Axarquía

In the heart of the eastern Costa del Sol, the region of Axarquia offers the traveller endless surprises in an area of minimal distances. Beneath the Mediterranean sun and light are here brought together the possiblities of the enjoyment.

The first thing that strikes one about the region of Axarquia is its privileged situation. Right in the eastern Costa del Sol of Malaga, this fortunate placing provides a delicious climate being protected from the cold north winds by the mountains of Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama and being situated very close to the African continent, from which it is separated by the warm waters of the Mediterranean sea.

Enthused and bewitched by the natural enchantments of this land, Axarquia has been from time immemorial the place of the settlement of different races and cultures, although without doubt the deepest and most significant imprint was made by the Muslim period and, not in vain, the area was the exceptional witness of inumerable battles protagonised by Muslims in defence of their highly valued lands. Throughout the region they erected strong lookout towers, for defence against the always dangerous Turkish pirates.

Legends nearer to our times tell us of bandits, who roamed through the mountains of the area, giving the character to such emblematic places as the Venta de Alfarnate, in whose jail were buried famous 'bandoleros' such as "El Rojo" or "El Tragabuches."