La Axarquia White Villages, Buddhist Stupa & Torre Atalaya
That road was sheltered by tropical aromas. The path made its way between hills to take us to that vortex where the sea almost embraces the sky. With a special, different vibration, it keeps eastern secrets. Sometimes as far away in space as in time...
Welcome to La Axarquía, a peculiar, different land. A true orchard where different cultures settled in the subtropical heat, on fertile soil that rises—sometimes imposing—right by the sea.
On this semi-private experience, departing from Malaga city centre, we will drive along winding roads towards our first stop: El Borge. Land of bandits and revolutions, and also of raisins and sweet wine. We will discover the crypt hidden beneath its Mudejar-style church, as well as other unique corners full of beauty and character.
Back on the road, we arrive in Cútar, known as “the fountain of paradise”. Before continuing our journey, we will make a brief stop at its ancient fountain from the Al-Andalus period, a small treasure that connects us with the past of the region.
Our route continues to Comares, a white village with a medina-like layout that rises imposingly from the rock. We will wander through its narrow streets and viewpoints, and even its name seems to describe it: a true “castle in the heights”.
Our last stop—but no less important—will take us to one of the most remarkable stupas outside Asia: the Kalachakra Stupa of Karma Güen, a striking and peculiar place that invites us to slow down and take in the surroundings from a different perspective.
From here, and after only a few minutes’ walk, we reach the Watchtower, an ancient Muslim lookout tower that once controlled the valley at the foot of La Maroma, forming part of the defensive and communications system of its time. A perfect ending to a day of contrasts: white villages, living history, and landscapes that define the spirit of La Axarquía.
