Dive into the many things to do in the white village of Cómpeta in Andalucía, Spain. This small town is a true hidden gem and finds the perfect balance between authentic Spanish charm, while offering a lot of activities for tourists.
If you’re not quite sure yet if Cómpeta is the white village for you, our complete list of things to do is guaranteed to convince you to spend your next holiday here.
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Why you can trust this list of things to do in Cómpeta
Victoria and Niklas spend several months every year in this part of Andalusia, especially the white village of Cómpeta. Victoria actually grew up in the area and has been coming to Cómpeta for more than 25 years, while Niklas has been coming along for the past 10 years.
The Costa del Sol, and especially villages like Frigiliana, have been heavily shaped by tourists, but truly experiencing the areas as a local provides a completely different perspective than someone who only came here for a few weeks on vacation.
That is why our Things To Do In Cómpeta post, which is updated regularly, has some of the best travel information, tips and advice on whether this beautiful town will be worth visiting for you.
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Why you should visit Cómpeta in Andalucía, Spain
Cómpeta is often secretly considered the hidden gem of the Axarquia, Spain’s incredible mountain region. As one of the famous white villages of Andalucía, Spain, Cómpeta is a great choice for anyone looking for incredible views, authentic Spanish culture and the serenity that small-town life brings.
Whether you’re lucky enough to be shopping for properties for sale in the Cómpeta area or are just visiting for a few days you’ll love the many things to do and see in this beautiful small town.
Cómpeta has a very large expat community with heavy influences from the UK and northern Europe. In recent years a lot of artists have started calling Cómpeta their home, preferring the quiet life in one of the best white villages in Andalucía to the busy streets of the nearby Málaga.
With the perfect combination of heart-stopping nature, opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural offers with affordable dining, this town should be at the top of your Spain bucket list.
Is Cómpeta a good day trip destination from Málaga?
It takes just over an hour to drive from Málaga to Cómpeta. A lot of tourists visit the town as a day trip although it is highly recommended to spend at least a weekend, if not more, here.
Cómpeta may not be very large but it’s rich in culture with a lot of things to see and do. If you’re planning a day trip itinerary from Málaga to Cómpeta you’ll want to see the most important places around town before having a nice lunch in one of the best restaurants with a stunning view.
In the afternoon, head to the nature park and enjoy a quick hike with even better views of the surrounding mountains. Have cocktails in town with live music before heading back to Málaga.
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30 best things to do in Cómpeta, Spain
30 things to do might seem like a lot for a small town like Cómpeta. This just goes to show how diverse and multi-faceted this tiny village is.
Luckily, most important attractions are located within walking distance of each other in the centre of town. These make up the first section of this Best Things To Do In Cómpeta, Spain list.
The second part includes activities and attractions that are located a little bit outside of town and might a little bit more time to see. Definitely make sure to plan to see as many as possible during your time in Cómpeta. It’s worth it
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Things to do in the village of Cómpeta
Cómpeta is a small town, so all of its attractions are located very close together. Just keep in mind that the village is located in the mountains so you will have to walk uphill a lot, making some distances longer than they seem on the map.
1. Head to the Cómpeta Saturday Markets
Every Saturday morning, the town of Cómpeta organises a market at the Plaza de la Axarquia. Come here to shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, household items and local products. The market isn’t very large but definitely worth a visit if you happen to visit Cómpeta on a weekend.
Saturdays are usually the busiest day in town as a lot of day-trip tourists visit Cómpeta, so you will most likely struggle to find a parking spot near the market. Park a little further away instead (or in the town’s large central parking garage) and walk the rest of the way.
The market tends to be busiest around 11:00 am and slowly quiets down after 12 PM.
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The markets are a great place to shop for spices and handcrafted local products. However, expect to pay slightly elevated tourist prices.
2. Spend an afternoon at the Plaza Almijara
The Plaza Almijara marks the heart of Cómpeta and is the most lively place in town. This is where locals and tourists alike come together every evening to meet up for dinner and enjoy warm nights during summer.
The square has three restaurants that peacefully coexist next to each other. If you’re looking for a lively place to have tapas or drinks in Cómpeta, the Plaza Almijara is the place to go.
Just make sure to pre-book a table if you’re visiting on weekends to get a good spot with magnificent views of the Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, Cómpeta’s iconic church.
