Costa Del Sol - Inland: More Information
Canillas de Aceituno
Located in the foothills of the Sierra Tejeda mountains and crowned by the towering Maroma peak with a height of 6.744 feet, (2.065 metres ) snowcapped in winter, Canillas de Aceituno enjoys an incomparable setting in the hinterland of the Axarquia region. Its location between the valley of the Almachares river and the mountains slopes gives it a mild and healthy climate. The village, on the perimeter of the Siera Almijara Wildlife Reserve, is secluded but easily reached from the coast. A twenty minute drive takes you to or from the new coastal motorway which passes a little to the south of Velez-Malaga. The bustling seaside town of Torre del Mar can be reached in less than half an hour and the airport is an hour´s drive away. As you approach the village from the coast through vineyards, almond and olive groves and irrigated orchards of avocado, mango and chirimoya trees, the view of Canillas de Aceituno is breathtaking: it stands out dramatically white against the impressive backdrop of the Sierra Tejeda. From many points in the village and the surrounding countryside there are spectacular views of the mountains, the lake at Viñuela and the Mediterranean.
This whitewashed village has a typically Moorish layout of narrow winding streets with flower bedecked balconies and cool, charming plazas. Arches and alleyways delight the eye and lead you to delightful flower perfumed hideaways. Small shops and popular bars and restaurants are to be found in the most unlikely corners of the town and friendly local people go about their daily business in a relaxed, unhurried way. There is always time to sit and enjoy a chat, a glass of wine and a tapa.
Canillas de Aceituno owes it name to the two civilizations which were here for the longest periods of time. The Romans named it Cannillae which means an area of small cane groves and the Moors added Al-Zaytun which means dyed natural silk, because of the quantity and quality of the silk produced in the village. Many of the old buildings here bear testimony to the importance of the silk industry many centuries ago. From the Calzada street you can still see part of the original Moorish stronghold and the remains of the medieval walls which defended the village. The 16th century church of Our Lady of the Rosary was built in the Gothic-Mudejar style over the remains of an ancient mosque. The arches of the entrance to the mosque can still be seen in the façade that gives onto calle Olivo.
Nature has been generous with its gifts to Canillas de Aceituno. There is an endless list of attractions for holidays or permanent living here. Mountaineering and cycling enthusiasts can enjoy the treats in store for them while simple nature lovers can take to the paths which lead to well known beauty spots right in the heart of the National Park. They may be able to spot golden eagles in flight or see wild mountains goats on the slopes. Painters and photographers will find much to inspire them. For the more adventurous and daring there is a path which curves and zigzags up from the town to the summit of La Maroma peak, the highest in the province of Malaga.
The local cuisine is basically influenced by Moorish tradition and the local produce, it is simple but substantial. Delight your palate with gazpacho and moscatel grapes or ajoblanco, a cold soup made of almonds and garlic, or perhaps migas, a dish of fried breadcrumbs or maybe fennel stew and roast kid in almond sauce, to mention a few dishes in a long list of simple culinary delights.
Why not take the motorway or coastal road to Torre del Mar or Velez and turn north past the Viñuela lake towards the mountains ? You will soon see the name of the village on the road signs, Canillas de Aceituno.
Benamargosa
This lovely village is very conveniently situated only 10 kilometres from the bustling town of Velez-Malaga and 46 kilometres from the provincial capital, Malaga. The town is 96 metres above sea level and has a population of about two thousand people. The Benamargosa river flows past the village nearby and the fertile river valley is planted with groves of subtropical fruit trees as well as the traditional olive, almond, orange and lemon trees and extensive areas of vineyards. It is a veritable green oasis set in arid countryside. As the name of the town indicates it was established by Arabs many centuries ago and similar to all the towns of the Axarquia region it is steeped in history.
The charm of the old part of the village is enhanced by flower bedecked doorways and windows and small shady plazas with bubbling fountains. This historic part of the village is the setting for the architectural jewel of Benamargosa, the Encarnación church, the construction of which was started in the 16th century. Recently, many of the village houses have been renovated in harmony with the old world charm of the town. Shops, banks, popular bars and restaurants cater for the needs of the small population.