Views from the roof terrace

This property is now for sale -

Around 160,000 euros

Spain - Costa del Sol

C�mpeta, the prettiest of the

white villages of the

Axarquia

Competa

If you mention a holiday in Spain, images are immediately conjured up of crowded beaches, panama hats, stuffed donkeys and golden bodies parading in the sun. There is, however, a very different Spain, one far removed from Benidorm, Torremolinos or Marbella, where you can enjoy the peace and tranquillity in the sleepy white washed villages of the Axarquia in Andalucia.

C�mpeta, at the apex of the triangle of the �ruta del vino�snuggles in the foothills of the Sierras Almijara, 19kms from the coast, is one such village. There are two routes to C�mpeta ' one from Algarrobo Costa and the other from Torrox Costa. Both roads are hair raising experiences for the newcomer as they zig-zag hysterically uphill. The views are stupendous - inland the awe-inspiring mountains draped in grapevines and the glittering blue of the Mediterranean behind. The north coast of Africa can be seen on a clear day, the bay of M�laga lies to the west. You may feel that you are driving to the end of the world, then suddenly you are confronted with another quaint white village clinging to yet another mountain. There is something special about this particular village though - it has a charm and ambience all of its own.

The road wriggles round the mountains and then descends momentarily to the entrance of C�mpeta. The feeling that you have entered a time warp hits you again as you encounter a compesino on his mule or a goatherd in the road struggling to control his flock. There is a wealth of produce grown on the surrounding land. In December the green nets of the olive pickers are spread beneath trees laden with fruit; in late January and early February the hills are ablaze with the glory of pink and red almond blossom and in September the farmers and their families collect and dry out their grape harvest to make raisins or tread them in barrels to make the potent vino del terreno. On August 15th every year people travel from far and wide to C�mpeta's famous wine festival - free wine for all who wish to partake of the sweet nectar.

There is a public swimming pool and a bowling centre. There are travel agents and banks, walking guides offering to show you on some of the spectacular countryside around the village, and even an internet centre. The local market takes place on Saturday mornings. There is much musical talent hidden in the village which airs itself during fiestas - the plumber sings heart rendering flamenco, the town hall clerk plays the guitar and often a musical get together includes a tune on a cubre libre bottle. Life in C�mpeta drifts on - a pleasant place to visit on a sunny afternoon.