About Cómpeta

Cómpeta is a traditional white village, approximately an hour from Málaga airport. Reached via country roads, through herb-scented hillsides, the village, with its jumble of white houses, lies just 10 kilometres from the coast - a 25 minute drive away - yet is still deliciously rural. Being one of the famous "white villages", steeped in Moorish history and culture, the warmth and friendliness of the people still remains an invitation to stay here.

Situated in the foothills of the Sierra Almijara, 635 metres above sea level, the village has a lively Spanish lifestyle with many good restaurants, cafes and bars, as well as several grocers, bakeries and shops selling Cómpeta wine, antiques, ceramics as well as local honey and raisins.

The name of the village derives from the Latin, Compita-Orum, which means "the crossing of the ways" or "the meeting place" and it was originally a meeting place for the Romans, who also celebrated various festivals here. The village, which is very steep in places, is also known locally as the Cornice of the Mediterranean.

It has a population of approximately 3,000 people and is a friendly, hospitable place, where the local people and those from other countries who have settled here live together in harmony.

A typical Cómpetan doorway

The area is renowned for having one of the best climates in Europe with more than 320 days of sunshine each year. Temperatures in the summer months can reach up to 40C (104F) on the coast but, due to its altitude, Cómpeta remains, thankfully, just a little cooler.

The surrounding countryside is mostly given over to growing grapes, almonds and olives, as well as more tropical fruits such as chirimoya, mango, and avocados.

The area is popular with walkers, due to its exquisite natural beauty, a spectacular example of which can be found in a visit to the nature reserve of Casa de La Mina, an area covering more than 40,000 hectares, in a magnificent setting of mountains and valleys.

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Local Activities & Facilities

You won't be bored in Cómpeta, with its excellent walking, nearby water sports and winter sports, and cultural activities on your doorstep. More information...

Local Festivals

Cómpeta has many local festivals throughout the year, from its famously inebriated Noche del Vino to the more sober Semana Santa. More information...

House Hunting

Some of our guests decide they want to buy their own properties in or around Cómpeta. More information...