Sayalonga in Axarquia, Costa del Sol, Andalucia, Spain

Sayalonga is a typical whitewashed village situated 41 kilometres east of Malaga and just 9 kilometres from the coast at Algarrobo Costa. It lies within the area of Axarquia, on the scenic Route of Sun and Wine, at an altitude of 355 metres and has a population of 1,200. The village has winding streets, bus services, shops, a doctors surgery, chemist, bank, bars, post office and primary school. The typical Andalucian squares are surrounded by lilac flowering Jakaranda trees and the village and surrounding villas have spectacular coastal views.

Sayalonga has maintained an old world peacefulness and charm where farmers ride their mules and bullocks plough the fields. Yet it is only ten minutes drive to the beaches, fifteen minutes to the nearest marina and golf course and forty-five minutes to Malaga airport.

Square in Sayalonga The area surrounding the village is irrigated by the River Algarrobo aiding the principle products here which are terrace grown vines and olives, citrus fruits and almond trees. Nisperos (Medlar Fruit) were imported from the Orient many ceturies ago with production centred in just a few places in Spain. One of these, the principal in Andalucia, is the area that surrounds Sayalonga. The Nispero Fiesta is held every year in springtime when thousands of kilos of this sweet fruit with soft skin are consumed. The stage in the main square hosts various groups of traditional dancers including rondallas, fandangos and sevillanas. Details of this and other annual festivals can be found at the fiestas link at the bottom of this page.

The nearby Sierra Almijara National Park and the Tejeda mountains are a paradise for nature lovers. Walking, cycling and touring can be enjoyed in an unspoilt natural environment of forests, mountains, rock formations, streams, wild plants, eagles and mountain goats.

Preparing raisins Named by Roman settlers, Sayalonga means long dress. The greatest influence in architecture is the white-washed Moorish layout, typical of the area. Places of interest in the village include the parish church of Santa Catalina which is 16th century Mudejar style, the round cemetery - the only one in Spain, and the Fuente del Cid - a fountain where legend says El Cid stopped to drink water.

The poet Muhammad Al-Hasni, composer of a beautiful poem about Mecca, was born in Sayalonga in the 16th century.

SAYALONGA