The region of “Axarquia” is situated on the East side of Malaga and comprises of 31 coastal and inland villages. This “unspoilt area” has only become popular over the past 20 years yet still retains it´s tradition and style.
The scenery is stunningly beautiful and features whitewashed mountain villages, valleys full of tropical fruits due to it´s micro climate including mangos, avocados, oranges and lemons, beautiful wide open beaches plus the breathtaking Lake Viñuela set within the heart of Axarquia.
The entire area of Axarquia is located between 30 to 50 minutes drive from Malaga airport which offers international flights all year round at extremely competitive prices… even in the high season!
Such great accessibility and such a short distance from the airport means you can easily take advantage of weekend and mini breaks.
The public transport is excellent with hourly buses running from Malaga to Velez Malaga (the capital of Axarquia) and costing only 2.70 euros! Most inland villages have buses 3 times per day.
This beautiful unspoilt area on the Costa del Sol attracts visitors all year round in search of “True Spain”. The dramatic landscape and National Parks offer superb hiking and walking routes. Cycling enthusiasts flock to the area to watch the famous annual “La Vuelta” whilst the pretty whitewashed villages with traditional cobbled streets offer beautiful plazas to enjoy a refreshing cerveza and a local tapa.
The long wide beaches enjoy numerous “chiringuitos” specialising in fresh seafood and the traditional “espetos” – barbecued sardines.
Due to the fact there is very little tourism within Axarquia and the population is predominantly Spanish, living costs are kept extremely low. A three course meal “menu of the day” in a restaurant only costs approx. 9 euros and a glass of wine is just 2 euros!
The micro climate in Axarquia means you can enjoy excellent weather all year round. A typical winter´s day is approx. 16-18 degrees making the perfect destination to enjoy some winter sunshine!
Axarquia is the perfect area for all ages and for those looking to integrate into the Spanish lifestyle and culture.
The coastal towns offer numerous bars, shops, restaurants and nightlife plus the town of Torre del Mar boasts the longest promenade in Europe stretching 3.5 kms lined with chiringuitos and a cycle lane. Summer months draw activities to the wide open beaches enjoying yoga and Zumba classes, volleyball and football. Every July hosts the annual Weekend Beach Festival with headliners including David Guetta and The Black Eyed Peas as well as the free international airshow.
The 31 pretty white villages all host an annual feria/festival throughout the year where visitors/locals enjoy free tapas of paella/ traditional dishes and local wine.
Velez Malaga is the capital of Axarquia, full of charm, nostalgia and culture. This bustling town features the historical area centred around the 14th century fortress and offers a theatre, art exhibitions, recitals, traditional flamenco/guitar plus the recently renovated gastro market offering numerous tapas bars and live music events.
Lake Viñuela is located only 20 minutes from the coast and is perfect for sports enthusiasts including kayaking, wind surfing, paddle boarding, cycling, hiking and horse riding.
Granada province is only a 30 minute drive and the City of Granada is just an hour by car. Within Axarquia you can sit on the beach basking in sunshine in the morning and ski in Granada´s Sierra Nevada in the afternoon!
Traditional whitewashed village houses with courtyards or roof terraces start from approx. 40,000 euros, country fincas, cortijos and villas start from approx. 125,000 euros and inland villas on small urbanisations start from 180,000 euros. Coastal prices begin at 160,000 euros for a townhouse and villas start from approx. 260,000 euros.
- Why people choose Axarquía above other areas of Spain when considering living or retiring to the sun.
Boasting a sub-tropical climate which offers a yearly average of 18 degrees and recorded as “The best climate in Europe”.
The only “tourist “areas of Axarquia are Nerja and Torrox, which means residents can integrate fully within the Spanish lifestyle and culture.
Due to the fact there are very few “tourist areas” within Axarquia and the area is predominantly Spanish, the cost of living is significantly lower than other areas of Spain.
Many Expats have family in the UK, so their need to return, often quickly, is a factor. Malaga is one of Spain’s busiest and largest Airports. It doesn’t close in the winter months and benefits from being less than 1 hour from Axarquia, offering numerous flights, every hour, flying to the UK.
Within a maximum of 1 hour travelling to the Coast from any location, Axarquia offers a stunning and large variety of views including lake, mountains, picturesque white villages and the amazing coastline and sea. Whatever your personal preference, Axarquia has everything!
Protected by mountains from the Spanish north winds, Axarquia enjoys mild winters perfect to revitalise aching bones and lessen pain. It’s sub-tropical climate is perfect for growing fruits including mangos, avocados, giant strawberries plus aubergines, artichokes and many other fruit and vegetables, making Axarquia a cook´s paradise!
Within the area are many traditional Spanish villages, so the year is filled with many festivals, ferias and celebrations, almost on a weekly basis. Within only an hours´ drive you can enjoy: * Sunbathing on the beaches or skiing on slopes in Granada (within the same day). * Over 25 top quality Golf courses * 5 Marinas for fishing, boat trips, water skiing, diving or dolphin watching.* Tourist attractions, including the Alhambra, El Torcal, The Dolmens and much more.
80% of life in Axarquia is spent outdoors. Wine and beer is brewed locally and is exceptionally cheap. Fresh fish and fresh vegetables are plentiful, so eating and drinking is a major past time in the region. It is usual when you buy a drink, you receive a free “tapa”. Living amongst the local Spanish whose main occupation is farming means you will often discover free vegetables, fruit and freshly laid eggs on your doorstep. Due to the superb weather, so much is produced and the Spanish enjoy sharing with their neighbours as gifts.
Although there are no trains, Axarquia offers possibly the best Autobus network in Spain. Many people who live in Axarquia do not feel the need to drive due to the excellent public transport. All autobuses have air-conditioning and the fare is extremely cheap. Taxis for short journeys are much cheaper here than in the UK and there are many Clubs and Societies that organise excursions to different attractions. For cyclists and those that ride motorbikes, there are many cycle paths and routes, dependent on how adventurous you are. Many of the routes are used by the Vuelta a España (Tour de Spain).
Whatever your budget, whatever your dream home or view, Axarquia has everything for you and MUCH more. Ranging from million pound beach front properties, to small white painted village houses, to farmhouses with secluded guest houses and set within spectacular countryside and breathtaking locations means that whatever your dream…you will definitely find within Axarquia.
COASTAL AXARQUIA
The coastal towns of Axarquia stretch from Rincón de la Victoria to the west and Nerja to the east. These fantastic towns offer numerous bars, shops, restaurants and nightlife plus the town of Torre del Mar boasts the longest promenade in Europe stretching 3.5 kms lined with chiringuitos and a cycle lane. Nerja and Torrox are the only major tourist towns; therefore there is plenty of opportunity to experience “real Spain”
Summer months draw activities to the wide open beaches enjoying yoga and Zumba classes, volleyball and football. Every July, Torre del Mar hosts the annual Weekend Beach Festival with headliners including David Guetta and The Black Eyed Peas as well as the free international airshow.
INLAND AXARQUIA
The idyllic countryside of inland Axarquia is home to 31 picturesque white villages. Whilst exploring this unspoilt region, why not enjoy some adventure sports such as kayaking, paddle boarding and zip wire, plus hiking and cycling in the Natural Park and throughout the beautiful countryside. Each year, the famous “La Vuelta de España” passes through our beautiful region. The majority of these traditional villages are only a short drive from bustling beaches and an hour from the ski slopes of Sierra Nevada.
Each village hosts an annual feria/festival throughout the year where visitors/locals enjoy free tapas of paella/ traditional dishes and local wine.