Casa Las Jaras

The Area – Location & Attractions

Costa del Sol · Málaga · Andalucía · Spain

Casa Las Jaras is ideally located in the heart of La Axarquía, one of the most diverse and charming regions of southern Spain.

☀️ Welcome to La Axarquía

La Axarquía literally means “the eastern part,” and it is indeed the most eastern district of the province of Málaga. A land where mountains meet the sea, it is full of contrasts, sunshine, and natural beauty. With over 320 days of sun a year, it’s perfect for exploring, relaxing, and enjoying the outdoors.

The region is dotted with authentic whitewashed mountain villages, full of charm, history, and local traditions, as well as coastal towns with lively promenades, beaches, and seaside gastronomy. The Sierra Tejeda-Almijara Natural Park offers hiking, climbing, and cave exploration, while La Maroma rises to 2,066 meters. Don’t miss the Nerja Caves, a subterranean world of stalactites and prehistoric art.

🏘️ Villages Near Casa Las Jaras

Salares: A peaceful village of 150 people. Most of the village is a labyrinth of narrow streets preserving traditional Arab architecture.
Archez: A village with strong Moorish roots and a mix of architectural styles.
Canillas de Albaida: Narrow, winding streets lead to the Ermita de Santa Ana, offering stunning views.
Cómpeta: Famous for its local wine and the lively Plaza Almijara, with a wide variety of bars and restaurants serving all kinds of food.
Canillas de Aceituno: A picturesque village perched on the edge of the Sierra de Tejeda. It’s the starting point for the El Saltillo hiking route and has several excellent local restaurants serving traditional Andalusian cuisine—a perfect stop for lunch after a morning walk.
Sayalonga: A charming village surrounded by vineyards and almond groves.
Torrox Pueblo: A traditional white village with whitewashed houses adorned with flowers. The village plaza is lively with cafés and tapas bars, and the surrounding hills offer beautiful views of the coast and mountains.
Comares: A white village perched 720 m above sea level, with houses following the hill’s rocky shape.
El Borge: Known as the raisin capital, this small village produces sweet Moscatel raisins and the famous Moscatel de Málaga wine.

🍷 Wine tasting & bodegas

Bodegas Bentomiz (Sayalonga) – Boutique winery with tastings, tours, and stunning views; also offers paired lunches.
Sedella Vinos (Sedella) – Artisan winery with small‑batch natural wines and personalized tasting experiences.
Bodegas Almijara / wine tours in Cómpeta – Traditional Moscatel producers; tastings and cellar visits available.

🍽️ Recommended Restaurants by Village

Salares: Bar Los Arcos – Local bar with a large terrace and parking right at the door.
Archez: Venta El Curro – Famous for its grilled meats (parrilla).
Canillas de Albaida: Posada La Plaza – Central restaurant with local cuisine. | Bar Cerezo – Good wine list and classic tapas.
Cómpeta: Bar Perico – Located in the lively Plaza Almijara, with a full range of food available. | Cortijo Paco – Restaurant with excellent views over the surrounding mountains and countryside.
Sayalonga: Mesón Morisco – Classic restaurant with local specialties. | El Ruano Restaurante Asador – Located just outside the village, offering excellent lunch and dinner options. Free parking available.
Sedella: Restaurante El Chiringuito — Quality restaurant offering traditional Axarquía dishes in a rustic, welcoming setting. Perfect for lunch or dinner.
Canillas de Aceituno: El Bodegón de Juan María – Classic local favorite renowned for its local dishes; a must‑visit for traditional Axarquía cuisine. | Restaurante La Sociedad – Another excellent traditional restaurant with local dishes.

🛍️ Open Markets (Mercadillos) — Authentic Local Life

The Axarquía region has weekly open‑air markets (“mercadillos”) most mornings, with local produce, crafts, clothing, olives, pottery, and more — a great way to mingle with locals and experience everyday life.

Monday: Torrox (pueblo & costa), Canillas de Albaida, Sedella.
Tuesday: Nerja, El Borge.
Wednesday: Archez, Algarrobo, Periana.
Thursday: Frigiliana, Vélez‑Málaga, Torre del Mar.
Friday: Sayalonga, Canillas de Aceituno.
Saturday: Cómpeta Mercadillo (Plaza de la Axarquía), Comares, Caleta de Vélez.

