Seven things not to miss this summer when visiting the Almijara mountains

Frigiliana, Cómpeta, Canillas de Albaida, and Árchez are some of the villages located on the southern slopes of the Sierra de Almijara, in one of the mountainous areas of the Axarquía, where the air is scented with muscatel and thrilling river routes can be explored or charming streets can be strolled.

On the southern slopes of the Sierra de Almijara, numerous charming villages are nestled, with well-maintained urban centers where locals preserve the tradition of keeping the facades white and dotted with colorful pots or even painting doors and windows in striking tones.

The most famous of these is Barribarto in Frigiliana, but there are also other notable old towns, such as Cómpeta, which is part of the Pueblos Mágicos de España club. Other good examples include Canillas de Albaida or Árchez.

An incentive to delve into this area of the province of Málaga lies in the remnants preserved from ancient Al-Ándalus, mistakenly known as the Mudéjar Route.

In any case, it is a set of elements that are well preserved, such as the minarets of Árchez, Corumbela (a hamlet of Sayalonga), or Salares. To these, other landmarks must be added, such as several medieval bridges in places like Canillas de Albaida or Salares.

Some miss the opportunity to take the Chíllar river route, which is banned one more summer to preserve this valuable ecosystem. However, the more adventurous can embark on other itineraries that have certain similarities, such as the Patamalara (also called Torrox) and the Higuerón, a tributary of the Chíllar. However, come August, it is advisable to check the water flow beforehand to avoid disappointment.

One of the most hidden treasures of the Sierra de Almijara is in the hamlet of El Acebuchal, located within the municipality of Cómpeta but even closer to Frigiliana. Recovered for tourism by the García family, today it is a place worth visiting not only for its history but also for the peace it offers.

In addition to various rural houses for accommodation, it has a restaurant offering traditional local cuisine.

The muscat grape, which is predominant in this area, is the first to be harvested in the province of Málaga. This makes it possible that these days in August, some can already smell this aromatic grape.

Today in the area, the most important wineries are Almijara, in Cómpeta, and Bentomiz, in Sayalonga. Both are usually open for visits, although they may reduce guided tours during the harvest time.

In the town of Árchez, one of the most curious restoration establishments in the area is Venta El Curro, which after more than two decades of operation has become especially known for some of its roasted meats on a cross, as per the gaucho or Argentine tradition.

On Saturdays and Sundays, those who visit this establishment in Árchez can witness the unhurried yet continuous spectacle of roasting in such an original and ancient way.

The third Friday of August in Cómpeta will celebrate one of the major summer events in the Axarquía, the Night of Wine. This event, which always takes place on August 15.

Despite its name, it practically lasts all day, as the first activities usually start at 11 in the morning with the customary mass in honor of the town's patron saint, the Virgin of the Assumption.

Afterward, the traditional grape stomping takes place, a symbolic act carried out each year by a distinguished personality. Subsequently, one of the most anticipated moments of the day occurs, the tasting of migas made with flour, cod, arriera salad, muscatel grapes, and local wine. After this first part of the festival, the event resumes at 10 PM with the usual proclamation of this event, followed by a flamenco singing festival.