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Competa is a beautiful white washed Andalusian village nestled within the Axarquia region of Southern Spain. It sits amidst the magnificent mountainous landscapes of the Sierra Almijara Tedeja National Park. On clear days it affords views right down to the Mediterranean and beyond to the distant shores of Morocco. Competa is a car journey of about an hour (53 kilometres) from the centre of Malaga, located 20 kilometres north of the Algarrobo Costa coastline. With the coast so handy, there are loads of opportunities to experience the more modern and contemporary side of Andalusia. |
Competa itself is steeped in Moorish history and culture. Its narrow, winding, streets and noisy squares are typical of its Moorish roots.
Tourism of the last few years has brought a more modern lifestyle and some prosperity to Competa; along with a stream of tourist eager to experience the colourful life of an authentic Spanish Village. Young people now prefer cars and motorbikes as a means of transport rather than mules, whereas the older Andalusians still use mules. Generally there is great tolerance in the populace toward mixing old traditions side by side with the development of modern trends – a sign of Competa’s incessant history, ensuring the village stays young and vibrant at heart. |
Natural surroundings
If natural beauty is your particular cup of tea, then Competa together with the Axarquia region are just perfect for you.
The village is surrounded by green terraces of olive groves, almond and avocado trees and grape vines; limited only by the pine forests of the Almijara Tejeda National Park above.
It is still very much part of local farming to see farmers and their dogs leading goat herds to fresh grazing spots along the sides of the mountains and farmers ploughing their land with mules.
The National Park comprises 4,000 hectares of wildlife reserve with some peaks rising to as high as 2,000 metres above sea level. The area is particularly popular with wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers, who come to view in wonder at the wild boar, and the majestic buzzards which roam the clear skies.
The Park also offers spectacular walks providing hikers/walkers with the opportunity to get to know extreme landscapes; fast flowing streams running through woods of oleander and pine on one side and jagged, dry, mountains on the other.
Stunning views of the mountains and the Mediterranean together with the subtle fragrances of wild herbs/flowers in the clear air turns every walk into an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Beaches
Tranquil seas and sandy beaches stretch along a coastline of approximately 20 kilometres to the north of Malaga and are some of the most beautiful the province has to offer.
Cuisine and Dining
The hub of the village is dominated by it’s 16th century church and a charming plaza with restaurants, street-cafés, shops and a bank. Most times the square is crowded with people having a latte, a chat or just going about their normal business. At first, the scene may appear loud and noisy to the reserved northern Europeans, but they soon discover that this jolly approach to life is typical of the Andalusian lifestyle. The warmth of the local people is a never ending invitation to visitors to stay longer. Throughout the year there are various “fiestas” in the village with local flamenco dancing and music. |
The Noche del Vino is known throughout Spain for its fun and festivities, with people coming from far and wide to celebrate. The festival always take place on the 15th August in the middle of the peak tourist season.
Typical cuisine of the area consists of meats, rice and seafood, combined with delicious fresh, local fruit and vegetables. Competa has a varied choice of cafes, tapas bars and restaurants to choose from, whether you fancy a formal or informal meal. In many of the more traditional tapas bars you can order a glass of rioja or a small bottle of wine which come with complimentary tapas. |
Climate
Competa enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year and has a sub-tropical Mediterranean climate of hot summers and warm winters. The proximity of the village to the sea allows refreshing cooling breezes to flow during the summer months. In winter the tops of the mountains in the surrounds are often snow-capped, which is a beautiful sight to behold, particularly in the far south of Europe.
Facts about Competa
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