La Viñuela - Malaga - Axarquia

La Viñuela is situated at 131 metres above sea level and 14 kilometres from Vélez-Málaga. The terrain is rugged and uneven, emphasizing the heights of Aguno (558 m), Encinas (344 m), Mangamasa (402 m) and la Negra (271 m), considered as an emblematic symbol of the town, which lies across the river Salia; also in the municipal area are the Guaro rivers, upon which is built the reservoir, and the Seco.

Near the town is the Dam. The importance of this reservoir is that it is the main source of water for the Axarquia. Into the dam flow the waters of the rivers Guaro and the tributaries: the rivers Sabar, Benamargosa, and Salia. The dam was built on the river Guaro, and has on its left the neighborhood of los Romanes, and covers 700 hectares. Its capacity is 170 Hm3, serving the town and allowing for the improved irrigation of more than 2,700 hectares of farmland.

The origin of the current municipality is thought to be the growth of a small town next to an old inn on the Camino real from Malaga to Granada, where travelers stopped along this route. Today, under the name of Bar La Plaza, you can still find the inn opposite the village church. In 1764, La Viñuela became an independent municipality.

La Viñuela is the most recent municipality throughout the Axarquia, but its history goes back to ancient times. In the region archaeological remains have been found belonging to the Paleolithic era, in the Llanos de Herrera, and in the Guaro river bed, now flooded by the reservoir of La Viñuela, were excavated a number of sites showing the presence of settlers in this territory from the Neolithic to the Roman period.

Monuments

Virgen de las Angustias Chapel
San Jose Church
La Viñuela Dam & Reservoir
Torre de la Atalaya (Tower)
La Milagrosa Chapel
Archaeological Remains

Gastronomy

Viñuela´s cuisine is varied, which highlights the olive oil as the main seasoning of their dishes. Is mainly based on the products of the land, game dishes, which is abundant in the area and especially the goat. There is a good local wine and is reputed oil from the Romanes, Viñuela annexed.

Directions

From the Costa del Sol, take the Autovia (A-7, N-340) towards Motril-Almería if you come from the west, or towards Málaga if from the direction of Nerja and Torrox, head towards Velez -Málaga on the A-335, do not enter Velez, but continue along this same road towards Alhama de Granada, and about 14km from Vélez-Málaga, you will see indicated the turnoff to La Viñuela.

Distances