Rent villa for holiday in Competa,Andalucia,Spain

Competa is described as the pearl of the Axarquia. This region is rich in agriculture with the deep valleys terraced and irrigated since Moorish times. The abundant orchards grow avocados, olives, almonds and nispero and hillsides are covered in vines. The vines are used to produce raisins and a sweet wine.

Competa is a passway, part of one of the old paths that linked Malaga to Granada. In past times these old mule tracks through the sierras were home to bandits and brigands who waylaid and robbed travellers but now the tracks are home to walkers and goatherds and the occasional off road bike. However it remains a great location to explore the sights of Andalucia with Ronda, Seville, Granada and Malaga all suitable as day trips, although Seville and Granada offer so much to see you may wish to stay overnight. Cordoba is a little further afield but repays an overnight stop.

Competa is renowned for it’s wine and celebrates it’s heritage each year at the Noche del Vino festival held in August. This festival began in 1975 and is held each year in Plaza Vendimia. It originally marked the time when the villagers left their village homes to move to a finca in the countryside to tend their vines. Now it is a great celebration with Sevilliana music, flamenco dancing and a chance to try the local wine and feast upon migas a traditional dish based on breadcrumbs, pork and garlic.

Like most of the pueblos blancos, Competa’s town plan dates back to Moorish times. The town revolves around the Plaza Almijara which is dominated by the magnificent 16^th Century church and a great place to find a drink and something to eat. From the Plaza Almijara you can explore the labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets many beautifully adorned with colourful plants. You will find surprises around many a corner with a surprising glimpse down to the sea or just a glimpse of village life.

It is also worth finding time to visit the two hermitages in the village – the Ermita San Anton, (a welcome resting place when returning from many a walk) and the Ermita de San Sebastian close by the village olive oil co-operative.

Semana Santa at Easter time in Competa is a time to remember. During the Semana Santa you will see several processions where the villagers carry the statues of the patron saints shoulder high between the ermitas. The highlight of the week is on Good Friday at around 13.00 when the passion play commences in Plaza Vendimia. This is a spectacular performance by the villagers. It promenades through the village terminating above the village on a hillside with the crucifixion of Jesus and the two thieves – deeply moving.

At other times of the year you can enjoy the numerous processions and cultural events but for sheer exuberance you need to experience the Feria San Sebastian held the last weekend in July. It is 4 days of live music and dancing and an opportunity to see Flamenco or Sevilliana dancing. This is a fun time when the locals hardly sleep at all.

Competa is a truly remarkable place, full of life and yet blessed with a feeling of tranquillity, maybe it’s something to do with it’s special location nestled 700 metres above sea level, protected from above by the Sierra Almijara and with a view straight down the valley to the Mediterranean sea.

COMPETA FACILITIES

Competa is a great place to visit all year round, it is a lively village with a vibrant social life. You can choose from a wide selection of bars and restaurants offering a variety of menus from local specialities, reasonably priced menu del dia and a variety of tapas, all within a 7 minute walk of the villa Casita Bonita.

If you prefer to eat at home the town offers a choice of supermarkets, bakeries, fresh fish shops and greengrocers and you can order in pizza or the superlative paella from Bar David, although to enjoy the latter you need to plan ahead and pre-order.

You will also find an art gallery, pottery and local craft shops and shops specialising in local produce and wines and pharmacies. There is now a medical centre in the village manned 24/7.