Sayalonga
The village of Sayalonga is a typical whitewashed Andalusian village, located in the region known as the Axarquia, 41 kilometres from the capital city of Malaga and just 9 kilometres from the coast, and golf.
It sits on the scenic Route of Sun and Wine, and presents a wonderful example of Andalusian living in beautifully, natural surroundings, with spectacular views to the surrounding countryside and down to the coast.
History
The historical origins of Sayalonga are not clear cut, the founding of the area has been attributed to the Moors, simply because no remains from earlier civilizations have been found; however, the name Saya-longa is definitely Latin, with Roman roots, meaning "long tunic".
The famous Muslim poet, Muhammad Al-Hasni, was born in Sayalonga in the 16th century.
Around town
The village is typical of the Andalusian whitewashed villages of the Axarquia with narrow winding streets and pretty plazas with blooming lilac Jakaranda trees, which fill the air with a beautiful scent.
The amenities are adequate with small supermarket, shops, chemist, banks, a post office, a doctor’s surgery and a bus service to take you
around the local region.
Natural surroundings
The area surrounding Sayalonga is agricultural, with terraces of olive trees, vines, citrus fruits and vine trees, which are all irrigated by the River Algarrobo.
The village is located close to the beautiful Sierra
Almijara National Park and the Tejeda mountains; the unspoilt landscape is home to a wide variety of species of flora, eagles and mountain goats.
It’s a perfect location for rambling holidays and those looking for a rural holiday treat, which is also well located close to the coast and Malaga airport.
Places to visit
In town you should visit the parish church of Santa Catalina, a wonderful example of 16th century Mudejar architecture, there is a round cemetery, which is the only one in Spain and the Fuente del Cid (Cid Fountain), where it is said that the legendary El Cid stopped to quench his
thirst.
Festivals
The Festival of Nisperos (fruit) is held every year in the spring, when thousands of these delicious fruits are harvested. Typical Andalusian dancing, music and gastronomy are served up during the event.
Eating out
There are a few traditional bars and restaurants in the village, where you will eat and soak up the
atmosphere with the locals.
Cuisine
The cuisine in Sayalonga is typical of the Axarquia region; specialties include Ajoblanco con Uvas (Garlic Soup with Grapes), Chota a la Cazadora (Kid in Almond Sauce), Cordero Asado al Horno (Roast Marinated Lamb) and sweet Churros, fried dough sticks, a bit like donuts, dipped in hot chocolate, delicious!
Climate
Sayalonga enjoys a typically inland Andalusia climate, being extremely hot in the summer
and temperate in the winter, although when it rains the streets become awash. The residents enjoy around 2,800 hours of annual sunshine.
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