ancient history
Competa can trace its history back to Roman times. Its name derives from the Roman “Compita-Orum”, meaning crossroads. Like most of Andalusia, it was conquered by the Moors, who ruled until the Catholics defeated the Moors in the 15th century.
The first document depicting Competa dates back to 1487 and the village’s population began to rise throughout the late 16th century, due to migrants from nearby cities, such as Granada and Cordoba.
Today, the village has around 3000 culturally diverse inhabitants thanks to its popularity among European ex-pats. Competa is nicknamed “Cornisa de la Costa del Sol“, meaning “The Ledge of the Costa del Sol”, due to its envious position 630 metres above sea level.
plaza almijara
Competa boasts numerous pretty streets and courtyards, decorated with plants and colourful pots. Plaza Amlijara is considered by most to be the main village square.
In the shadow of the church, Plaza Almijara is flanked by restaurants with attractive terraces that nestle amongst the central fountain and floral display. There are also some small shops offering local artesinal products such as ceramics, leather goods and local wine.
The plaza gets its name from the nearby Almijara mountain range, which was designated a national park in 1999. The highest peak is Mount Maroma, which can be seen from many parts of Competa.
paseo tradiciones
Situated right next to the church, the Paseo de las Tradiciones is a wonderfully decorated promenade that was completed in 2009 on the site of the old market, which now takes place every Saturday in a different location on Avenida de la Constitucion.
On one side, a series of tile and terracotta mosaic murals depict the history of the village and the typical arts and traditions of the area throughout history. The Tourist Office offers a map of all the mosaics in the region. On the other side of the paseo is a large balcony offering great views of the village below.
At the end of the paseo stands a much-loved statue of a man and woman enjoying the popular local dance, the fandango. This is a popular spot for photos and selfies, with people imitating the pose.
the village church
Undoubtedly the most important building in the village is the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, which dominates the village vistas and sits triumphantly along one side of Plaza Almijara.
The church was first constructed in the 16th century but had to be practically rebuilt following the earthquake of 1884. Those works began in 1893 and the neo-Mudejar brick tower we see today was completed in 1935.
Beneath the incredible ceiling, the interior is divided into three naves by octagonal pillars. There are several 18th century paintings on display and a mural that represents the Assumption, completed in 1972, the work of the painter Francisco Hernández
restaurants & bars
Whilst there are several attractive villages in the area, Competa stands out and remains a favourite amongst visitors thanks to the plethora of bars and restaurants available.
During the warmer months, restaurants serve a wide range of tapas, sharing plates and local dishes on attractive terraces, bustling with the sound of enjoyment. You’ll also often hear live music. Menus are usually inspired by Spanish classics and Mediterranean fish.
The quality of the fayre on offer is generally very good and portions are large. Wine and beer are also excellent value. All this adds up to a recipe for some great evenings after a day of fun activities.
el mirador
There are countless spots in and around Competa where it is possible to capture stunning photographs of the village and the surrounding area. One of the best is the Gaudi-inspired Mirador on the edge of the village leading to the town of Torrox.
From here you can truly marvel at the scale of the hills and valleys of the national park, and see the peak of La Maroma, which is the highest peak in the province of Malaga.
It is possible to hike to the summit of La Maroma. There are many trails, but perhaps the best is the “Ruta de los Neveros” from the south. This is an 11-kilometre trail starting in the main square of the village of Canillas de Aceituno.
ferias & fiestas
Like all of Spain, Competa celebrates numerous festivals every year. January 5th & 6th is the festival of the 3 Kings – marking the arrival of the 3 wise men in Bethlehem after Jesus’ birth. On May 3rd large floral crosses are carried through the streets on Dia de la Cruces.
A number of events take place every year during “Semana Santa” or “Holy Week”, including a moving procession on Easter Sunday. Competa’s very own “Feria de Verano” is celebrated day and night throughout the weekend closest to July 25th and is great fun for all.
Held on August 15th, the Noche del Vino is Competa’s most famous festival, depicting the start of the local Moscatel grape harvest. A treading of the grapes ceremony is held in Plaza Vendimia with fee wine for all, and celebrations go on through the night.
local arts scene
Over the years, Competa has become a magnet to many artists, painters and sculptors from all over the world. Many of these exhibit works in the lower floor of their houses.
Galleries in the village include Galeria Luz de la Vida on Calle Laberinto and Galeria Centro de Bellas Artes on Calle San Antonio. Both are just a short walk from Plaza Almijara. In neighbouring Canillas de Albaida you can find the Artroom Art & Ceramics Gallery.