🌊 Coastal Escapes

Torre del Mar: Wide sandy beaches, a long promenade, and excellent seafood. Flat terrain makes it easy to explore.
Aquavelis Waterpark – Torre del Mar: The largest waterpark in La Axarquía, with over 20 attractions including high-speed slides, wave pools, and inflatable ring rides. Open daily mid-June to mid-September. aquavelis.es
Vélez-Málaga: Capital of La Axarquía. Visit La Fortaleza, a 13th-century castle with panoramic views and rich history.
Nerja: Beaches with powdery sand and clear water. Try water sports or stroll along the Balcón de Europa, a stunning promenade overlooking the Mediterranean.
Nerja Caves: Natural marvel with ancient cave paintings and a concert hall inside one of the caverns. cuevadenerja.es
Frigiliana: One of Andalusia’s most beautiful white villages, with cobbled streets, flower-filled balconies, and Moorish heritage. Explore the old quarter for stunning mountain and sea views, charming shops, tapas bars, and local crafts.
Torrox Pueblo: Authentic Andalusian white village with Moorish roots, narrow streets, and stunning viewpoints. A quieter alternative to the coastal area, perfect for a morning or afternoon stroll.
Caleta de Vélez Marina: Picturesque marina with a selection of excellent fish restaurants in the surrounding area. Ideal for enjoying fresh seafood with views of the Mediterranean.
Walk to Playa Cañuelo: Explore the natural site of the Acantilados de Maro, where the Sierra de Tejeda, Almijara, and Alhama meet the sea. Enjoy cliffs, pine forests, and beautiful beaches showcasing the region’s diverse landscapes.

🏛️ Málaga City Highlights

Malaga's Cathedral: Built between 1528 and 1782, known for its single tower. malagacatedral.com
Alcazaba & Gibralfaro Castle: Panoramic views over Málaga and the Mediterranean. alcazabaygibralfaro.malaga.eu
Muelle Uno: Open-air shopping and dining by the port. muelleuno.com
Centre Pompidou Málaga: Modern art museum. centrepompidou-malaga.eu
La Concepción Botanical Gardens: Tropical and subtropical flora from five continents. laconcepcion.malaga.eu
Mercado de Atarazanas: A colourful indoor market with a restored 14th-century Moorish gateway. mercadomalaga.es
Picasso Museum: One of the city’s iconic attractions. museopicassomalaga.org
CAC Málaga | Centre of Contemporary Art: A dynamic museum with regularly changing exhibitions.
Museum of Málaga – Palacio de la Aduana: The city’s main museum, combining archaeology and fine arts.
Carmen Thyssen Museum Málaga: Dedicated to 19th-century Andalusian romanticism. carmenthyssenmalaga.org
Collection from the Russian Museum, Málaga: A branch of the State Russian Museum of St. Petersburg. coleccionmuseoruso.es

🏞️ Nature & Excursions

El Saltillo Suspension Bridge – Canillas de Aceituno: A spectacular hiking trail connecting Canillas de Aceituno with Sedella. caminito-del-rey-de-la-axarquia.com
Río Chíllar – Nerja: A unique riverside hike through crystal-clear water, gorges, and rock pools. andalucia.com
Playa de Maro & Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural Area: Unspoiled beaches, cliffs, and pine forests.
El Torcal – Antequera: Europe’s most impressive karst landscape. torcaldeantequera.com
Ronda: Perched on the edge of El Tajo gorge, offering dramatic views and historic charm.
El Caminito del Rey: A restored cliffside walkway—now safe, but still thrilling. caminitodelrey.info

🐾 Wildlife & Family Fun

Bioparc Fuengirola: Immersive zoo with natural‑style habitats. BIOPARC Fuengirola
Selwo Aventura – Estepona: Safari‑style animal park with over 2,000 animals. Selwo Aventura
Sea Life – Benalmádena: Underwater aquarium with a wide range of marine species. Sea Life
Monowa - Butterfly Park (Benalmádena): A tropical paradise where you can walk among 1,500+ exotic butterflies. mariposariodebenalmadena.com
Crocodile Park (Torremolinos): Fascinating reptile park with hundreds of crocodiles. cocodrilospark.com
Selwo Marina – Benalmádena: Marine life park with penguins, sea lions, and interactive experiences. Selwo Marina
Parque de la Paloma – Benalmádena: Beautiful public park with lakes, gardens, and free‑roaming animals.

🕌 Granada Highlights

The Alhambra Palace: A masterpiece of Moorish art and architecture. alhambradegranada.org
Granada Cathedral & Royal Chapel: Grand Renaissance cathedral in the historic centre. catedraldegranada.com
Albaicín Quarter: Historic Moorish neighbourhood with narrow winding streets and stunning views of the Alhambra.

🕌 Seville Highlights

Reales Alcázares: Stunning royal palace blending Mudéjar, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. alcazarsevilla.org
Seville Cathedral & La Giralda: One of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world. catedraldesevilla.es
Plaza de España & Parque de María Luisa: Iconic semicircular plaza, ideal for walking and photography.
Barrio Santa Cruz: Historic Jewish quarter with narrow winding streets and charming plazas.

🕌 Córdoba Highlights

Mezquita‑Cathedral of Córdoba: Córdoba’s most iconic landmark, blending a stunning Moorish mosque with a Renaissance cathedral. mezquita-catedraldecordoba.es
Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos: Historic fortress and palace with beautiful gardens. turismodecordoba.org
Jewish Quarter (Judería): Labyrinth of narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and artisan shops.
Patios of Córdoba: Famous for the city’s flower-filled courtyard patios, especially during the annual Patio Festival in May.