Like every year, Ferrero Rocher has launched its competition where different cities throughout Spain compete for the lighting of this chocolate so present at Christmas in Spanish homes.
This year incorporated a novelty, “one has been selected … people representative of each autonomous community» to highlight the heritage, traditions and local talents of each region. For Andalusia it was proposed Competitiona charming little town located in the heart of the Axarquia of Malaga -in the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park-.
Although Competa did not reach the final – Fuente del Maestre (Extremadura) and Tejeda (Canary Islands) will compete for gold – it is a well-known tourist destination that is worth visiting.
One of the main tourist attractions of Cómpeta is its location630 meters above sea level. It is so important that it is also known as “Costa del Sol Corniche‘, due to its location in the Sierra de la Almijara which offers view of the Mediterranean and surrounding mountains.
What to see in Competa
One of its main attractions lies in its steep streetsadorned with vines – to provide shade and produce grapes – and in their white hanging houses. Throughout its history, different cities crossed it who have left their mark through monuments and traditions that touch people today.
Church of Our Lady of the Assumption
Its most emblematic monument is the church of Our Lady of the Assumption from the 16th century, located in Plaza Almijara. The neo-Mudejar brick tower from 1935 stands out, whose dome is finished with tiles, as well as the mural representing the Assumption completed in 1972. As a curiosity, the exterior of this church was renovated after the 1884 earthquake.
Around the church is the Walk of Traditions where, as the name suggests, you can discover the customs of the locals. In the above Almijara Squarestand out its 19th century facades and the fountain which recall the heritage left by the Arabs.
We move on to the possible’center of the old town‘where is the hermitage of San Sebastian. This sanctuary is considered “the first parish of the city” after the expulsion of the Moors by Isabel la Católica. The second hermitage of the commune is that of San Anton Abad outside the walls from the 18th century, where one of the most popular Holy Week sculptures of Cómpeta, the Borriquita, is located.
Another point of interest is its panoramic viewpoint with a design that follows the style of Gaudí. It is located at the entrance to the city and offers views of the highest peak in the province, Maroma, and its natural park.
Cómpeta panoramic viewpoint
Hiking Trails in Competa
Competa has several hiking trails of different levels that they offer to passers-by views of the Mediterranean and its mountainous surroundings. Highlights the stage 7 of the Grand Camino de Malagaawarded in 2024 as the best approved trail, which connects the city to Canillas de Aceituno through the Sierra Tejada, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park.
Road that connects Cómpeta and Friligiana
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Hiking route ‘El Acebuchal’ (4 hours): Passing through this old Moorish town, you reach the sea (Frigiliana).
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Hiking route ‘El Lucero’ (6 hours): It stands out for its large slope (+1332 meters) with a view from one of the highest points.
Gastronomy in Cómpeta
Competitive gastronomy revolves around your local products such as muscat grapes, wine, olive oil and honey. Among his typical dishes There are spoon dishes like fennel stewmeats like ‘franquelo’ chicken and sweet as cakes. These preparations can be tried in some local restaurants such as the “Balcón de Cómpeta”, “El Pilón or the “Casa Perico Restaurant”.
Wine evening in Cómpeta
Because wine is one of its main gastronomic attractions – with its own party’The night of wine‘ – it is obligatory to go through ‘Bodegas Almijara’ and ‘Telmo Rodríguez Wine Company’
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