hiking trails
A great way to enjoy the beauty of the area is via the dozens of hiking trails nearby. From easier trails that suit all fitness levels to more gruelling routes that can challenge even the most seasoned hiker, Competa has it all.
The trail of Los Tres Pueblos is a favourite of ours. This 7 mile route takes you to the village of Archez, via the river walk, along to the Roman bridge up to Canillas de Albaida and back to Competa.
The 16-mile Cómpeta to Cerro de la Chapa is one of the most popular ‘expert’ hikes in the area. Paths are good and it is a circular route. Click here for a full list of local trails with maps and descriptions.
horse trekking
You may want to experience the local scenery from the saddle of a trained Spanish horse. If that’s the case, there are local specialists that can provide everything you’ll need.
Located on the edge of the nearby village of Canillas de Albaida, just 2km from Conpeta, the Los Caballos del Mosquin riding school offers mountain rides from 25 minutes up to 6 hours. The owner, Eva makes sure everyone is safe and has a great time.
Do you have dreams of riding your horse Spanish Western-style along a beach at sunset? Heidi and Antonio at Cortijo Hildalgo, based in nearby Nerja can make that dream come true.
wine tasting
Competa wine is made from the locally grown Moscatel grape. The wine has a fortified taste and is similar to sherry. Available in seco, semi-seco and dulce (dry, medium and sweet) the seco and semi-seco are amber coloured whilst the dulce is almost dark brown.
The most celebrated winery in the region is Bodegas Bentomiz. Their Ariyanas wines are award-winning. The winery offers tours and tastings as well as lunches in their excellent restaurant and special events on their large patio throughout the year.
You can enjoy a wine tasting for just €5 at the beautifully rustic Bodegas Almijara, located 1km outside Competa, or try out the artisan wines at the Sedella Vinos vineyard in nearby Sedella.
cycling
Competa and the entire area of Axarquia are extremely popular with cyclists, especially in cooler months. The roads and trails are excellent, the scenery is stunning, and the topology is challenging.
We can recommend the 35km Competa to Arenas Loop, or the more gruelling 55km Competa to La Maroma route, with its 1800m climb. You can click here for over 100 mapped cycle routes in the area covering more than 6700km.
Don’t have your own bike? Local company Cycle Malaga rents road bikes, mountain bikes or even electric bikes by the day or longer. They also deliver the bikes to any of our Under Spanish Skies rentals.
shopping
Competa has a number of delightful small shops selling traditional local products such as ceramics, jewellery and leather goods. These make great souvenirs or gifts for family and friends. Prices are good and service is always friendly.
Competa’s weekly market is held every Saturday morning in the Plaza Axarquia. Here you’ll find clothing, homewares, spices, fruit stalls and much more. The market winds down around 13:30.
relax & refresh
If you’re looking to relax after a few days of adventure, or want to refresh the mind and body while your friends cycle up a mountain, there are plenty of options in Competa.
Competa Yoga, located in the centre of the village, offers classes in yoga and pilates. Owner Inez provides a safe, comfortable and well equipped studio to try something new or to deepen your practice.
Just want to rewind and pamper? Qualified therapist Enmanuel at Competa Massages provides many types of massage, and Martine at Body Balance Competa offers reflexology, massage and natural beauty treatments. Both are located steps from the main square.
golf courses
The climate of Spain, and particularly the Costa del Sol offers golfers pleasant conditions in which to play all the year round. That’s probably why Andalusia has more than 70 courses.
Situated on the coast at Caleta de Velez, just 25 minutes from Competa is the pay-and-play Baviera Golf Club. The 18 holes here are on even terrain and water is in play on 6 of the holes. The par-3s and par-5s deserve a special mention due to their level of difficulty.
Just 20 minutes further down the coast lies Añoreta Golf. Here, the fairways are wide and are dotted with palm trees with the sea in the background, and the country club style clubhouse is not to be missed.
flamenco
If you’ve never had your heart touched by Flamenco, you’re in for a treat. This unique art form of traditional music and dance has its origins in Andalusia and is hugely popular for its drama and spectacle.
Flamenco consists of one or more male and female dancers in traditional dress, with a musical accompaniment of classical guitar, percussion and a unique singing style. It can be seen at a number of venues throughout the village during the year, both indoors and out.
