Sayalonga

Sayalonga is a typical whitewashed village situated 41 kilometres east of Malaga and 9 kilometres from the coast at Algarrobo Costa. It lies within the Axarquia area on the scenic Route of Sun and Wine (Ruta de Sol y Vino) and at an altitude of 355 metres. It has a population of about1,200 and has bus services, shops, a doctor's surgery, chemist, bank, bars, 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 around fifty minutes to Malaga airport.

The typical Andalucian squares are surrounded by stunning purple flowering Jacaranda trees and these provide ideal spots to sit and enjoy a drink or a meal. It is easy to miss the best of Sayalonga as you drive along the main road through the village on the way up the mountain to Competa and beyond. It really is worth stopping to explore the narrow, meandering side streets.

The area surrounding the village is irrigated by the River Algarrobo which supports the principle products here which are vines and olives, citrus fruits and almond trees.

Named by Roman settlers, Sayalonga means long dress. The greatest influence in architecture is the white-washed Moorish layout, typical of the area. Places of interest in the village include the parish church of Santa Catalina which is 16th century Mudejar style, the round cemetery - the only one in Spain , and the Fuente del Cid - a fountain where legend says El Cid stopped to drink water. You will see the famous cemetery on the left hand side of the road as you leave the village on your way from the coast.