I recently visited the Route of Sun and Wine. At 55 kilometres long, it runs through the eastern area of Axarquia in the Malaga province. The route starts in Algarrobo, passes through Canillas de Albaida and ends at the coast in Nerja. The main agricultural product in the areas surrounding these villages is the grape, from which many very good wines are produced. However, anyone who knows me will know that my preferred tipple while in Spain is always Zoko Pacharan (a sloe flavoured liqueur) with ‘Casera’. I can’t recommend it highly enough, particularly as it has an alcoholic content of 25%.
My first excursion from our base above Velez-Malaga was to experience the impressive promenade and beach at Torre del Mar.
Dotted along the Paseo Maritimo there are many restaurants known as ‘Chiringuitos’ (beach bars) where sardines are grilled against hot coals burning on repurposed, sand-filled small boats in the sun. This relaxed coastal town has a retro charm to it. It was developed throughout the 60s, 70s and 80s for tourism, mainly attracting tourists from inland Spain. This helps no doubt to retain the town’s authentic Spanish vibe.
I returned to Torre del Mar one busy evening to enjoy one of many ‘fiestas’ held here throughout the year, each with a big free concert on the beach.
The nearby City of Malaga is where Pablo Picasso spent his early childhood. The atmosphere and the daily life of those years became the inspiration for some of the recurring themes in his paintings. Today it’s a tourist hub of course, not least because of the exemplary Museo Picasso in the Calle San Agustín which is where I photographed this contemporary artist on the day we visited the city.
On the route of sun and wine is Canillas de Albaida. The village is one of several typical Andalucian pueblos blancos which ring the edge of the national parks. The locals are called Canilleros and these images were taken on a short walk through the characteristic narrow back streets. The images are a study in light and shade, monochrome and contrast.
I really hope to return to this wonderful region in beautiful Southern Spain very soon. Salud!
