La Vinuela
The charming village of La Vinuela (Little Vineyard) is situated 45 kilometres from Malaga and 19 kilometres from the coastal town of Torre del Mar, in the stunning natural surroundings of the Axarquia region.
The village is on the famous Route of Olive Oil and Mountains, which takes you through the villages and countryside of the Axarquia olive groves and scenic mountain ranges. The landscape consists of low lying hills, covered in olive and cereal plantations, which are served by the local reservoir, when it has enough water. From here you can see right across to the Sierra Tejeda and the Boquete de Zafarraya Mountains, and flowing beneath is the River Guaro.
History
La Vinuela is actually a fairly new town in Axarquia terms, dating from the 17th century, although records show that the area has been inhabited since middle Palaeolithic times, after which the region, as many, became a Roman settlement.
Although the cultivation of olives has been the main stay of industry since Roman times, in the 19th century the area also became a great producer of raisins.
Natural surroundings
The tiny village of La Vinuela lies amongst some of the most spectacular scenery in Andalusia. Close by is the main-made reservoir Lake Vinuela, which is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the province of Malaga, and which not only serves to feed the land around, but is also a perfect area for a picnic and where you can take light pleasure craft, canoes etc.
It’s a great get-away spot, where the only sounds you hear are the calling of the birds and small animals that inhabit the countryside and olive groves.
Around town
The village of La Vinuela has been referred to by some locals as The Oasis of the Axarquia, as the town started off as an Inn on a royal road between Vélez and Granada, and from there it grew. The inn still exists on the main street of La Vinuela.
There are some interesting monuments around town, including the San Josñe Church, the hermitage of La Virgen de las Angustias and the Torre de la Atalaya (watchtower).
Festival
Each September La Viñuela holds a two-day festival, the Festival de la Pasa, to celebrate the raisin harvest in the local area.
Cuisine
The cuisine in Las Vinuelas is typical of the Axarquia region; specialties include Ajoblanco con Uvas (Garlic Soup with Grapes), Chota a la Cazadora (Kid in Almond Sauce), Cordero Asado al Horno (Roast Marinated Lamb) and sweet Churros, fried dough sticks, a bit like donuts, dipped in hot chocolate, delicious!
Climate
La Vinuela enjoys a typically inland Andalusia climate, being extremely hot in the summer and temperate in the winter, although when it rains the streets become awash. The residents enjoy around 2,800 hours of annual sunshine.
