The inland village of Sayalonga is located in the magnificent La Axarquía region just 38 kilometres from the capital of Málaga and 12 from Vélez Málaga. .The surrounding countryside is made up of mountains that are steep and rugged but not very high. La Rábita (672 meters), followed by the peak of El Mercado (638 meters), in the outlying township of Corumbela are the two highest points in the surrounding area.

The village is made up of different areas which are a separate village, Corumbela, in its northern part that takes up 20 per cent of the municipal territory and the curious outlying hamlet of Carraspite in the south, which is made up of a good number of small farmhouses that are only occupied between August and September during the season of greatest agricultural activity.

The village is undoubtedly Arabic in origin although there is evidence of Roman or Visigothic origins.

The Santa Catalina parish church, which dates from the sixteenth century on the site of a former mosque sits on the highest point in the town.
The exterior of the church is extremely simple but is notable for its square-based tower with its octagonal second level with semicircular arches. The San Antón chapel, which houses an eighteenth century polychrome wooden carving, is separate from the church.

The district of Corumbela sprawls over a hill and offers the visitor the chance to admire the San Pedro church, which was also built over a Muslim mosque. It preserves the slender minaret, which the Christians adapted as a bell tower. This Mudéjar-style church is of great architectural simplicity, with a single nave covered by a beautiful coffered ceiling.

The cemetery is more picturesque than artistic or decorative. The peculiar thing about this small graveyard is its circular shape and vaulted tombs, features so unusual that they can’t help but attract attention.

Hikers and trail walkers will find some interesting routes including one that goes around the La Rábita hill. To go along this route you must go down to the Lomas de Méndez hills, and from there, up to the top of La Rábita.

There is also a route that starts right in the middle of town and, following the river part of the way, leads to Corumbela

There is also a facinating archaeological route which passes by such extremely interesting sites as Batahiz, where an Arabic cistern is preserved, and the Piedra de los Metales (Stone of the Méndez Metals) from Méndez

More information on these routes and other tourist information can be found at the tourist office.

In May a festival takes place to celebrate -the excellence of the níspero (medlar), a fruit that acquires extraordinary quality in this district.In addition to nísperos, many other local products are consumed accompanied by a suitable beverage, usually the exquisite local wine.

On the 7th and 8th of september The “fogatas de la Candelaria” or “Lumbres” (the “Candelaria bonfires” or simply “the fires”), takes place during the grape harvest. These fires are usually set at the doors of farmhouses, which are all occupied on these dates. Participants gather around the fire and sing, dance, dine, and drink, and those who remember them intone a few ancient “verdiales” (traditional Andalusian tunes). Aguardiente (raw brandy) with “garbanzos tostaos” (roasted chickpeas) is the drink par excellence during these celebrations.

The he Virgen del Rosario patron saint pilgrimage on 7 October. On that day, the Virgin is conveyed from the parish church to a place outside of town called El Lavadero, next to the River Algarrobo. The journey is made amid incessant fireworks, and once the pilgrims are assembled at the chosen place, there is an exciting paella show while a band enlivens the day with music. The outing ends at sundown and once back in town the Virgin is borne through the main streets. The fiesta concludes with a final resounding string of fireworks.

The town’s fair generally coincides with the last weekend in July, before the people go to the farmhouses for the grape harvest. There are verbenas (street fairs), musical events and sports competitions.

Tourist Information: Tourism Office, 2 Constitución Plaza (29752). Telephone: 952 535 206; Fax: 952 535 206