La Axarquia

La Axarquía is located in Andalusia between Malaga province and Granada province, directly east of the city of Malaga. Shaped like a Spanish Ham, this hilly region has a coastline of 50 km and extends 35 km inland. Southwards, the region is bordered by the relaxing part of the Costa del Sol. There are extensive sandy beaches as well as rock-lined coves.

The name Axarquía comes from Arabic (al-Sharq) and it stands for Land in the East. This is in contrast to Algarve, which means Land in the West. Signs of Moorish rule can still be found in many villages and towns. In many villages you can recognise buildings in the typical Moorish Mudejar style. In Comares, the highest village in the region, you can follow a walking trail that shows its Moorish roots. In many villages you will find ancient wells and springs. More inland in the Axarquia, there are also some thermal baths that may be of Moorish origin. The village of Cutar has the big annual Monfi festival where half the village dresses up as Arabs. The popular music of the Axarquía, the Verdiales, has Celtic and also Arabic roots.

Some compare the hilly landscape to that of Tuscany, also a wine region. The Axarquia is slightly rougher and drier. It also has more elevation changes, allowing you to enjoy impressive views. When you see how the vineyards, with their short thick vines, are situated you will admire the winegrowers. They often have to go along narrow steep paths with their mules to reach their fields. You will hardly see any agricultural vehicles here; mules are the transportation tool of choice in this landscape.

The Axarquia region is surrounded by mountains that in winter shield the area from the cold winds from the highlands of central Spain. This gives the region a beneficial microclimate in which even tropical fruits such as mangoes and avocados thrive. Almond trees are in full bloom as early as January. In summer, this mountain range also prevents the hot air from the southern Spanish interior from entering the region unhindered.