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The three restaurants at the square are Casa Paco, Perico and the Taperia. Casa Paco is a bit more expensive and great for special occasions, while Perico and the Taperia offer fantastic budget-friendly tapas and drinks.
Perico is the largest restaurant out of the three and the perfect place to watch a major football match if one is on.
3. Admire the 16th-century church of San Sebastian
The impressive Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Asunción is usually the only church that day-trip tourists to Cómpeta come to see. However, if you have a bit more time in this beautiful white village, you should pay the Ermita de San Sebastian a visit.
This 16th-century building is said to mark the former centre of town and is dedicated to the patron saint of Cómpeta; San Sebastian.
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This church is very simple and is often overlooked. Its historic significance is what makes it special and worth visiting.
4. Have tapas in an authentic Spanish bodega
La Bodega might just be Cómpeta’s most authentic eatery. If you’re looking to experience Spanish culture, then this is the perfect place for a light lunch or snack.
The Bodega doesn’t have a very large menu but focuses on simple tapas with local ham and cheese. This is also where you’ll find some of the best prices for food and drinks in town.
During the colder months, you can sit inside and enjoy the rustic interior while you admire artefacts like the historic oil press that is exhibited in the bodega.
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Pick up some sandwiches here for a packed lunch if you’re going hiking for the day. The Bodega also sells freshly cut ham and cheese as well as the best olives in the area.
5. Admire the casas colgantes, the hanging houses of Cómpeta
You can find one of the most impressive views in Cómpeta at the casas colgantes also called the hanging houses. They’re located at the Plaza de Vendimia, and some years ago, a beautiful new viewing platform was built, so they’re even more accessible now.
The casas colgantes are a series of traditional white houses sitting on top of a steep cliff above a former river. They almost seem as though they’re about to tip over into the gorge below.
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This area of town is rarely very crowded and usually a lot more quiet than the main square.
6. Visit the Museo de Artes y Costumbres in Cómpeta
Cómpeta’s art museum may be small, but it’s well worth a visit if you’re interested in Spanish culture and crafts. Learn about local wine and olive oil making, and admire historic paintings and other artefacts.
Unfortunately, the opening hours can be a bit tricky and change frequently, so you might just have to stop by and see if the museum is open. The tourism office can help you figure out when the best time to go is.
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7. See the Plaza de Vendimia
The Plaza de Vendimia is a little plaza located a little bit away from the centre of town. This is where the iconic Noche del Vino (night of the wine) takes place every August.
There is a beautiful rock wall with mosaics beneath it showing how the traditional Moscatel wine is made. During the Noche Del Vino, wine is produced below these mosaics, and the square gets incredibly busy.
Definitely pay this square a visit if you’re coming to Cómpeta, even if it’s not the Noche del Vino.
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You can find El Pampano, one of the best restaurants in town, at the Plaza de Venidimia. They have a beautiful terrace with great views, and their menu is vegetarian-friendly.
8. Stop by the tourism office
A tourism office might not sound like the most exciting place to go to when you’re travelling, but sometimes it can be useful. The Cómpeta tourism office is located towards the bottom of the village next to the bus stop.
Come here to pick up local tourist newspapers, fun posters or t-shirts and local products. The staff is very helpful and will give you advice on hiking trails or anything else you might need.
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The tourism office hosts regular activities and cultural events, so ask them if anything is going on in Cómpeta while you are there.
9. Admire the Paseo de Tradiciones
The Paseo de Tradiciones is located next to the Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, Cómpeta’s main church. This plaza is where a large wet market used to be located until it was renovated in 2009 and changed to an open-air walkway.
Intricate mosaics, which depict the history of the town, decorate the walls.
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This is a beautiful place to take photos, especially during the early afternoon on a sunny day. You might like our Spain Instagram captions to go along with your pictures
10. Visit the beautiful Ermita de San Antón
This stunning little 18th-century church is located close to the largest hotel in town: the Balcon de Cómpeta. It has a little courtyard around it and a nice view over the village.
While access to the inside is not always possible, seeing the exterior of the church is highly recommended, especially if you’re exploring the village.
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This is a great place to see on the way if you’re hiking to Canillas de Albaida, another nearby village.
