOGORDO
Riogordo, in the area of Axarquia, is situated 39 kilometres from Malaga and 46 kilometres from the coast at
Torre del Mar. The village has an altitude of 400 metres, a population of 2,700, and lies on the scenic Route of Olive Oil
and Mountains. The village layout of Riogordo maintains its Moorish origin, although newer construction also exists. There
are many 16th century niches dotted throughout the streets and the parish church of the Virgen de Gracia is from the same
century. There is also a small rural ethnographic museum.
Further information about Riogordo
Top of page
RUBITE
With a population of about 40, Rubite is one of the smaller villages in the Axarquia region of Andalucia. With
an altitude of 400 metres, Rubite is located 42 kilometres to the east of Malaga and 16 kilometres from the coast. La
Maroma, the highest peak in the Sierra Tejeda mountain range, shelters the village and is occasionally snow capped in winter.
The Sierra is a nature reserve with an abundance of wild plants and animal life.
Further information about Rubite
Top of page
SALARES
Picturesque Salares lies 58 kilometres from Malaga and 37 kilometres from the coast at Torre del Mar, at an
altitude of 579 metres. It is situated within the area of Axarquia, on the scenic Route of Mudejar Architecture, and
has a population of 400. Salares is of Roman origin when it was known as Salaria Bastitanorum. Later, as with other
villages in the area, it had a history of Moorish occupation, Christian reconquest and Moorish uprisings.
Further information about Salares
Top of page
SAYALONGA
Sayalonga is a typical attractive whitewashed village situated 41 kilometres east of Malaga and just 9
kilometres from the coast at Algarrobo Costa. It lies within the area of Axarquia, on the scenic Route of Sun and Wine, at
an altitude of 355 metres and has a population of 1,200. As with most villages in the Axarquia, Sayalonga has whitewashed
winding streets and facilities including bus services, shops, a doctors surgery, chemist, bank, bars, post office and
primary school. The pretty Andalucian squares are surrounded by lilac flowering Jakaranda trees and the village and
surrounding villas have spectacular coastal views.
Further information about Sayalonga
Top of page
SEDELLA
Sedella lies 62 kilometres from Malaga and 33 kilometres from the coast at Torre del Mar. It is located within
the area of Axarquia, on the scenic Route of Mudejar Architecture, and has a population of 700. Sedella stands at 689 metres
altitude in the foothills of the Sierra Tejada and Sierra Almijara mountain ranges. It has winding, narrow streets lined with
whitewashed houses, many of which have Arab style courtyards and gardens.
Further information about Sedella
Top of page
TORRE DEL MAR
Torre del Mar is situated on the coast at 28 kilometres to the east of Malaga, within the area of Axarquia,
and has a population of 20,000. The town lies in a sedimentary plain surrounded by fields of crops, on the scenic Route
of Sun and Avocado. Traditionally sugar cane was the main cultivation here but more and more farmers are converting to
mangoes, avocados, kiwis and salad crops. There are wide sandy beaches flanked by a long beachfront promenade with pretty
views along the coast and of the hills and mountains behind dotted with white houses and villages. Two kilometres to the
east there is a fishing port and marina at La Caleta de Velez. This area has not yet been developed as a tourist attraction
but remains very much a working port.
Further information about Torre del Mar
Top of page
TORROX
Torrox is situated 47 kilometres east of Malaga. It has three urban nuclei: Torrox Costa and El Morche on the
coast, and Torrox Pueblo 4 kilometres inland and 125 metres above sea level. Torrox lies within the area of Axarquia,
on the scenic Route of Sun and Wine, and has a residential population of 12,000 which increases with tourism during the
summer months.
Torrox Pueblo has retained its white Moorish village structure with attractive narrow streets and a main square
which is a lively and focal meeting place. Much of the town has beautiful views down to the coast. There was once a Moorish
castle on top of the hill on which the town stands where, it is claimed, King Almanzor was born in the 10th century. During
Islamic occupation, Torrox prospered in agriculture and the silk trade. 16th century buildings include the Mudejar style
church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación and the Shrine and Convent of the Virgen de las Nieves. Interesting civil works
include the 18th century Hospital of San José and the 19th century Sugar Factory.
