Within the beautiful southern Spanish region of Andalucía, to the east of the city of Málaga, lies an area known locally as La Axarquía. It has remained mainly unexplored by tourists until the last ten years or so, when some northern European expatriates, wanting to “get away from it all”, discovered the beautiful hilly region which included the village of Cómpeta. They started buying up some of the run-down fincas and farmhouses in the area, and put it on the map.

Today, rural tourism comprises a large part of the local economy. However, the area is still breathtakingly beautiful and has not been spoilt by the interest and influx of foreigners. The main attractions are the area’s dramatic hill and mountain scenery, its unspoilt white-washed villages and the predominance of fruit trees, which include tropical fruits such as mango and kiwi.

Axarquía is excellent for hiking and several companies now run walking holidays from the UK, centred around Cómpeta. Horse trekking is similarly popular here. The landscape is crossed by deep valleys lined with terraces and irrigation channels that date back to Muslim times.

Nearly all the villages that dot the olive, almond, avocado and vine-planted hillsides are of Muslim origin, with narrow winding streets. Following the 1569 Morisco rebellion, the inhabitants of Axarquía were replaced with Christians from further north.

The so-called capital of the area is Vélez-Málaga, which boasts a hilltop Muslim castle, and the coastal towns of Torrox Costa, Torre del Mar and Nerja are within easy reach. The excellent main road, the N340, which currently reaches Nerja and is due to extend to Almeria within the next few years, divides the coastal areas from the countryside and improves access to this lovely part of the Costa del Sol. Once off the main road, however, you can be sure of typical winding mountain roads, fed by unmarked stony tracks leading to a surprising number of fertile fincas.

This is an open area, where it is possible to breathe, away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist spots to the left of Málaga towards Marbella. It is beautifully rural and inviting, with clusters of white villages clinging to hillsides, but very little in between.

If you have decided to move to Spain to experience not only the amazing and continuous pleasant weather, but also to become part of the Spanish way of life, then Axarquía is the place for you. But, don´t worry about being completely alone - others have discovered its beauty too!