andalucia right on your doorstep
Mountains one way. Mediterranean the other.
One of the pleasures of staying at La Finca is deciding what sort of day you fancy.
The choice is always yours.
La Finca sits beside Canillas de Albaida in the foothills of the Sierra Almijara, with Cómpeta and Árchez close by, the coast within easy reach and Málaga around an hour away.
Head into the mountains and follow trails through the Sierra Almijara. Wander the whitewashed streets of nearby villages. Hire a bike and take on the winding roads of the Axarquía. Spend the day beside the Mediterranean, explore Nerja and its famous caves, or go a little further and make a day of Málaga.
And if none of that appeals, there's always the pool.
The difficult bit isn't finding something to do. It's deciding what to leave until next time.
If you’re heading out to explore, we’ve gathered a few ideas below to get you started. And if you need a little local help - a taxi, somewhere good to eat or simply a recommendation - just ask. We’re always happy to point you in the right direction.
START CLOSE TO HOME
Three villages.
Plenty of reasons to wander.
Canillas de Albaida
Right beside La Finca, Canillas de Albaida is a little white village with winding streets, traditional houses and a relaxed village square. Wander up for a coffee, explore at your own pace and enjoy a glimpse of everyday life in this corner of Andalucía.
Cómpeta
A little further along the mountain road, Cómpeta is known for its winding streets, lively plaza and long association with local wine. With shops, bars and restaurants to explore, it’s an easy place to while away a few hours.
Árchez
Tiny, peaceful and full of Andalusian character, Árchez sits in the valley below Cómpeta. Its narrow streets, whitewashed houses and distinctive Mudéjar tower make it well worth a wander - perhaps with lunch along the way.
walk into the mountains
The Sierra starts here.
La Finca sits at the edge of the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama, a landscape of mountain paths, deep valleys and views stretching towards the Mediterranean. You can make walking as much or as little a part of your stay as you like: a gentle wander between villages, a morning in the hills or a proper day out on the trails.
The wider area is crossed by established walking routes, including the Gran Senda de Málaga, while nearby Frigiliana also publishes nine official routes through the Natural Park at varying levels. Frigiliana Tourism
And, of course, if walking is the reason you're coming rather than simply something you'd like to do while you're here, La Finca also hosts dedicated walking holidays.
AND THEN THERE'S MÁLAGA
City day
Culture, lunch and a little civilisation. About an hour from La Finca, Málaga gives you a completely different kind of day.
The historic centre is compact enough to explore on foot, with the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle overlooking the city, alongside museums, galleries, shops, restaurants and the waterfront. The Alcazaba remains one of Spain's important surviving fortified complexes, with elements dating back to its earliest Islamic construction and later Nasrid alterations.
Go for the architecture and culture. Stay for lunch. Accidentally stay for dinner.
HEAD FOR THE SEA
Nerja and the coast
When the mountains have had enough of your attention, the Mediterranean isn't far away.
Nerja makes an easy day out for beaches, lunch by the sea and a wander through town. Nearby Maro gives you another stretch of coastline to explore.
And then there's the Cueva de Nerja. The cave is one of the area's major natural attractions and is protected as a Site of Cultural Interest. The visitor cave forms part of a much larger cave system extending for almost five kilometres.
While you're here
TWO WHEELS. some pretty GOOD ROADS.
See Andalucia by bike
Quiet mountain roads, sweeping descents, white villages, olive and almond groves and some decidedly serious climbs make the Axarquía a brilliant place to explore by bike.
Cycle Malaga offers road, gravel and electric bike hire as well as guided and private tours. Its local Village Loop tours take in inland white villages, coastal scenery and mountain landscapes, while private rides can be tailored to ability and requirements. Bikes can also be delivered directly to holiday accommodation.
Closer still, Cómpeta by e-bike offers e-bike hire from Cómpeta - rather handy if you'd like the scenery without quite such an intimate relationship with every hill.
one for the wine lovers
Taste the Axarquía
Wine has been part of life in the Axarquía for centuries, with the region particularly known for its Moscatel grapes and distinctive local wines.
You don’t have to travel far from La Finca to discover them. Bodegas Almijara sits between Cómpeta and Canillas de Albaida, while Bodegas Bentomiz lies among the hills near Sayalonga.
Spend a little time discovering the vineyards, wines and people behind them - and perhaps bring a bottle back to enjoy at La Finca.
BODEGAS ALMIJARA ↗ BODEGAS BENTOMIZ ↗
A LITTLE MORE HISTORY
Follow the streets of Frigiliana
Frigiliana may be famous for its whitewashed houses and impossibly pretty streets, but there’s more to discover once you start wandering.
Its historic Moorish quarter climbs through a maze of narrow lanes, archways and hidden corners, with ceramic panels along the way telling the story of the village and its past. There’s a botanical garden and small archaeological museum to discover too - although getting pleasantly lost is arguably part of the experience.
Take your time, stop when something catches your eye and find somewhere lovely for lunch before heading back to La Finca.
Or just stay here
NO PLANS REQUIRED
Andalucía will still be there tomorrow.
There are plenty of reasons to head out and explore.
There are also some extremely good reasons not to.
A book. A shady terrace. A long lunch. A swim. Another chapter. Perhaps a nap.
Tomorrow is another day.
finca el cerrillo • andalucia
la finca
A characterful hotel and retreat in the Andalusian countryside, near Cómpeta and Canillas de Albaida.
Walking holidays · Painting holidays · Creative writing · Yoga retreats · Group stays · Holidays in Andalucía
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