A Little Bit About The Area of Competa…

Cómpeta is a town and municipality in the comarca of Axarquia and province of Malaga part of the autonomous community of Andalusia in southern Spain. The municipality is situated approximately 18 kilometres from the coast (Costa del Sol), and 52 kilometres from Malaga, the provincial capital. It is situated at 638 metres above sea level in the foothills of La Maroma (the highest peak of the Sierra de Tejeda). The population is spread over the southern slopes of the Sierra de Almijara.

Cómpeta has a population of approximately 4,000 residents and the natives are called competeños. Cómpeta residents are diverse in both culture and nationality, with many residents originating from other countries across Europe such as the UK and other Northern European countries including Germany, Denmark, The Netherlands, and Norway.

Cómpeta’s patron saint is San Sebastian. During the last weekend in July, Cómpeta celebrates its patron saint by holding a fiesta.

On the 15 August of every year, Assumption Day, Cómpeta celebrates the ‘Noche del Vino’ (‘night of the wine’), which is a festival declared of tourist interest by official government decree (‘Declaración de Interés Turístico National de Andalucia’).

The Plaza Almijara mark the heart of Competa and is the most lively place in town. This is where locals and tourists come together every evening to meet up for dinner and enjoy warm nights during summer. The square has three restaurants that peacefully coexist next to each other. If you’re looking for a lively place to have tapas or drinks in Competa the Plaza Almijara is the place to go. Just make sure to pre-book a table if you’re visiting on weekends to get a good spot. With magnificent views of the Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, Competa’s iconic church.

Every Saturday the town of Competa organises a market at the Plaza de la Axarquia. Come here to shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, household items and local products. The market isn’t very large but definitely worth a visit if you happen to visit Competa on a weekend.

Saturdays are usually the busiest day in town as a lot of day-trip tourists visit Competa so you will most likely struggle to find a parking spot near the market. Park a little further away instead and walk the rest of the way. The market tends to be busiest around 11:00 am and slowly quiets down afternoon.

The beautiful Ermita de San Antón is a little 18th-century church is located close to the largest hotel in Competa. It has a little courtyard around it and a nice view over the village. While access to the inside is not always possible, seeing the exterior of the church is highly recommended especially if you’re exploring the village.

The Plaza de Vendimia is a little plaza located a little bit away from the centre of town. This is where the iconic Noche del Vino (night of the wine) takes place every August. There is a beautiful rock wall with mosaics beneath it showing how the traditional Moscatel wine is made. During the noche del vino wine is produced below these mosaics and the square gets incredibly busy. Definitely pay this square a visit if you’re coming to Competa even if it’s not the Noche del Vino.