Top 10 Things to do in Competa and beyond

When you book a stay in one of our town houses in beautiful Competa, you can opt for a wonderfully relaxed holiday, spending lazy days by the pool. Eating lunch at a local restaurant, or making simple tapas to be enjoyed at home.

Or you can choose to get out and about and enjoy one of the many activities! There are so many fantastic places to visit and things to do in Competa and on the Costa del Sol and throughout Andalucia. Isn’t it great to be spoilt for choice?

We made a list of our 10 favourite things to do in and around Competa, that guests are sure to love. Many have come from the recommendations of our previous guests; be sure to let us know which you enjoy.

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Cycling is a popular activity
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Canyoning, Kayaking and much more
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Competa Yoga
There are many great walks from Axarquia
There are many walking routes
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Wine tasting!
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Hanging Houses of Competa!

Top 10 Things to do

Viñuela, Spain

'Beautiful Video of Cómpeta (Axarquía - Málaga) - from Viaja Málaga'

Competa sits within the Axarquia region and it has been given the accolade, the ‘Pearl of the Axarquia’ and rightly so.  It is the perfect base to explore the many white pueblos of the Axarquia, each offering their own unique charm.

The Axarquia region, is found east of Malaga and derives its name from the Arabic meaning of ‘East’. Its capital is the bustling Velez-Malaga.  With the Mediterranean to the south and a mountainous region to the north providing shelter, the region with its sub-tropical temperatures is known for the best climate in Europe. Here in the white villages, you will find authentic Spain with its charm and culture originating from its varied past.  The beaches, unlike other parts of the Mediterranean coast are largely unspoilt and free of the urban developments that dominate the coastline.

They are all beautiful and lovely to visit, though many are very small so worth combining on a mini driving tour, where you can follow the Mudejar route or the route of Sun and Avocados for example, along with many others.

You can read about our tour from Vinuela to the surrounding white villages, including why we feel each of the pueblos deserves a visit.

 

Top 10 Things to do

El lugar El Acebuchal, Casa 23, 29788 Frigiliana, Málaga, Spain

Sitting in the foothills of the Sierras de Tejeda y Almijara, on the sun and wine route, Competa offers fabulous walking routes.  A favourite with visitors is the Lost Village of Acebuchal, which sits between Competa and its neighbour Frigiliana. A perfect route for the summer as much of it is in the shade and there is an opportunity to paddle along the way.  Stop off for lunch in the village and meet Antonio who is responsible for breathing new life into Acebuchal.

Top 10 Things to do

Plaza Almijara, 9, Cómpeta, Málaga, Spain

Competa, whilst having all the facilities you could want right on your doorstep, maintains the delightful charm of yesteryear. Traditions are very important to the Competeñans.  Annual fiestas are abundant, the Noche del Vino (Night of the Wine), Noche de Las Castanas (Night of the Chestnuts) have an incredible party atmosphere.  The special family celebrations of Semana Santa (Easter week) and Dia de Los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day) are our favourites.  At most events, free food and drink is generously provided by the Ayuntamiento (Town Hall).

The four-day Feria de Verano (Summer Fair) in July is a spectacular celebration. With a giant waterslide and a foam party on the Saturday, a traditional Romeria on the Sunday (see video above) and a funfair, dancing and music throughout the event.

Competa has a lively and varied music scene.  Throughout the summer there will be many live performances.  The three restaurants on Plaza Almijara, La Taperia, Restaurante Perico and Taberna Casa Paco all take it in turns to arrange live music at the weekends, on the stage in the square.  Additionally, many of the other restaurants also offer music and dance.  We keep you up to date on our Facebook page with all the upcoming events.

Top 10 Things to do

Calle Laberinto, 1, 29754 Cómpeta, Málaga, Spain

Considering the size of Competa, you will be surprised to know that you can eat out in a different restaurant every night of the week for a fortnight and still not have visited them all. Each restaurant offers a unique variety and selection. Vegan, GF and Vegetarian guests are all well catered for.  Watch out for our upcoming blog but in the meantime, take a look at our recent Facebook post.

