One of the most picturesque and stunning towns in Andalucia is located in the Axarquía area sitting proud 700 metres above sea level.The town is Competa and the town benefits from some of the most amazing views of the Mediterranean coastline

The town is ideally located as a place to stay for exploring the region as it is less than 1 hour from Malaga Airport and the coast but also close to the inland areas of both Malaga and granada provinces.

The new Motril bypass makes accesing this gem of a town much easier

The town is becoming more and more popular with foreign nationals as a second or perminant home and this influx has had a positive impact on the town.

Competa is probably most famous for its locally produced wine which comes in both a sweet or dry versions and every year on the 15th August the town plays host to the Noche del Vino (Night of the Wine) . On this day the town folk and visitors enjoy a programme of flamenco and sevillana music and dance, plus plenty of free-flowing wine

There is an excellent in the town municipal market with a fresh daily supply of meat fish and vegetables

The main attraction of the town centres around the Plaza Almijara where the Church of the Asunción datingfrom the Sixteenth century church dominates the square and you will also fine a good selection of bars and restaurants

The town is a stunning example of the traditional whitewashed towns that are to be found accross Andalucia and has a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets that date back to Moorish times

The surounding countryside is beautiful and is littered with traditional old farmhouses, mainy of which have been renovated in recent years

The town is a great base for nature lovers and the towns proximity to the national park and the Sierras Almijara and Tejeda which are located to the north of the village provide some stunning walking and hiking options with autum winter and spring been the best times to enjoy the countryside. During the Summer months is gets very hot and walking is not recommende

Some of the more popular walks in Competa
Trial walk Competa (640 meters)
Canillas de Albaida (640 meters)
Archez (330 meters)
Competa-Observation hut (1139 meters)
Rio Torrox (430 meters)
Competa-Puerto Blanquillo (1208 meters)
Fabrica de Luz-Competa (7 hours)
Canillas de Aceituno (630 meters)
La Maroma (2067 meters)
Salares (610 meter)

There are some rules of the Sierras mountains that need to be followed
1. From May to October it hardly ever rains so everything is very dry, so never throw away cigarette ends on your walks and never make a fire in the national park.
2. The weather in the mountains can change very quickly, so don’t walk alone, especially not on the higher walks. Always take a compass, a good map and extra waterproof clothing with you.
3. Always take abundant drinking water and sun protection.
4. Always wear good walking shoes and long trousers.

On most walks you can enjoy some truly unforgettable views. If the weather is clear, you can look south see as far as Africa and the Atlas mountains of Morocco, and Gibraltar, as well as the Sierra Nevada in the eas

It is a beautiful town and is well worth a visit even if it is just for the day but a short break is best as there is so much on offer

Thwere is a bus servioce that runs from Málaga Bus Station To the town with the following departure times:
On weekdays at 11.30 AM, 13.15 PM and 18.30 PM.
On Saturdays and public holidays at 13.15 PM and 18.30 PM.
On Sundays at 10.30 AM and 21.00 PM.

A one way bus ticket Málaga-Cómpeta costs around € 7 per person. The one way fare by taxi from Málaga airport to Cómpeta costs around € 60.