On line guide for in-depth information about Cómpeta
and environs
Snuggled in foothills of the Sierras Almijaras is the enchanting village of Cómpeta. Residents and locals alike say it is a “magical place”. The village is at an altitude of 636m, 49km from Málaga and 18km from the coast. Its location at the apex of the triangle made up of the coast between La Caleta de Velez and Torrox Costa, with roads leading from both, provides a perfect base for touring and enjoying the great outdoors. The roads from the costa wriggle up the mountain with Maroma (2066 m) looming in the distance providing a spectacular backdrop. Both roads to the village have improved dramatically over the last couple of years, and en route you can stop off at Torrox village for a tapas in a typical Spanish atmosphere, far from the glitz of the coast. In Sayalonga too there are many tapas bars and restaurants offering typical fayre of the area.
Another route, though unpaved, is the road from Frigiliana to Cómpeta passing through the 17th century hamlet (aldea) of Acebuchal which is on the border between Cómpeta and Frigiliana. This takes you through some magnificent scenery but as a driving route is not for the faint hearted. To walk, though, is easy, taking about 4 hours. The aldea actually belongs to the municipality of Cómpeta but is closer to Frigiliana. Drop in to the restaurant there – the food is superb. Continue to the renovated Fábrica de la Luz (Cómpeta) and enjoy the ambience of the rushing river – a great place for a picnic in the summer.
The focal point of Cómpeta is the 16th century church of La Asunción whose golden dome dominates the village. The interior of the church was renovated in preparation for the celebrations of the Jubilee Year in 2005 which was the 500th anniversary of the church. Climb the tower, and admire the vistas across the Axarquia as far as Gibraltar and north Africa on a clear day with the pretty plaza Almijara down below - a great place to sit and watch the world go by.
Visit the wine museum with its wide range of local produce, and the grape press in Plaza Vendimia where grape treading takes place during the Noche del Vino on 15th August. The event is a “ Fiesta de Interés Turístico Nacional de Andalucía” Fiesta of National Touristic Interest and well worth a visit. The village has retained its Moorish atmosphere with a maze of narrow streets, some of them still cobbled, with many nooks and crannies to explore. Try the tapas route of the village - congratulations to those people who manage to visit all 25 bars....
Once you have explored the village, take a trip out to the magnificent Casa de la Mina tucked away in the mountains a 20 minute drive into the Sierras. Stop at the mirador of Cómpeta, the beautifully designed entrance to the village which you encounter when travelling up the Torrox Road. From here you can see Cómpeta in all its glory, with a notice board providing advice for walkers and a signpost to the Casa de la Mina. Follow the road and look out for the sign to the right up a steep paved road (about half a mile). When you get to the top turn and left the road becomes unpaved after about 200m but has been upgraded and views are stupendous. If you are feeling energetic, it is more rewarding to walk and there are several different routes from the village. The town hall are working hard to develop the area for walking, to provide signs on various routes, and more information about walking routes in general.
Why not treat yourself to a weekend in the mountains. Soak up the atmosphere, enjoy the great outdoors, the gastronomy, the culture, and the famous Cómpeta hospitality ….. not to mention the wine .
All in all, Cómpeta is a great place to be at any time the year.
