Competa best things to see and do

White village nicknamed the Ledge of the Axarquia

What to see in Competa one of the most beautiful white village


Competa casa cahorro

In this article you will find the essential information about what to see in Competa

  • A few words about Competa
  • The history of the village
  • Visiting Competa, what to see?
  • What to do in Competa?
    • The walks and hiking trails around the village
    • activities
    • guided tour: the wine and sun route
    • fiestas and ferias
  • Where is Competa?
  • Book accommodation in Competa
  • Some useful links
  • Experiences to discover in the province of Málaga


A few words about Competa


Competa is located in Axarquia in the province of Málaga. It is one of the most beautiful and authentic villages in the region.


competa-que-voir
Vista de Competa

This village is known for its beauty, its walks, the tradition of ceramics since the Arab period.


Its location, almost 700 metres above sea level, at the foot of the Sierra de Almijara, overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. This is what has earned it the nickname of the cornice of the Costa del Sol.


visita-competa-cornisa-axarquia
Plaza Almijara

The history of the village


The first written records of this village date from 1487, the year in which the Catholic kings reconquered Competa, putting an end to the “Al Andalus” period.


In the 16th century, it was the most densely populated Moorish enclave and, after the expulsion decree, it was practically uninhabited, except for the garrison of soldiers (around 200) responsible for controlling the passage of the deportees from Granada and catching the escapees…


que-ver-en-competa

On the other hand, the village seems to take its name from an ancient Roman settlement “Compita-Orum”, which means the crossroads. A crossroads, therefore, which was a place for trade, festivals and offerings.


What to see when visiting Competa


The landmark during the visit to the town is the magnificent church tower.


competa-what-to-see-church

The visit to Competa is done through the narrow streets of the village. There are many typical houses, remains of the Al-Andalus period and beautiful views.



In the centre of the village is the Plaza de Almijara. It is the ideal place to stop for a drink and to eat some tapitas.


competa casa paco
Plaza de Almijara – Competa –

Not far from this square, next to the church, there is a beautiful statue that pays tribute to the fandangos of Competa :



Competa is famous for its moscatel wines (D.O. Malaga). Around the village you can see paseros, the grape dryers.


competa pasero moscatel Route du vin sur la costa del sol
paseros (para la pasa moscatel)

On the 15th of August, the village organises the Noche del Vino, a very beautiful wine festival (see below). This is an opportunity to walk through the narrow streets of Competa.


visit-competa

…. Always have the church tower as a landmark:


competa iglesia de la asunción
campanario de la iglesia de la asunción

Ideas for walks around the village


competa paisaje
Landscape around Competa

The village is also the starting point for many walks to Canillas de Albaida and Archez.


For those who like to walk with their feet in the water, there is an incredible hiking trail in Competa.


Randonnée Costa del Sol à Competa rio Patamalara

This hike ends with an incredible waterfall of 15-20 metres in height. This is the rio Patamalara walk.


In the municipality of Competa, there is also an exceptional hamlet to see, for its history and beauty. It is El Acebuchal, the lost village.


une ruelle dans El Acebuchal

Guided tour of the Wine and Sun Route


The “Wine and Sun” route starts in Torre del Mar, Torrox, Nerja.


This day is dedicated to visiting the villages of Competa, Torrox and Sayalonga with a visit to a famous bodega.

This guided tour is conducted by a local guide, Cipriano.


local guide andalucia
Cipriano

Discover the day in this link :


Details and online booking of the Wine and Sun Route


In autumn, this guide offers a very special day also on the theme of grapes. It is a guided tour of the Raisin Route (to be discovered!).


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.


Here you can find all the guided tours in Axarquia from Torrox, Nerja and Torre del Mar.


The village festivities


Below you will find links to the main fairs and festivals in Competa:


noche del vino, nuit du vin à Competa
Noche del Vino en Competa


Activities around Competa


In the surroundings it is possible to find 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 (rio Chillar, El Saltillo with the hanging bridge,…)
  • canyoning in the rio Verde
  • astrotourism
  • snorkeling in Torrox, Nerja
  • visit of caves

Use the following link to access all the activities to do. This link provides you with all the details of each activity.


competa-what-to-do

Where is Competa located?



competa-que-ver

Book accommodation in Competa


Booking.com

Here you’ll find for your stay an original idea for a 8 Day Walking Around Retreat in Cómpeta.


Some useful links (car hire, ideas for visits)


Easy and economical bookings






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:


Seville


Seville, the capital of Andalucia, is a city full of treasures to discover and monuments to visit.


visita-sevilla-dias-catedral-puerta-del-perdon
Door of Forgiveness – Seville Cathedral

Here you will find everything you can see in Seville in 3 days. And for those who will stay longer you will also find information on secret Seville and the Santa Cruz and Triana districts.


Cadiz


cadix cadiz cathedrale catedral cathedral cattedrale

Malaga


When you reach the Costa del Sol you will find in this link all must-sees in Malaga :


visiter-malaga-art-de-rue-place-juderia-proche-musee-picasso
Street art next to the Picasso Museum Malaga

Granada


Discover what to see in Granada, and visit the Albaicin and Sacromonte districts:


sacromonte-in-granada-view-on-alhambra-2

Cordoba


And of course, visit Cordoba, the caliphate city, and the Juderia district


visiter-cordoue-facade-sculptee-de-la-mosquee-cathedrale

Experiences to discover in the province of Málaga



Find more ideas for visits to authentic Andalusia: see the blog pages on Andalucia.


Here is the link to receive our newsletter from the andaluciamia.com blog


Here are the latest articles on Andalucia


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