Legions of bandits, splendid views and enchanting little towns which, ever since Moorish times, have produced what are considered to be the best raisins in the world.
The 62 kilometres of this route pass through the municipalities of Totalán, Comares, Cútar, El Borge, Almáchar and Moclinejo, a region with unique weather conditions which enable the proliferation of the vineyards used to make raisins. This ancestral trade which harnesses the power of the sun is carried out in raisin beds, the characteristic paseros which are always oriented towards the South and positioned on the hillsides and slopes of the Axarquia landscape. The traditional manner of making this fruit is a unique feature which gives rise to festivals in honour of this highly valued product, such as the Ajoblanco Festival in Almachar, the Viñeros Festival in Moclinejo and the Raisin Festival in El Borge.
These very raisins are used applying traditional methods to make the famous “Moscatel” sweet wine, which is as famous as it is appreciated. This wine has a characteristic floral aroma typical of this grape variety, due to certain essential oils which are to be found in the surroundings of the film around the pips, thereby differentiating it from other sweet wines.
Within these traditional Moscatel wines, mention must be made of the Verdiales Wines of Comares, which may be distinguished from the other two styles (Montes and Almogía) due to the faster method of preparation. The pandas de verdiales (verdiales music bands) of Comares are deservedly famous for the quality of their performances and constitute a reference for the entire Axarquia region. There are also other festivals which take us back in time such as the Monfí (Moorish Bandit) Festival in Cútar, where Andalusi culture takes centre stage, visitors being invited to participate by wearing the clothing of the period. Another event held in Totalán is the festival of the chanfaina, the town’s typical dish made with kid and almonds.
The unique landscape of these towns served as a refuge for bandits such as “El Bizco del Borge”, one of the most legendary renegades of the Province. We recommend that you follow the footsteps of this bandit, always with raisins to hand as provisions, and abandon yourself to the undiscovered landscapes and beautiful and enchanting towns with Muslim origins which are to be found along this route.
Highlights of the route:
- Visit the different museums: the Raisin Museum in Almáchar, the Bandit Museum in El Borge and the Wine Museum in Moclinejo
- Admire the impressive panoramic views which can be seen from Comares, the balcony of La Axarquía
- Discover one by one each of its towns, which offer rich gastronomy and incredible accommodation options
Quelle: http://www.axarquiacostadelsol.es/axarquia/rutas/ficha.asp?pag=5