Torrox Costa is one of only two towns along the coast of Axarquia that has high rise apartment blocks along its
central coastal stretch. This is compensated for by two splendid maritime promenades with attractive restaurants and bars
and 9 kilometres of wide sandy beaches. Either side of the main area are more rustic low rise buildings and bamboo fringed
beaches. El Morche, on the coast to the west of Torrox Costa, is a small unspoilt sea-side village. To the east of the main
town, alongside the lighthouse, the new 'Balcon de Torrox' has been constructed as a lookout to the sea and headlands and
with transparent flooring looking down on Roman remains.
Further information about Torrox
Top of page
TOTALAN
Totalan lies 22 kilometres from Malaga and 9 kilometres from the coast at Rincon de la Victoria, at an
altitude of 290 metres. The village is located within the area of Axarquia, on the scenic Route of the Raisin,
and has a population of 800. Much of the village is of recent construction, its main historic monument being the 17th
century parish church.
Further information about Totalan
Top of page
TRAPICHE
Trapiche, in the Axarquia region of Andalucia, is situated 30 kilometres from Malaga and 6 kilometres from the
coast. The village lies on a flat delta at an altitude of 50 metres and has a population of about 500.
The lush, tropical valley of Vélez-Málaga, where Trapiche is located, enjoys its own micro climate, allowing tropical
fruits such as avocado, kiwi, mango and citrus fruits to grow in abundance.
Trapiche has several restaurants (one highly renowned) and bars, is home to the Leoni Benabu airfield which is the base
for the Royal Malaga Aeroclub and has a school for pilots and, just a short drive up a hillside, is the Karma Guen
Buddhist Centre. The Buddhist centre is a lay community offering retreats and courses. The centre has plenty of
accommodation and a large Buddhist library. In May, below the huge Buddhist statue (stupa), the hillside is dotted with
tents belonging to participants of an annual 10-day course. The area around the stupa is truly awe-inspiring, where the
silence and the scenery speak louder than words.
Further information about Trapiche
Top of page
TRIANA
Triana, in the Axarquia region of Andalucia, is situated 32 kilometres from Malaga and 8 kilometres from the
coast. The village is flat with whitewashed houses, an altitude of 100 metres and a population of about 700. Triana has
supermarkets, bars, restaurants and a school, and hosts a couple of lively fiestas each year including a romeria
in June and a town fair with concerts during July.
Further information about Triana
Top of page
VELEZ-MALAGA
Velez-Malaga, known locally just as Velez, is situated 1 kilometre inland from the coast at Torre del Mar
and 26 kilometres to the east of Malaga, on the scenic Route of Sun and Avocado. It is the centre and capital of the
district of Axarquia, with a population of 55,000. Despite it's proximity to the coast, marina, golf courses and its own
original Arab quarters, it has not yet developed a tourist industry and properties are to be had at a bargain price.
Velez-Malaga is the secret jewel of Andalucia (the nearby sugar-cane and bamboo fringed beaches coming a close second) where
property prices are set to increase four-fold within 18 months. Velez-Malaga is a true opportunity for investment.
Further information about Velez-Malaga
Top of page
VINUELA (LA)
The village of La Viñuela is situated 45 kilometres from Malaga and 19 kilometres from the coast at Torre del
Mar, at a height of 131 metres above sea level. It lies within the area of Axarquia, on the scenic Route of Olive Oil and
Mountains, and has a population of 1,700. The village grew during the 18th century around a building called La Venta La
Viña, which fed and watered weary travellers on route between the coast and Granada, which is still a centre for the old
men of the village to meet for a game of dominoes and local farmhands escaping the midday sun. The village was named after
the vines which grow in the area and from this building where local wine was sold.
Further information about (La) Vinuela
Top of page
ZAFARRAYA
Zaffaraya is situated just north of the Axarquia. An attractive pretty village
with flat streets, Zafarraya lies at an altitude of 893 metres and has a population of about 2.500 inhabitants. Zafarraya
lies at the foot of the north face of the Sierra Tejeda Mountains surrounded by green pastures and vineyards, with pine
forests climbing the mountains.
Zafarraya has been populated since prehistoric times and has many historic remains. It relies
mainly on market garden produce which is grown in the local area. The village has an old town with a ruined church and
whitewashed houses, and newer development which is also whitewashed with a more contemporary aspect. There are
flower-bedecked squares and parks from where to sit and watch the world go by and amenities including shops, restaurants, banks etc.
Zafarraya certainly has the feeling of "true" Spain, with hospitable, warm and friendly people.
Further information about Zafarraya
Top of page
Information and images provided by www.absoluteaxarquia.com
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