The following restaurants come highly recommended by our guests and are all just minutes away from our townhouses.

Gilly and Gary run the bijou Bistro 6 along from Plaza Vendimia.  With their popular, fast changing menu from around the globe, booking is recommended. Telephone: +34 635 302 806

Dani and the team at El Pilon always offer great cocktails with a warm welcome, It’s a large restaurant with traditional décor and great views.  We recommend asking for a seat on the upper terrace – unless it is a live music event! Then you might want to be closer to the band and dancefloor! Telephone: + 34 952 553 512.

Paco and his team can be found at Casa Paco in the central Plaza Almijara, offering great tapas and a variety of main dishes.  Also, your hosts at Restaurante Cortijo Paco, a beautifully traditional restaurant with outstanding views. Telephone +34 635 467 788

Antonio and Belen are at El Recreo on Calla Rampa.  They have a great outdoor terrace, (perfect in winter or summer) and a really varied menu.  Their Ribero red wine is one of our favourites in the village. Tel: +34 952 615 043/634 324 173

Sergio and the team at El Pampano – have indoor and outdoor dining.  A varied menu including Sushi if you pre-order.  They often have a live music event. Tel: +34 951 832 810

We have many more suggestions, just ask if you are looking for something in particular!  You will be pleased to know that all of the restaurants feature in our guidebook as there is not a bad restaurant in Competa!

Top 10 Things to do

Plaza Almijara, 9, 29754 Cómpeta, Málaga, Spain

Competa, doesn’t have a large modern shopping centre! Instead, it offers wonderful boutique shops where locals proudly display their crafts.

Luikatcuero beside No 9 on the Plaza Almijara offers an amazing range of leather handcrafted goods.

La Bodega de Vino Competa is a wine shop which sits just along from No 9.  The shop belongs to Bodegas Almijara based just outside the village on Calle Canillas de Albaida.  You will find some lovely gift opportunities here.

La Boutique de Competa
La Boutique can be found towards the bottom of the village on Avenida de la Constitución (turn right when exiting the main car park). The shop front is deceiving, inside is a treasure trove over three floors - almost a mini department store. Shoes, handbags, baby clothes, kitchen wares, seasonal and local gifts - it is really worth a visit.

Casa de la Pasa, Cómpeta
Casa de la Pasa is also on Avenida de la Constitucion, however No 45 is heading in the other direction. Turn left out of the main car park, left at the junction and then right and the shop is on your left hand side. It sells a wealth of local goods, from dried fruits to olive oils and Competa wine along with locally made crafts such as handbags, baskets and straw animals such as donkeys and ceramics.

Additionally, as you wander the pretty tiled streets, you will find art galleries, shops selling hand-made soaps, rugs, pottery, honey and olive oil. There are also many multi craft shops selling traditional Spanish wares. You will also find a good range of supermarkets, fishmongers and grocers.  Oh, and a stop off at La Geleteria as you wander is a must for delicious ice cream.

Saturday is the day for the Competa Market on Avenida de la Constitucion. It is open from 10am to 2pm. Here they sell clothing, crafts, spices, pottery, fruit and much more.  It’s colourful and has a buzzy, lively atmosphere. Beside the market is Café Competa and this is where we stop for Churros.

Top 10 Things to do

Finca El Almendro, Pago Cuesta Robano, 29752 Sayalonga, Málaga, Spain

Bodegas Bentomiz is a vineyard run by Clara and André. Not only can you take a tour you can also enjoy a 3 or 5 course lunch with wine flight tasting menu.  We and our guests have been many times and always enjoyed the experience. They are the proud creators of many award-winning wines and you can also have lunch from their menu.

Throughout the season they also offer events both indoors and out, with live music on their terrace in the summer. Read more about them in our blog! We recommend taking a minibus from Competa, it is just over ten minutes’ drive.  At the time of writing the minibus is €20, so very economical for a group.

