Casa Vega Axarquia

Nostalgia Realigned for Modern Living

Bearing all the hallmarks of the region’s sunlit village homes, this rural holiday outpost has been reincarnated as a serenely simple retreat with great respect for local, Andalusian tradition. A pretty, family-friendly getaway, the low-slung white residence is topped with a traditional tile roof and features its original clay floors underfoot. A water reservoir has been remade into a patio swimming pool, flanked by a shaded dining terrace, with one of two roof decks perched above. Additional outdoor terraces surround and top the unexaggerated property, offering visions of the rural citrus-tree-dotted landscape and sentinel La Maroma peak beyond.

With its fresh coat of white indoors, the home's interiors are low key and homey, reinvigorated by coastal-inspired furnishings in a happy, farmhouse-turned-holiday-haven style. Sturdy carved wooden doors add panache, and thoughtfully placed artisanal pieces—pottery, terracotta, ceramics, and baskets—contribute to decor's local charm. One of the three bedrooms (a cozy, perpendicular bunk nook with a rope swing) is a child’s delight, while another has an original, built-in corner kiva as its focus.

Around

Set in a peaceful enclave in Málaga’s rural hinterlands, the home is surrounded by picturesque countryside in the hilly and lesser-known Andalusian region of Axarquía. While it’s near the Mediterranean’s buzzy Costa del Sol, the area remains delightfully unspoiled, with rolling rural landscapes and wild mountain scenery dotted with whitewashed villages tucked into its valleys and topping its hills. Seven towns form the region’s Ruta del Aceite y Los Montes, popularly known as the “Southern Pyrenees” for its rugged steeps such as the Doña Ana, Alto de Fraile and the Tajo de Gomer mountains. Hikers will appreciate the area’s marked hiking routes, among them a nine-kilometer trek from the village of Canillas de Aceituna to Sedella.

Near Canillas, the El Saltillo suspension bridge spans more than 50 meters at some five meters off the ground, and the rugged landscape around the region is also a destination well known to rock climbers. Guided canyoning and horseback riding are possible in the natural parks of the region and several tourist routes (Ruta del Sol y Aguacate, Ruta Mudejar, Ruta de la Pasa, Rutal del Vino and the Ruta del Aceite y Los Montes) mean there’s plenty of exploring to be done between the small villages and through the olive, citrus, almond, and avocado groves.

Muscat grapes are the region’s winemaking variety, and visits to simple tasting rooms and vineyards are possible. The hilltop village of Cómpeta, an ancient Moorish community of narrow streets, spectacular views and a long-standing wine-making tradition, is considered the pearl of the region. Comares is one of Andalucía’s highest villages and Frigiliana is one of its prettiest.

Location

Nearest airport: Malaga (one hour)

Best time to visit

April to November