Canillas de Albaida
Canillas de Albaida is located inland in a mountainous region, 24 kilometres north of Torre del Mar, a journey that takes approximately 40 minutes. The distance to Malaga is 55 kilometres, approximately one hour’s drive.
A picturesque whitewashed village set in the heart of a rugged mountainous landscape. The Atalaya and Verde mountains dominate the surrounding landscape and are home to some of Spain’s finest flora and fauna.
Canillas de Albaida offers a wonderful opportunity to see the old world Andalusia and take in some of the more fascinating and awe inspiring natural scenes that this great region has to offer
Places to visit
Excursions to the neighbouring area provide visitors with the opportunity to see eagles, wild boars and the ever well-balanced mountain goats, as well as taking in the aroma of the wild herbs that grow abundantly in the region.
History
The village is deeply routed in the time of the kindgom of Al Andalus; the name Albaida meaning white in Arabic. The Moorish influence is evident in the style of the village; a style that has become the identity of many of the whitewashed villages of Andalusia.
There is a recognisable Arabic stone bridge and road, along with a later Christian church and the hermitages of San Anton and Santa Ana.
Cuisine
Typical local dishes include Potaje de Hinojos (fennel soup), cold almond and garlic soup (the famous ‘ajo blanco’) and fried pumpkin. There are also special sweetmeats eaten during the feasts of San Anton (2nd and 3rd Sunday in January), San Juan (24th June) and Nuestra Señora del Rosario (Our Lady of the Rosary), worshipped on the Sunday nearest to 7th October.
Climate
Canillas de Albaida enjoys a sub-tropical Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and warm winters. Divided from the sea by the mountains means the heat can soar in summer, but remains comfortable for the most part. Temperatures average 32 ºC during the summer.