Sayalonga best things to see and do
Visit Sayalonga and discover its mysterious cemetery
In this article you will find the essential information for visiting Sayalonga:
- A few words about Sayalonga
- The origins of the village
- What to see in Sayalonga?
- What to do in Sayalonga ,
- Activities
- Guided tours
- Ferias and fiestas
- Where is Sayalonga?
- Book an accommodation
- Some useful links
- Experiences to discover in the province of Málaga
A few words about Sayalonga
Sayalonga is located in Axarquia in the province of Malaga. It is a lovely little white village that has kept its authenticity.
The origins of the village
Although the village of Sayalonga is typical of the Andalusian period: white village with narrow streets,
It would seem that the name Sayalonga is a Roman legacy, the Latin etymology of the name Saya-longa meaning long tunic. This Roman origin even appears on the town’s coat of arms.
What to see in Sayalonga?
The church, Santa Catalina
This Mudejar-style church was built over the village’s former mosque.
The Fountain of the Cid (El cid campeador)
It is said that this famous Christian knight (and mercenary) came to drink from this fountain in the village.
The Morisco Museum
It presents the heritage of the Moors in the area. It is a very interesting museum to discover!
In the following link you will find the opening days and times of the museum.
The round cemetery of Sayalonga
This is the only cemetery of its kind in Spain and as no explanation has been found, it is still surrounded by many mysteries and legends.
- The most common legend says that the Templars built it and that it has Masonic origins.
- the romantic version: says that it was built like this, all in a circle so that no deceased person would turn his back on another.
The narrowest alley in the whole of Axarquia
El callejon de la Alcuza. This alley is 56cm wide…
This alley is located right next to the church.
The Peace Monument
This is a large sculpture at the entrance to the village, coming from Algarrobo. It refers to the victims of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939).
To be seen next to Sayalonga,
Do not miss the villages of Competa, Archez and Salares.
What to do in Sayalonga?
Activities
In the surrounding area, it is possible to find some very nice activities:
- horse riding, on the beach or in the mountains
- diving in Nerja and Torrox
- guided tours (villages of Axarquia, Cordoba, Alhambra,…)
- via ferrata (Caminito del Rey,…)
- hiking (El Saltillo with the suspension bridge,…)
- canyoning (in the Rio Verde,…)
- astrotourism
- snorkeling
- visit of caves
Use the following link to access all the activities to do. during your holidays. This link provides you with all the details of each activity.
Guided tours
A very good local guide, Cipriano, offers thematic and seasonal guided tours of Sayalonga.
The route of the white Almohad villages (often called Mudejar)
This Tour takes in 5 white villages of the Axarquía, including Sayalonga.
The guide starts the tour from Torre del Mar, Torrox, Nerja.
This tour is offered all year round through the most authentic villages of the area. Here is the link for details and booking: The Almohad White Villages Tour.
The guided tours are always done in small groups (2 to 8 people max.) to discover the authentic Axarquia.
In the following link you will find all the details and prices of the tours he offers (Olive Oil Tour, Wine Tour, White Villages Tour,…)
Here are all the guided tours from Torrox, Nerja and Torre del Mar.
The fiestas
Below you will find links to the main fiestas and ferias in the village:
- Feria del Nispero (the medlar festival), the first Sunday in May
- Dia de Andalucia, February 28
- Dia del Arte, in September
- Romeria de la Virgen del Rosario, October 7
- Fiestas de Sayalonga, in July
Where is Sayalonga?
Book accommodation
Booking.com
Some useful links
Here is a great car rental agency in Andalusia and more specifically at Malaga airport : book a rental car.
If you are in Andalucia as part of a tour with several major cities to visit, here are some links that may be of interest:
- Discover must-sees before visiting Cordoba
- Visit Malaga on foot.
- All you need to know about Granada, the Alhambra, the Albaicin neighbourhood before visiting Granada
- If you are passing through the geographical centre of Andalusia, then you can visit Antequera, with the incredible natural site of El Torcal right next door.
Experiences to discover in the province of Malaga
Find more ideas for visits to authentic Andalusia: see the blog pages on Andalucia.
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