Sayalonga is a typical whitewashed village 41 kilometres east of Malaga and just 9 kilometers from the coast. It lies within the Axarquia, on the scenic Route of Sun and Wine at an altitude of 355 metres and has a population of 1,200. The village has winding streets, bus services, shops, a doctor's surgery, chemist, bank, bars, restaurant, post office and primary school.
Sayalonga has maintained an old world peacefulness and charm where farmers ride their
mules and bullocks plough the fields. Yet it is only ten minutes drive to the beaches,
fifteen minutes to the nearest marina and golf course and forty-
For many centuries different civilisations have passed through the area leaving their distinctive marks. Reminders of prehistoric man exist, as with the Romans, Arabs, etc. The Romans found Sayalonga to be a good place to grow their vegetables and made good use of the land near the river also taking advantage of the equitable climate. They also made use of terraces which perhaps designed by the Phoenicians on land near to the river. Although such terraces provided areas on which to grow crops, they also contributed in other ways to the natural environment. Not only did they ensure better crop irrigation, they also ensured that water on each level remained longer, thus reducing the risk of desertification and soil erosion. A branch of a Roman road which went from Málaga to Almuñecar passes alongside a place known as Ventorillo de la Aljibe. This road, known as Antonino, went up through Sayalonga ending in Granada, after traversing the Sierras Tejeda and Almijara.
However, the civilisation which undoubtedly had the most significant impact on Sayalonga was that of the Arabs. The legacy of more than 900 years existence can be seen in the village and many of its buildings.
The area surrounding the village is irrigated by the River Algarrobo aiding the principle products here which are terrace grown vines and olives, citrus fruits and almond trees. The nearby Sierra Almijara National Park and the Tejeda mountains are a paradise for nature lovers. Walking, cycling and touring can be enjoyed in an un spoilt natural environment of forests, mountains, rock formations, streams, wild plants, eagles and mountain goats.
One of the most important remnants of the Arabic civilisation is El Ventorillo de
el Aljibe, a water tank with a capacity for storing more than 90,000 litres of water.
Beside this water tank are the ruins of an Arabic settlement called Batahiz, which
was the birthplace of Mohamed Al-
Another monument of great importance is the "Fuente del Cid" where, it is said, El Cid stopped and drank water on one of his visits to the area. The ancient circular cemetery is the only one of its kind in Spain
Visitors who pass through the older areas of the village will be able to experience what it would have been like to be in an Arab village, because with its stillness and brilliant whiteness, it is possible to imagine that not much has changed since that time. In Sayalonga a narrow street called "Callejón de la Alcuza " can be found. This street is only 50cm wide at its narrowest point! You can find it close to the Tourist office, on a side street that communicates with the first entrance to the village.
The typical Andalucian main square is surrounded by flowering jacaranda trees.
For more information on the village and its locality visit the Sayalonga website