11. Stop by the Fuente Avenida Constitución
Cómpeta has quite a few historic fountains, but the Fuente Avenida Constitución is one of the most beautiful and also easily accessible. Located on one of the main roads into town, you’ll most likely walk past it at some point and can stop by to admire the intricate mosaic artwork.
The Fuente is located right next to the tourism office, so it’s hard to miss.
12. Wander through the Calle Toledo
The Calle Toledo is Cómpeta’s most beautiful street and looks very similar to Frigiliana’s famous narrow alleyways, although it’s a lot less crowded and touristy.
It connects the Plaza de la Vendimia to the Plaza Almijara and is a must-see when you visit Cómpeta. You can also branch off and explore some of the little sidestreets, such as the Rincón de los Abuelos, a beautiful little plaza.
If you want to walk even further, turn into the Calle San Antonio and down the Calle Laberinto, which are just as beautiful.
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Note that you can only walk the Calle Toledo, it’s not possible or recommended to drive it by car (unless you have a very small car and don’t mind extremely tight corners).
13. Visit the Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Asunción
The Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Asunción is Cómpeta’s iconic church, located on the lively Plaza Almijara. A Catholic church service is held here multiple times per week, and we highly recommend coming here during the iconic Semana Santa festivities during Easter each year when elaborate processions are held.
The church dates back to the early 16th century and has been restored multiple times since then.
14. Try the Pollo al Vino de Cómpeta
The Pollo al Vino de Cómpeta is probably this town’s most iconic dish and something every visitor needs to try at least once. The delicious creamy sauce is made with local sweet wine and served with grilled chicken and vegetables.
However, there is no vegetarian option currently offered unfortunately. You could make it yourself by modifying recipes such as this one.
OUR TIP
El Recreo, El Pampano and Casa Paco do some of the best Pollo al Vino de Cómpeta in town.
15. Grab affordable drinks in Cómpeta
Cómpeta is a small mountain town, and it’s the perfect place to get affordable drinks. Most restaurants offer beer for around €1 to €2 and cocktails for €4 to €5.
You can find a glass of wine for around €1.50 to €3. If you want to enjoy a night out on a budget, this is the place to go.
OUR TIP
Venta de Palma, La Bodega, Bar Alicat, La Esquina de Miguel and Bar Alfonso have some of the most affordable prices for drinks.
16. Enjoy cultural events throughout the year
There is always something going on in Cómpeta, and the tourism office frequently organises cultural events, especially during summer. The annual Feria and Noche Del Vino, as well as the Semana Santa, mark important festivities that will be the highlight of your trip.
Dia de Andalucía, the Routa de Tapas and the Art Walk are also worth keeping an eye out for.
Ask at the tourism office or join the local Cómpeta Facebook community for more information on what’s going on.
17. Listen to live music
Cómpeta has quite a few restaurants that frequently have live music in the evenings. We highly recommend El Pilon, La Carpinteria, El Recreo and Perico if you’re hoping to listen to music while you have dinner or drinks.
You can also head to the bulletin board at the Ayuntamiento (city hall), where events are usually advertised.
18. Go shopping for local products and souvenirs
Cómpeta is known for its locally produced honey, Moscatel wine, ceramics, spices, olives and olive oil. You’ll find a variety of souvenirs and handcrafted items available at the many shops around town, as well as the Saturday market.
If you’re still looking for gifts to take home to loved ones, Cómpeta is the perfect place to do some shopping.
19. Try the best restaurants in town
Andalucía is known for being a foodie heaven, and it comes as no surprise that Cómpeta has an incredible selection of restaurants. Here are some of our favourites.
For a special occasion:
- El Pilon
- Casa Paco
- Siddartha on the Rock
- Cortijo Paco
For dinner or lunch:
- El Recreo
- Pampano
- Perico
- Hierbabuena
For tapas:
- La Bodega
- Taperia
- Cafe Cómpeta
- Esquina de Miguel
20. Go for a swim
Cómpeta has a large public swimming pool, which is even heated during the colder months. The Piscina Municipal de Cómpeta is the perfect spot for a refreshing dip if your own hotel or finca doesn’t have a pool. Entry is affordable and costs less than €5, so there’s no excuse not to go.
21. Visit the art gallery
The Galeria Luz de la Vida is a small gallery located on the steep Calle Laberinto in the heart of town. It’s not very large, but still worth a visit if you’re walking by. Just make sure to visit on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday, as the gallery is closed on most other days of the week.
