The Ruta Mudéjar is one of the official tourist routes of the Axarquía. It links a series of mountain villages that still show traces of their Moorish past: narrow winding streets, whitewashed houses and church towers that were once minarets. By e-bike, this cultural route becomes a wonderful day out.
What does Mudéjar mean?
Mudéjar refers to the Muslims who stayed in Spain after the Christian reconquest, and to the architectural style they developed, mixing Islamic and Christian elements. In the Axarquía you can still see it in the brickwork of church towers and the layout of the villages.
The villages along the route
Árchez
The smallest village on the route has the jewel of the Mudéjar Route: an Almohad minaret with intricate brick decoration, now serving as the church tower. It is one of the best-preserved examples in the province.
Salares
Salares also has a minaret-turned-bell tower and an old Moorish bridge over the river. The village is tiny and peaceful, with fantastic views over the valley.
Sedella
Perched on a hillside with the Sierra de Tejeda behind it, Sedella is known for its Casa Torreón and quiet streets. A good place for a coffee stop.
Canillas de Aceituno
At the foot of La Maroma, the highest peak in Málaga province. Canillas de Aceituno is known for its local food. Hikers will recognise it as the start of the classic climb described in Hiking La Maroma.
Riding the route
The villages are connected by mountain roads with long climbs and descents. Without assistance, this is a tough day; with an e-bike it becomes a pleasant ride where you can enjoy every viewpoint. We recommend a premium e-bike or e-MTB for comfort on the longer climbs. Depending on your start point — Cómpeta and Canillas de Albaida are good options — a full loop can be 40 to 60 km.
Tips
- Start early and plan a long lunch in one of the villages.
- Some village centres are very steep and narrow; walk your bike where needed.
- Bring a lock so you can visit the churches and viewpoints.
Ride it yourself or with a guide
Rent an e-bike delivered to your accommodation via our e-bike rental page, or join a guided bike tour where a local guide tells the stories behind the villages. Read also the best e-bike routes from Cómpeta.