8 Great Things to do in Cómpeta
Welcome to Cómpeta and the surrounding area in the Axarquía region Spain
In the white Andalusian village of Cómpeta, with its Moorish influences, you can be transported back in time. You can see the farmers still harvest the almonds, olives, grapes, and raisins as their forefathers did before. This is a lively and welcoming town that has retained the old charm of Andalucia, where genuine hospitality towards its visitors can be felt.
There are spectacular walks into the mountainous national parks where Andalucia´s uniquely varied wildlife can be enjoyed.
There are plenty of things to do in Cómpeta. The numerous bars and restaurants in and around the village provide a variety of good food, tapas, and local wine.
The video below is showing a small insight into what you can find in Cómpeta. Watch the video and then read the text underneath to know more about the places that appear in it, I am sure you will then watch the video again..
When you come up the mountain road from Torre del Mar, you will see a tribute to the muleteer (person who drives the mule) this is known as the Homenage al Arriero and you are greeted with “Welcome” in several languages.
As you turn the corner you are met for the first time with a fantastic panoramic view of the white-washed village of Cómpeta, which is just as impressive in the evening (you can see in the photo above).
If you come up the mountain road from Torrox this is your first view of the village. This is the Mirador El Portichuelo, the original viewpoint of Cómpeta which has now been transformed in the style of Gaudi.
Next, you come to Plaza Vendimia where there is a tribute statue of the grape picker (Homenage al Vendimiador) this is where they enact the crushing of the grapes on Noche del Vino on 15th August.
You are also right by the hanging houses (Casas Colgadas) yet another spectacular view day and night.
Two minutes walk away you can be in Grandparents Corner (Rincon de los Abuelos) a small meeting place where the elderly are known to sit.
Finally you are in Plaza Almijara and by the side of the church (Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Asunion) where you can see the history of Cómpeta (paseo de tradiciones de competa)
There is plenty more to see that is not covered in the video, such as crematorio de Cómpeta Malaga and Museo de Artes y Costumbres.
Cómpeta is nestled 700 metres above sea level in the Sierra Almijara, perched upon a hillside with picturesque views. A delightful medium-sized white Spanish village only a 50 Minute drive from Malaga airport and the city centre. It is one of Andalucia’s famous white villages also known as Pueblo Blancos – the whitewashed walls reflect the beautiful summer sun, on doors, windows and walls throughout Competa town.
Check out the weekly weather forecast for Cómpeta – HERE .
Festivals and Ferias
An afternoon of fun in the foam party, check out the blog Come and join in the fun
Cómpeta’s feria starts on Thursday evening with a spectacular firework display about 10:00 pm.
Usually at 8:00 am on Friday morning you will hear fireworks going off letting all the villagers know it is the start of the next day of the feria, and they carry on letting single fireworks off all day and night, and when you think the music has quietened down you suddenly will be woken again (that is if you have gone to bed) with more fireworks again at 8:00 am again letting you know it is the start of the next day.
Cómpeta has a foam party in one of the main squares which is awesome and fun for all the family, I love it and I always get in the middle of the fun every year.
Cómpeta also has a greasy pole competition (not tried that one yet)
During the evenings there are live groups to entertain everyone. I have been here for years and have not managed to stay out every night or go to all the daytime events, I usually go out at 11:00 pm and come home about 06:30 am
On Sunday (known as Romany day) the villagers who have horses meet in the main square in their local dress and then slowly ride around the village and finally end up at the Ermita by the crematorium.
Stay young at heart
Each village will arrange some events that go on all day and night catering for all age groups.
During the months of June through to September, you will always be able to find a village holding their feria which is a weekend of live music, funfairs, fireworks and plenty of the local vino flowing.
If you come to stay in July and miss Cómpeta’s feria never mind you can always go to Sayalonga, Archez, Corumbela or Canillas Ferias.