Things to do close to or outside of Cómpeta
Cómpeta may be small, but there is a lot to do in the area around the town, including plenty of activities around the nearby national park. You’ll need a car to explore some of them, so keep that in mind when planning your trip.
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22. Visit the Puerto de Collado
The Puerto Collado is a scenic lookout point located around 15 minutes by car or an hour on foot from central Cómpeta. The road is steep and rocky at times but accessible by car, even if you don’t have a four-wheel drive.
This spot is the perfect easy hiking destination or a great place for a picnic. The views are absolutely incredible, and you can also start several longer hikes from here, for example, towards Casa La Mina, Rio Torrox, Puerto Blancillo and more.
23. Visit the nearby white villages
Cómpeta is only one of many beautiful white villages located in the mountains of Andalucía. We highly recommend visiting Frigliana, Canillas, Arches, Sayalonga, Corumbela, Arena, Salares and more if you have the time.
With the exception of Frigiliana, the others on this list are much smaller and less touristy than Cómpeta, which is worth knowing before you go.
24. Climb La Maroma
La Maroma is a 2,069-metre mountain that provides the beautiful backdrop to Cómpeta. As the highest mountain in the Tejeda range, it’s one of the most exciting and strenuous hikes you can do in the area, and if you love the great outdoors, the trek is highly recommended.
There are several routes for reaching the top, ranging from around 4 hours to almost the entire day. Make sure to leave early and double-check the weather, as the conditions at the top can be very cold and windy.
The hike is suitable for beginners, although they should be accompanied by a guide or experienced hiker. Inexperienced hikers shouldn’t attempt it alone since the terrain can be dangerous, and the paths are difficult to identify sometimes, so getting lost is easy.
25. Go to the Mirador Panorámico
This beautiful Antoni Gaudí-inspired lookout point is a beautiful place to take photos and get the best views over Cómpeta. Most people stop here on their way into Cómpeta, and it can be a bit tricky to find parking sometimes because the road is quite narrow.
OUR TIP
The Venta De Palma is a little restaurant and bodega located right at the viewpoint, so grab a drink here if you have time.
26. Enjoy a hot day at the Fabrica de la Luz
The Fabrica de la Luz is a former electricity plant that is now abandoned and has turned into a hiking destination and picnic spot. Located around 6 kilometres from Cómpeta, this is a great place to visit on a hot day to go for a hike, swim in the river or explore.
You can also walk there from Cómpeta, but the best hiking trails start at the Fabrica de la Luz, so take a car if possible.
27. Hike to Canillas de Albaida
Cómpeta’s neighbouring town, Canillas de Albaida, is slightly smaller than Cómpeta but well worth a visit if you have the time. The two towns are connected by a small hiking path winding through orange orchards and little farms, making for a fantastic easy afternoon hike.
The path is relatively level and not as steep as most others on this list, so if you’re looking for a beginner-friendly trail, you’ll love it. It takes around 30 to 40 minutes and spans across around 2.5 kilometres.
28. Spend the day by the beach
If you’ve had enough of the mountains and are craving some much-needed beach time, you should make the 30-minute drive down to the coast and spend some time by the ocean.
The closest beaches to Cómpeta are in Torrox and Algarobbo, but neither is my own personal favourite. Instead, I would recommend adding another 15 to 20 minutes to your driving time and heading to Nerja and Maro Beach instead, which have much clearer water and better conditions for swimming.
29. Explore the natural park
Cómpeta is surrounded by the Parque Natural de Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama, a 40,000-hectare natural park known for its impressive mountain peaks, natural beauty and hiking trails.
You can explore the park on foot or by car, although you might need a four-wheel drive for some of the roads since conditions can be rocky.
30. Explore a tiny lost village in the mountains
El Acebuchal is a tiny village located around 45 minutes from Cómpeta. It dates back to the 16th century and lay abandoned for more than 50 years before being rebuilt in the early 2000s.
Today, it’s become a popular destination among hikers, and its restaurant and bar are especially popular. Definitely read our complete guide to Acebuchal for more history and tips before you go.
Before you go…
Looking for even more Spain travel information?
You might like our list of things to do in San Sebastian, budget guide to Madrid, guide to El Escorial and our Málaga to Madrid train article.
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