Competa also has its own Flamenco studio (Peña Flamenca) where local artists including Virginia Gámez perform and give classes. Another local act recognised across Spain is Aire Flamenco,
hiking trails
A great way to enjoy the beauty of the area is via the dozens of hiking trails nearby. From easier trails that suit all fitness levels to more gruelling routes that can challenge even the most seasoned hiker, Competa has it all.
The trail of Los Tres Pueblos is a favourite of ours. This 7 mile route takes you to the village of Archez, via the river walk, along to the Roman bridge up to Canillas de Albaida and back to Competa.
The 16-mile Cómpeta to Cerro de la Chapa is one of the most popular ‘expert’ hikes in the area. Paths are good and it is a circular route. Click here for a full list of local trails with maps and descriptions.
horse trekking
You may want to experience the local scenery from the saddle of a trained Spanish horse. If that’s the case, there are local specialists that can provide everything you’ll need.
Located on the edge of the nearby village of Canillas de Albaida, just 2km from Conpeta, the Los Caballos del Mosquin riding school offers mountain rides from 25 minutes up to 6 hours. The owner, Eva makes sure everyone is safe and has a great time.
Do you have dreams of riding your horse Spanish Western-style along a beach at sunset? Heidi and Antonio at Cortijo Hildalgo, based in nearby Nerja can make that dream come true.
wine tasting
Competa wine is made from the locally grown Moscatel grape. The wine has a fortified taste and is similar to sherry. Available in seco, semi-seco and dulce (dry, medium and sweet) the seco and semi-seco are amber coloured whilst the dulce is almost dark brown.
The most celebrated winery in the region is Bodegas Bentomiz. Their Ariyanas wines are award-winning. The winery offers tours and tastings as well as lunches in their excellent restaurant and special events on their large patio throughout the year.
You can enjoy a wine tasting for just €5 at the beautifully rustic Bodegas Almijara, located 1km outside Competa, or try out the artisan wines at the Sedella Vinos vineyard in nearby Sedella.
cycling
Competa and the entire area of Axarquia are extremely popular with cyclists, especially in cooler months. The roads and trails are excellent, the scenery is stunning, and the topology is challenging.
We can recommend the 35km Competa to Arenas Loop, or the more gruelling 55km Competa to La Maroma route, with its 1800m climb. You can click here for over 100 mapped cycle routes in the area covering more than 6700km.
Don’t have your own bike? Local company Cycle Malaga rents road bikes, mountain bikes or even electric bikes by the day or longer. They also deliver the bikes to any of our Under Spanish Skies rentals.
shopping
Competa has a number of delightful small shops selling traditional local products such as ceramics, jewellery and leather goods. These make great souvenirs or gifts for family and friends. Prices are good and service is always friendly.
Competa’s weekly market is held every Saturday morning in the Plaza Axarquia. Here you’ll find clothing, homewares, spices, fruit stalls and much more. The market winds down around 13:30.
relax & refresh
If you’re looking to relax after a few days of adventure, or want to refresh the mind and body while your friends cycle up a mountain, there are plenty of options in Competa.
Competa Yoga, located in the centre of the village, offers classes in yoga and pilates. Owner Inez provides a safe, comfortable and well equipped studio to try something new or to deepen your practice.
Just want to rewind and pamper? Qualified therapist Enmanuel at Competa Massages provides many types of massage, and Martine at Body Balance Competa offers reflexology, massage and natural beauty treatments. Both are located steps from the main square.
golf courses
The climate of Spain, and particularly the Costa del Sol offers golfers pleasant conditions in which to play all the year round. That’s probably why Andalusia has more than 70 courses.
Situated on the coast at Caleta de Velez, just 25 minutes from Competa is the pay-and-play Baviera Golf Club. The 18 holes here are on even terrain and water is in play on 6 of the holes. The par-3s and par-5s deserve a special mention due to their level of difficulty.
Just 20 minutes further down the coast lies Añoreta Golf. Here, the fairways are wide and are dotted with palm trees with the sea in the background, and the country club style clubhouse is not to be missed.
flamenco
If you’ve never had your heart touched by Flamenco, you’re in for a treat. This unique art form of traditional music and dance has its origins in Andalusia and is hugely popular for its drama and spectacle.
Flamenco consists of one or more male and female dancers in traditional dress, with a musical accompaniment of classical guitar, percussion and a unique singing style. It can be seen at a number of venues throughout the village during the year, both indoors and out.
Competa also has its own Flamenco studio (Peña Flamenca) where local artists including Virginia Gámez perform and give classes. Another local act recognised across Spain is Aire Flamenco,