Noche del Vino
Noche del Vino is Cómpeta’s famous wine festival. It is always held on the 15th August and the date never changes. It is a local celebration in Cómpeta of the start of the crushing of the grapes season. (During August you will find plenty of grapes to eat at Villa Andalucia, but we have not had the chance to make our own wine yet). About midday you can see some of the locals carrying the basket of grapes on their heads and the local band playing music whilst they walk to Plaza Vendimia, where they put on a display of crushing the grapes by foot to their local songs.
There is free Vino flowing all day long and also free migas (garlic and breadcrumb fried up in huge paella dish). The local children are dressed in their flamenco gear and put a show on in the same square, also one the local groups will do a few acts as well. There is also a street market where you can buy local goods.
If you are not drunk and can manage to stay out all day and night (we haven’t managed yet) there are some awards presented by the local mayor in the evening and more dancing in the main square.
Check out this blog Noche del Vino
Sierra Almijara
Cómpeta village is surrounded by 4,000 hectares of a wildlife reserve, the Sierra Almijara, with peaks as high as 2,068 metres. You can walk directly from our villa into the park and immediately start to spot some of the spectacular local wildlife; Booted Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, Eyed Lizards, Chameleons, and the amazing Hoopoe bird(which has also been spotted in our garden).
Check out the Activities page to find out more information on bird watching in Andalucía or going on individual walks in the Natural Park plus plenty more.
The Coast and Its Beaches
The Costa del Sol is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with its miles of beautiful sandy beaches and fantastic weather which have kept tourists flocking back year after year. However the busiest resorts are found to the South of Malaga, the coast near us (to the North East of Malaga) is still as spectacular but it is also unspoiled.
If you can spare the time during your stay, take a day to drive back down to the coast but turn left rather than right towards Malaga and take either the motorway or coast road. The scenery is amazing and there are loads of places to stop off and take pictures or you can find your way down to one of the many secluded beaches.
Check out Villa Andalucía’s Beach Package
Everything you need to have for a day on the beach.
Nerja
Nerja is a picturesque yet lively coastal town 40 minutes away. Maro is a small village next to Nerja between them they have a total of 13 kms of beaches and coves. Dotted along the beaches you will find the small family-run Chiringuitos where you can get an abundance of freshly barbequed sardines (Espetos) for about €6, plus all locally caught fish.
The famous Caves of Nerja (Cuevas de Nerja) were only discovered in 1960 – which is very surprising as they are huge and only a few minutes outside of Nerja. We recommend that you visit these spectacular caverns, if you are lucky you may be able to catch one of the concerts or ballets that are put on inside the caves themselves. The caves are open all year, great to go to on a rainy day.
Frigiliana, is another inland white-washed village close to Nerja and is also worth a visit in its own right. There are about 200 bars/restaurants in and around Nerja.
Amusement Parks
Aquavelis is the nearest waterpark to Cómpeta, only 40 minutes away in Torre del Mar.
Great selection of rides for all ages from toddlers to adults (who might want to go on the kamikaze an 80m slide.)
The park is open from June to September.
VRFUN is a virtual reality park which can be found next to Aquavelis.
Here you can experience taking part in games or explore the ocean floor, ride a roller coaster, fly a plane, drive a racing car or combat space drones. There are multiplayer games too.
This part of the park is open all year round.
Other Towns
Malaga has a lovely old town full of atmospheric basement tapas bars and pretty squares. Visit the magnificent bullring and the Moorish fort for wonderful views of the city. Malaga has a hop on hop off bus service offering 10 % discount on other City tours www.malaga-tour.com. Vialia Estacion Maria Zambran is the capital’s largest and newest train station and shopping centre which is well worth a visit and open on Sundays and bank holidays, it has a free car park.
Almunécar, an hour’s drive away, is also worth a visit. You can go on a historic tour to see the small palace or a nature tour to see exhibits of over 1,500 tropical birds. Stop off at La Herradura or Marina del Este on the way both wonderful places to visit.
