Archidona

Located in the upper northeast region of the province of Malaga, Archidona sits on the border to the province of Granada. Three major motorways pass through the outskirts of town, and many small roadways lead right to the town centre. With two railway stations located within the town, Archidona is easy to reach by train or car. Malaga's airport is approximately fifty kilometers south of Archidona. Antequera is twenty kilometers away, so you can always visit their huge open-air market.

The nearest full-service hospital can be found in Malaga, but there is a reliable medical practice in town that can take care of most needs. If schooling is an important need, there are many schools in the surrounding regions and a small school within Archidona. The municipal library should be able to provide you with many other necessary resources including books, newspapers, and magazines.

With a population of less than 8,500 residents, Archidona is a small town with some important attractions. Plaza Ochavada, erected in the 1700s, is a large octagonal plaza where a number of shops and restaurants offer reasonably priced goods. The town hall is also located in this Baroque-style plaza. Many historic church buildings are scattered throughout the town.

Archidona currently has six restaurants from which you can choose. Each establishment serves traditional Andalusian fare. For those wanting a wider variety, the town centre houses the 'Ruta del Tapeo' (Tapas Route) in which many area bars offer regional foods with a beverage purchase.

Nature lovers will appreciate the surrounding mountainside. Many hiking trails start right on the edge of town. If bicycling is your interest, there are a few biking routes that transverse the area. The Mar'n is a small stream that branches off of the Guadalhorce River. The Mar'n is adjacent to a popular picnic area that offers many recreational trails, barbecue pits, and recreational facilities.

Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the Polideportiva Pavilion, built in 1985. Every year, the pavilion hosts bike races, soccer matches, volleyball tournaments, chess competitions, basketball games, and more. The pavilion can keep people of all ages fit while they are enjoying the camaraderie from other locals.

Mild, extremely short winters and long hot summers are typical in Archidona. Tourism is not one of the town's more important industries. Most residents work in the field of agriculture, livestock, or they travel to larger cities. The commute really isn't too bad thanks to the numerous motorways and larger roads and beautiful mountain ranges, so most commuters do not mind.

If a tranquil surrounding with a small variety of activities is your ideal environment, Archidona promises to please. Life is easy and peaceful, yet never boring, when you come to this charming Spanish town.