"Any reasonable, sentient person who looks at Spain, comes to Spain, eats in Spain, drinks in Spain, they're going to fall in love. Otherwise, there's something deeply wrong with you. This is the dream of all the world."

The Axarquía’s rich farming traditions mean local markets overflow with tropical fruits, almonds, avocados and olive oil—all grown just moments from the beach. Sip fresh-squeezed oranges and sugarcane juice, taste tiny Axarquía raisins, or bite into a sun-warmed fig straight from the tree. 

 Markets are a quintessential part of Andalusian life, offering a vibrant sensory experience and a fantastic way to connect with local culture. From fresh, regional produce to unique artisan crafts and hidden treasures, visiting a weekly market is a must-do during your stay in Nerja and the Axarquía. 

Tuesday Market (Mercadillo Semanal) Calle Cisne Almijara II: Every Tuesday, Nerja's main market bursts to life. It's a bustling hub where you can find everything from fresh fruits and vegetables (often local subtropical produce like mangoes and avocados), olives, and spices, to clothing, shoes, handbags, ceramics, and household goods. It's a fantastic spot to pick up souvenirs or simply soak in the lively atmosphere and practice your Spanish.

• Day of Operation: Tuesdays (approx. 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM)

Most towns and villages throughout the region host their own weekly market. Some to check out are: Frigiliana (Thursdays), Almunecar (Fridays) or Competa (Saturdays). 

Beyond the sun-drenched coast, the rolling hills of Axarquía unveil a truly remarkable winemaking tradition. Here, on incredibly steep, terraced slopes that plunge towards the sea, vines cling to the challenging terrain, defying gravity. Every step of the cultivation and harvest, from pruning to picking, is done by hand, often with the aid of mules, a testament to the dedication and traditional methods preserved for centuries.

The star of Axarquía's vineyards is the Moscatel de Alejandría (Muscat of Alexandria) grape. This ancient variety thrives in the region's unique microclimate, nurtured by the intense sun and coastal breezes. Traditionally, these grapes are sun-dried on esparto grass mats, concentrating their sugars to produce exquisite, amber-hued sweet wines – veritable liquid gold, offering notes of honey, citrus peel, and dried fruits. These opulent dessert wines are a truly unique taste of the region.

While famed for its sweet Moscatel, Axarquía is also gaining recognition for its increasingly sophisticated dry white wines, often crisp and aromatic, and even some emerging red varieties.

A visit to an Axarquía bodega is an immersive journey into passion and tradition. Discover the dramatic landscapes that shape these exceptional wines and savor a glass that perfectly captures the essence of this extraordinary corner of Andalusia.