Canillas de Albaida is situated 52 kilometres from Malaga and 21 kilometres from the coast at Torrox Costa, at an altitude of 575 metres on the Sierra Almijara mountain range. It lies within the area of Axarquia, on the scenic Route of Sun and Wine, and has a population of 910.

The village is surrounded by high mountains of which the Atalaya and Verde mountains dominate a landscape of pine and oak trees; the habitat of eagles, mountain goats and wild boars. In the river valleys grapes, olives and tropical fruits are grown. Nearby there is the protected area of the Acantilados de Maro Nature Reserve.

Canillas de Albaida has Moorish origins from the 13th century. Its Arabic name meant 'The White One'. The Islamic past is reflected in the layout of the streets and squares, and in the use of terraces for cultivation. The parish church of Nuestra Señora de la Expectación, standing in the main square, was built in the 16th century. There are also two shrines, the 16th century Santa Ana and the 17th century San Antón.