La Axarquía

Through the villages of Viñuela, Alcaucín, Periana, Alfarnate, Alfarnatejo, Colmenar and Riogordo of Granada at the Boquete de Zafarraya, has a strong personality, perhaps the strongest in the Province of Malaga. The Sierras of Alhama, Jobo and Camarolos protect the district from the cold north winds. The olive trees on this land, the "Verdial" variety, produce the best olive oil in the world, with a special colour and aroma. In Periana they produce some of the best peaches in Spain. In Alcaucín nature lovers can take a country walk to the Loma de las Monjas de las Víboras in the Alcázar nature park. Almost the whole village takes part in the passion plays in Riogordo at Easter.

Alfarnate

Alfarnatejo

Alcaucín

Periana

Riogordo

Mountain and Olive Groves route Map

Colmenar

La Viñuela

PLACES OF INTEREST

Viñuela - Church of San José (16th C) Alcaucín - Church of Ntra. Sra. del Rosario (18th C). El Alcázar nature park. Medicinal spring at Las Majadas. Periana - Guaro lagoon. Vilo spa baths. Alfarnatejo - Church of Santo Cristo (18th C). Alfarnate - Church of Santa Ana. Shrine of the Virgen of Monsalud. Ancient Inn of Alfarnate. Colmenar - Shrine of the Candlemas (17th C). Riogordo - Parish Church (16th C).

FIESTAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Viñuela - Virgen de las Angustias, 26th to 28th August. Alcaucín - San Sebastian, 20th January. Pilgrimage to El Alcázar, 15th May. Local fair, middle of Aug. Periana - San Isidro, 15th May. "Peach" fair, end of August. Local fair, 20th to 23rd August. Alfarnatejo - San Isidro, 15th May. Santo Cristo de la Calvitilla, 29th September. Alfarnate - Nuestra Señora de Monsalud and the Moors and Christians pageant, 29th September. San Antonio, 13th June. Pilgrimage of San Marcos, 25th April. Colmenar - Candlemas, 2nd February. Pilgrimage, 3rd May. Patron saint feast day, 4th August. Riogordo - The Easter story. San Jacinto and nuestra Señora de Gracia.