The Olive Oil and Mountains Route

Olive oil is the protagonist of this route, together with an orography which is the only witness to innumerable events whose main characters were the feared and admired 'bandoleros'.

This route offers the possibility to get into the heart of Axarquia and pass by the slopes of the mountains which form its northern boundary: Tejeda and Alhama, enjoying a unique landscape. All along its course and in most of the villages one can see oil mills where the precious liquid is extracted.

Various and unusual towns and villages form this itinerary. One of them, Periana, has at only 2.5 kilometers away, the Balneario (or spa) of los Baños de Vilo now undergoing a phase of restoration and a privileged place with sulphurous waters having medicinal properties. In Riogordo an unusual and attractive tradition draws the attention of the traveller: the Procession of Semana Santa, where 400 actors from the village enact the Passion of Good Friday and Saturday.

At the foot of the Pico de la Maroma (2,065 metres) is situated Alcaucin in the surroundings of which one finds one of the most beautiful camping areas of the province: El Alcazar, while on the northern limit of Axarquia one finds Alfarnate and Alfarnatejo. Near the first of these is found the Venta de Alfarnate which dates from 1690. Former scene of the adventures of the 'bandoleros' this venta today offers an exquisite cuisine in a well preserved and romantic setting.

Lastly, in the very beautiful neighbourhood around Viñuela and its resevoir there is forming, step by step, an environment which is very appropriate for the enjoyment of rural tourism and activities.