Night of the Wine
Annual festival celebrating the Moscatel grape harvest with traditional treading of the grapes, fandango music, and free wine tasting.
PlizioGo
Sample this famous local wine in the bodegas or small tapas bars around Plaza Almijara.
A hearty traditional dish made from breadcrumbs, often served with local grapes in mountain restaurants.
A rustic, flavorful staple found in traditional local ventas (inns).
Buy a bottle of the local sweet or dry wine directly from a village bodega.
Artisanal products readily available at the small grocery stores in the village center.
A dedicated viewpoint offering striking vistas over the white village and down to the Mediterranean Sea.
Find a peaceful hiking trail starting just above the village where the natural park begins.
Water temperature…
Annual festival celebrating the Moscatel grape harvest with traditional treading of the grapes, fandango music, and free wine tasting.
The main summer celebration of the village featuring equestrian shows, local gastronomy, and evening street parties.
Midsummer celebration where locals gather for bonfires, outdoor music, and traditional rituals welcoming the summer.
Agricultural celebration involving a pilgrimage with decorated carts to honor the patron saint of farmers.
Traditional Easter processions where penitents carry heavy floats through the narrow, steep streets of the village.
Winter festival honoring the patron saint with a mass, a procession, and communal meals in the town square.
Cómpeta sits at an altitude of 638 meters in the Axarquía region and is often called the 'Corniche of the Costa del Sol' due to its striking sea views. The village is famous for its production of high-quality wine, particularly its sweet Muscat, considered among the best in Spain. Every year on August 15th, the town celebrates 'Noche del Vino' (Night of the Wine), a major festival marking the harvest with free wine tastings and flamenco music. The heart of the village is Plaza Almijara, home to the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, featuring a 35-meter brick bell tower in the Mudéjar style. Another highlight is the 'Paseo de las Tradiciones', a colorful walkway with ceramic mosaics depicting local customs and history. Located on the edge of the Sierra de Tejeda Natural Park, Cómpeta is a prime base for hikers looking to conquer the 2,065-meter La Maroma peak.
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 8 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 18 | 23 | 26 | 26 | 22 | 17 | 11 | 9 |
| Rain mm | 40 | 43 | 56 | 42 | 24 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 26 | 47 | 61 | 53 |
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Cómpeta, the 'village of wine', is best explored on foot. Start at Plaza Almijara, the social hub. Visit the majestic church and follow the Paseo de las Tradiciones to the hanging houses. After the museum visit, end the day at Mirador San Antón with a wide view over the mountains to the sea.
The morning starts at Plaza Almijara, where the wet cobblestones reflect the glow of the white houses. An umbrella is essential in the narrow streets. At noon, the Church of La Asunción provides a dry and spiritual retreat from the showers rolling in from the Sierra. In the afternoon, we take refuge in the Museum of Popular Arts to dive into local history while the rain drums outside. The evening ends cozily in one of the bars on the square, where the scent of rain mingles with the aroma of Cómpeta wine.
The crisp winter air in the morning makes Cómpeta's white facades almost dazzling. A sweater is needed in the shaded alleys. At noon, the low sun warms the main square, perfect for enjoying tapas outdoors. In the afternoon, we walk to the Casas Colgantes as the golden light bathes the cliffs in warm hues. By 5:30 PM, the sun sinks behind the mountains, leaving a spectacular but chilly starry sky over the village.
Cómpeta offers challenging climbs for cyclists. After starting in the village, cycle to San Sebastián Chapel. Visit the Vendimia festival square and learn about winemaking at the Bodegas. The tour culminates at Mirador San Antón, a perfect spot for a breather with a view.
A challenging morning on two wheels. The climb to Plaza Almijara requires full concentration on the wet asphalt. At noon, we seek shelter at the Ermita de San Sebastián while drying our gear. The afternoon leads us to Bodegas Almijara – a perfect indoor visit to wait out the rain. In the evening, we return carefully, with the village lights sparkling on the wet ground.
A refreshing winter morning in the mountains. The climbs keep your body warm while the wind whistles around corners. At noon, Plaza de la Vendimia is the perfect sunny spot for a break before moving on. In the afternoon, we cycle towards the wineries as the low sun casts long shadows on the path. Towards evening, it gets significantly colder on the descent – gloves and a windproof jacket are worth their weight in gold now.
By car, you can easily reach the cultural and viticultural highlights of Cómpeta. Start at the Bodegas and then visit the 'Luz de la Vida' gallery. After lunch in the center, drive to San Sebastián Chapel and finally enjoy the panorama from Mirador San Antón.
A relaxed start at Bodegas Almijara while the rain patters against the windows. The car is the perfect base today. At noon, we explore the Luz de la Vida gallery – a cultural highlight on a gray day. In the afternoon, we park near Plaza Almijara and take advantage of the short distances between cafes to stay dry. The evening concludes with a drive to the Mirador, where the wet streets reflect the city lights like mirrors.
A sunny winter morning with clear views. The drive through the vineyards is particularly photogenic in this light. At noon, the Luz de la Vida gallery is pleasantly tempered while the sun floods through the windows. In the afternoon, we enjoy the lively atmosphere at Plaza Almijara before it gets chilly. The evening ends with a panoramic view from the Mirador, with the car's heater providing cozy warmth.
April, May, September and October bring mild mountain weather, perfect for Sierra de Almijara hikes. The Noche del Vino wine festival on August 15 is the year's highlight, winter is sunny and ideal for trekking.
Cómpeta is completely safe, a small mountain village with effectively no crime. The MA-111 access road from the coast is winding, drive in daylight and watch for goats and hikers on the road.
Cómpeta has a big British, Dutch and German expat community, English works everywhere. The village stays traditional though, drop a few Spanish words in the bodega and you're instantly a regular, try the local 'vino dulce' sweet wine.
Plaza de la Vendimia in Cómpeta is a bustling gathering place that celebrates the rich winemaking heritage of southern Spain. Admire the intricate mosaics while soaking in the authentic center of the local wine culture. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing stroll here or experience the annual Noche del Vino festival. An evening visit is especially rewarding to peacefully take in the Andalusian atmosphere.
