La Axarquía has been discovered only in the last decade or so and the main attraction is the rolling hill and mountain scenery, unspoilt white villages and sweet, strong wine made from sun-dried grapes. With the Sierra de Tejeda to the north, and the mountainous edge of Granada to the east, this rugged landscape offers excellent walking and abundant wildlife. Historically it was bandalero (bandit) country for many years, who preyed on traders carrying goods from the coast to Granada.

Colmenar lies between the Axarquia region, linked by Periana Corridor, and the Malaga Mountains The village was built after the Christian conquest and has narrow, gently sloping streets of whitewashed houses. At the beginning of the 19th century, it was the administrative headquarters of a district formed by the villages of Alfarnate, Alfarnatejo, Almachar, El Borge, Cutar, Periana, Riogordo and Casabermeja.

Riogordo lies in the hollow formed by the River de la Cueva between the mountain ranges of Sierra de Camarolos to the north and Los Montes to the south. Its largely gentle landscape consists primarily of cereal fields and olive groves. Periana is famous for the production of excellent peaches and olive oil, it lies in the gently sloping foothills of the Sierra de Alhama, near Zafarraya Gap near to La Viñuela Reservoir. Its origins date back to 1761, though the village was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1884.

Alcaucín nestles on the Sierra Tejera overlooking the Periana Corridor and Zafarraya Gap with spectacular views to the coast. Typical of Axarquia villages, it has steep narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses. Remains of Neanderthal man were found here but the first real settlement was not until Moslem times.

Canillas de Aceituno, Salares, Sedella, Canillas de Albaida, Archez and Cómpeta all stand at the foot of the Tejeda and Almijara Sierras; all of Moorish origin and where vines are the main crop. The layout of the streets and the architecture of the whitewashed houses give them a unique identity and together they make up the Ruta del Mudéjar (Mudejar Route).

Frigiliana dates back to Roman times and later was occupied by Moslems when the real settlement was built. Perched on the slopes of the Sierra Almijara, it offers one of the prettiest and spectacular views of the Costa del Sol. The pueblo as well being very picturesque has many interesting sights such as the sugar mill, formerly the Count of Frigiliana's Palace, where the famous sugar cane honey is made, the Neolithic remains at the Cueva de los Murcielagos.

Nerja is one of the most important tourist resorts on the Costa del Sol, its scenic beauty ranges from the spectacular mountains to the coast with its splendid beaches fertile orchards making the area in between a veritable garden paradise. There are unforgettable locations such as Nerja Cave with Palaeolithic human remains, the Maro Cliffs an unforgettable beauty spot.

Vélez- Málaga is a bustling market town and capital of western Axarquía, it lies in the fertile valley of the Río Vélez and is the supply centre for the regions farmers. It has a varied history with the Phoenicians, Romans and Moors all living here and leaving their mark. The castle here suffered badly during the War of the Spanish Succession when the British lost to the French in 1704. Vélez- Málaga has the dubious reputation of being the last bastion to cock fighting in Europe and crowds still gather on Sundays during the winter to watch the feathers fly.