La Viñuela, the ‘Oasis of the Axarquia’ as it is known, has the curious distinction of starting life as a small country restaurant, or ‘venta’, back in the 16th century. It was on the main route, the Camino Real, from Vélez-Málaga to Granada and, being surrounded by a small vineyard, it became known locally as Viñuela.
Slowly, particularly during the 17th century, people began to build their homes around the restaurant and that’s how it all started. The original venta still exists today in the centre of the town. The decision to build the picturesque reservoir, supplied by the waters of the Rio Guaro, was first discussed back in 1890, although work didn’t actually start until 1981. Anyone familiar with Spanish building projects and completion dates will undoubtedly be totally unphased by this revelation.
Although the town itself did not develop until the 17th century, archaeological remains suggest it was one of the first areas to be inhabited with artefacts being found from the mid-Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic and Bronze Ages, as well as from the Roman era.
Statistics
Area: 27 square kilometres
Altitude: 150 mtrs above sea level
Population: +/- 1,900
Distance from Nerja: 36 km
Driving Time: +/- 40 mins
Location
Places of Interest
Ermita de la Virgen de las Angustias
Iglesia de San José
Torre de la Atalaya
Ermita La Milagrosa
Pantano La Viñuela (Reservoir)
Archaeological remains
Local Cuisine
Local specialities include: Ajoblanco (chilled garlic soup with almonds, bread, oil and vinegar), Gazpacho (chilled tomato, garlic and vegetable soup), Migas con Naranja y Granada, Chacinas, Gazpachuelo con patatas (Soup with potatoes, bread and egg white), Potaje de Verduras y Legumbres (Stew with veggies and pulses) and Olla con pringá (concoction with veggies, pulses, morcilla and chorizo).
Local Festivals
Carnival (February)
Semana Santa
Romeria Municipal (May)
Feria de La Viñuela (July)
Feria de Los Gómez (July)
Feria de Los Romanes (August)
Feria de La Pasa (September)
Useful Info
Town Hall
Tel: 952519002
Fax: 952519088
Where to Stay
Hotel La Viñuela
Ctra Vélez-Málaga / Alhama
29713 La Viñuela
Tel: 952519193
Fax: 952519282
[email protected]
Where to Eat
Bar Caenas
Los Romanes
29713 La Viñuela
Tel: 952554477
El Pantano
Ctra Colmenar 356
29713 La Viñuela
Tel: 629779039
Antigua Venta la Viña
Plaza de Andalucía
29713 La Viñuela
Tel: 952519070
Hotel La Viñuela
Ctra Vélez-Málaga / Alhama
29713 La Viñuela
Tel: 952519193
Restaurante El Charco
Los Romanes
29713 La Viñuela
Tel: 952554436
Venta El Charco
calle Los Ventorros
29713 La Viñuela
Tel: 952554540
Bar Miguelin
calle Las Pizarras
29713 La Viñuela
Tel: 952519048
Bar Patrivan
Plaza de Andalucía 2
29713 La Viñuela
Tel: 952519055