Canillas de Aceituno
The town of Canillas de Aceituno is situated in the Axarquia region of Malaga province, Andalusia. Set amongst the Sierra de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Natural Parks, the region is of outstanding natural beauty; an ideal destination for walking, hiking and outdoor pursuits holidays.
The town nestles at 645 metres altitude on the highest mountain in the Axarquia, La Maroma. There is a local natural spring, whose waters it is said can prevent ailments and illnesses when drunk. Visitors come from far and wide hoping to receive its therapeutic benefits. Canillas de Aceituno overlooks the beautiful Lake Vinuela and out to the Mediterranean Sea.
About town
Canillas de Aceituno sits on the Mudejar Route; its Moorish origin evident in the local architecture. The town’s name derives from the Moorish word of Azeytuni, which although sounds very similar to the Spanish ‘Aceituno’, or Olive, is actually a type of coloured silk fabric, which was an important trade in the town and region at the time of their occupation.
There are a good selection of shops, bars and restaurants in Canillas de Aceituno, and the municipal swimming pool is popular during the hot Andalusian summer months. During summer evenings, the swimming pool is also the venue for live music and entertainment. A good chance to get to know the locals and brush up on your Spanish after a couple of ‘Cañas’ (beers).
Cultural attractions
The town is dotted with cultural attractions and monuments from different moments in the history of the region. One of the most interesting is the a tower dating back to the Moorish occupation, known as the Moorish Queen, it has a pair of Mudejar-style arches.
Standing atop of the village is the 16th century Gothic-Mudejar church, home to a number of historic paintings, sculptures and religious artefacts.
Festivals
If you are visiting the region in April, then make a date to visit the town on the 25th April when Canillas de Aceituno celebrates the ‘Día de Morcilla’, Black Pudding Day. Where you can enjoy black pudding made in the local area. The event attracts a large crowd, who come from all over Andalusia to try the local delicacy,
Climate
The climate in Canillas de Aceituno is that of a typical Andalusian inland town. During the summer months the town gets very hot, into the late 30, early 40 degree temperatures. But you can enjoy a cool dip in the municipal swimming pool or the Lake Vinuela, which is situated close to the town.
The spring and autumn is generally mild, and the winters do get slightly colder, than the protected Costa del Sol and Malaga region.