Top 10 Things to do

Calle Ruta del Pomelo, s/n, 29740 Vélez-Málaga, Málaga, Spain

'Las Playas de Nerja from Descubriendo Andaluciá'

The nearest beaches are 25-30 minutes from Competa.  Our favourite beaches are 35-40 minutes away in Nerja and Caleta de Velez.  It really depends what you want from your day trip to the beach.  But you are spoilt for choice, if sunbathing, gentle swimming, or naturist are what you are looking for, they are all close by. If you want a little more activity from your beach day the you can take varied boat tours from the pretty ports of Velez Malaga or La Herradura.

But if you want to play in the water, maybe kayaking the cliffs of Maro or Barranquismo (Canyoning) then we have trusted partners who can take care of you.  Monica and Cristian of Titan Aventura are experts in their field. Not sure what Barranquismo is – take a look here!

Everyone loves a waterpark, more fun can be found at the Aquavelis Water Park in Torre del Mar!

Top 10 Things to do

calle picasso, Competa Spain

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción (Church of our Lady of the Assumption) is the most important building in the town. It sits prominently on the main Plaza Almijara. Built in the 16th Century and later renovated after the earthquake of 1884. Its neo-Mudejar tower built in 1935 is a notable feature on the Competa skyline. Inside, sits a superb mural of the Assumption, completed in 1972 by Francisco Hernández.  There is a street named after the famous painter, Calle Paco Hernández. Paco is the name used for those given the name Francisco.

Also of interest are the Hermitages of San Antón and San Sebastián.  The town hall provides a great map, which follows the Route of the Mosaics. They depict life and various battles in and around Competa.

The Museo de Artes y Costumbres (Museum of Popular Arts and Customs) on Calle Horno has a wealth of information on the past. The guides at the entrance provided by the town hall are in several languages.

 

Top 10 Things to do

Vélez-Málaga

Competa is a very popular destination for cyclists who use the well tarmacked road to Competa and admire the astonishing views.  In fact, Cómpeta is the final destination in the annual Clasica del Pavo Bike Race each December.  The gruelling route is 53kms with an elevation of 1057m. Starting in Velez-Malaga, taking in Torrox Costa, Iznate, Cajiz, Torre del Mar, Algarrobo and Sayalonga before completing in Cómpeta.

Steve and Helen of CycleMalaga based in Competa are trusted suppliers of bike hire direct to your accommodation. They hire quality carbon road bikes, racing bikes, mountain bikes (including electric). We also have bike storage at No 17 that is available for all properties.

For something a little more sedate our friend Inez runs Competa Yoga and has a studio in town.  She can also offer private and online sessions. The studio currently offers yoga in the Vinyasa, Nidra and New Yin styles along with meditation classes.

There are many activities in and around Competa and we are happy to link you up with our trusted partners. We can help with jeep safaris, horse riding, painting classes, photography courses and of course organised day trips.

The lovely Maria and Cipri run Oletrips, a tour company for small groups.  Their knowledge is second to none and their air-conditioned minibuses are very clean and comfortable. They offer a large number of guided tours, including the Sun and Wine tour which takes in Competa.  You can even spend the day as a goat farmer or at a cookery class.

We only recommend partners that either we or friends have used, for further assurance please check out their high scores on Trip Advisor. For more information or to book, please contact us.

Top 10 Things to do

Calle Real de la Alhambra, s/n, 18009 Granada, Spain

'The Passion of Andalucia by the talented Brandon Li'

We absolutely adore Competa and all it has to offer. However, for a fascinating contrast we recommend a day out in one of the larger cities in the area.  Both of these cities though very different offer something in their own right.  The contrasting architecture in them depicts many periods of time in Spain’s history.

Visit Granada, at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range. It has many sides developed from its interesting past.  For an extraordinary cultural experience, we recommend visiting the Alhambra Palace, a marvellous Unesco World Heritage Site.

Málaga is absolutely our favourite European city and guests often tag on a night here at the beginning or end of their holiday. If you would like to, just let us know and we can put you in touch with one of our partners. With 571,000 inhabitants it offers a great additional insight to life in Spain. It has numerous galleries, the historic old town, an imposing cathedral and visiting the Christmas lights is high on everyone’s short list.