Numerous musicians, singers and bands also call the area home, and many play at the local restaurants or in the local squares in the evenings. Aire Flamenco, David Parker, The Dawgs, and The Bandits are some of the local favourites.
ancient history
Competa can trace its history back to Roman times. Its name derives from the Roman “Compita-Orum”, meaning crossroads. Like most of Andalusia, it was conquered by the Moors, who ruled until the Catholics defeated the Moors in the 15th century.
The first document depicting Competa dates back to 1487 and the village’s population began to rise throughout the late 16th century, due to migrants from nearby cities, such as Granada and Cordoba.
Today, the village has around 3000 culturally diverse inhabitants thanks to its popularity among European ex-pats. Competa is nicknamed “Cornisa de la Costa del Sol“, meaning “The Ledge of the Costa del Sol”, due to its envious position 630 metres above sea level.
plaza almijara
Competa boasts numerous pretty streets and courtyards, decorated with plants and colourful pots. Plaza Amlijara is considered by most to be the main village square.
In the shadow of the church, Plaza Almijara is flanked by restaurants with attractive terraces that nestle amongst the central fountain and floral display. There are also some small shops offering local artesinal products such as ceramics, leather goods and local wine.
The plaza gets its name from the nearby Almijara mountain range, which was designated a national park in 1999. The highest peak is Mount Maroma, which can be seen from many parts of Competa.
paseo tradiciones
Situated right next to the church, the Paseo de las Tradiciones is a wonderfully decorated promenade that was completed in 2009 on the site of the old market, which now takes place every Saturday in a different location on Avenida de la Constitucion.
On one side, a series of tile and terracotta mosaic murals depict the history of the village and the typical arts and traditions of the area throughout history. On the other side of the paseo is a large balcony offering great views of the village below.
At the end of the paseo stands a much-loved statue of a man and woman enjoying the popular local dance, the fandango. This is a popular spot for photos and selfies, with people imitating the pose.
the village church
Undoubtedly the most important building in the village is the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, which dominates the village vistas and sits triumphantly along one side of Plaza Almijara.
The church was first constructed in the 16th century but had to be practically rebuilt following the earthquake of 1884. Those works began in 1893 and the neo-Mudejar brick tower we see today was completed in 1935.
Beneath the incredible ceiling, the interior is divided into three naves by octagonal pillars. There are several 18th century paintings on display and a mural that represents the Assumption, completed in 1972, the work of the painter Francisco Hernández
restaurants & bars
Whilst there are several attractive villages in the area, Competa stands out and remains a favourite amongst visitors thanks to the plethora of bars and restaurants available.
During the warmer months, restaurants serve a wide range of tapas, sharing plates and local dishes on attractive terraces, bustling with the sound of enjoyment. You’ll also often hear live music. Menus are usually inspired by Spanish classics and Mediterranean fish.
The quality of the fayre on offer is generally very good and portions are large. Wine and beer are also excellent value. All this adds up to a recipe for some great evenings after a day of fun activities.
el mirador
There are countless spots in and around Competa where it is possible to capture stunning photographs of the village and the surrounding area. One of the best is the Gaudi-inspired Mirador on the edge of the village leading to the town of Torrox.
From here you can truly marvel at the scale of the hills and valleys of the national park, and see the peak of La Maroma, which is the highest peak in the province of Malaga.
It is possible to hike to the summit of La Maroma. There are many trails, but perhaps the best is the “Ruta de los Neveros” from the south. This is an 11-kilometre trail starting in the main square of the village of Canillas de Aceituno.
ferias & fiestas
Like all of Spain, Competa celebrates numerous festivals every year. January 5th & 6th is the festival of the 3 Kings – marking the arrival of the 3 wise men in Bethlehem after Jesus’ birth. On May 3rd large floral crosses are carried through the streets on Dia de la Cruces.
A number of events take place every year during “Semana Santa” or “Holy Week”, including a moving procession on Easter Sunday. Competa’s very own “Feria de Verano” is celebrated day and night throughout the weekend closest to July 25th and is great fun for all.
Held on August 15th, the Noche del Vino is Competa’s most famous festival, depicting the start of the local Moscatel grape harvest. A treading of the grapes ceremony is held in Plaza Vendimia with fee wine for all, and celebrations go on through the night.
local arts scene
Over the years, Competa has become a magnet to many artists, painters and sculptors from all over the world. Many of these exhibit works in the lower floor of their houses.
Galleries in the village include Galeria Luz de la Vida on Calle Laberinto and Galeria Centro de Bellas Artes on Calle San Antonio. Both are just a short walk from Plaza Almijara. In neighbouring Canillas de Albaida you can find the Artroom Art & Ceramics Gallery.
Numerous musicians, singers and bands also call the area home, and many play at the local restaurants or in the local squares in the evenings. Aire Flamenco, David Parker, The Nieve and The Bandits are some of the local favourites.