Sayalonga is a village in the Axarquia region, in the province of Malaga, just over 50km from the capital. Surrounded by hills and crossed by a stream that bears its name, Sayalonga stands as a village heavily influenced by the Muslim occupation.
Table of Contents
History of Sayalonga
Inhabited since prehistoric times, civilisations such as the Arabs and the Romans have passed through the area surrounding this village, the latter being the ones who began to give commercial and agricultural life to the area.
During the Andalusian rule, the Minaret of Corumbela was built and is still in a perfect state of conservation. Most of the urban centre of the village, which dates from the time of the Taifa of Malaga, dates from this period.
What to see in Sayalonga
The main monuments in the town include the Callejón de Alcuza, a curious alley that is only half a metre long. Nearby is also the Church of Santa Catalina, built in the 16th century on the site of a mosque.
A few kilometres from the village is a hamlet called Corumbela, where the minaret of the same name is located. As a counterpoint, from the period of Christian domination, is the round cemetery of Sayalonga, with a charming viewpoint overlooking the village.
Do you prefer a hiking route through the Axarquia and its tropical surroundings? You are in luck, in the area around Sayalonga there are several routes available, the most outstanding being the one that leads to the Lomas de Méndez or the one that takes you to nearby Corumbela.
Gastronomy and fiestas
The most typical product of the area is the medlar tree, due to the excellent tropical climate. If we want to try traditional dishes it is imperative to try the “sopa cachorreña”, based on potato, cod and a transgressor ingredient, the sour orange.
This soup is the main dish of the town’s gastronomy, however, there are other very typical desserts made with loquats from the area, which have their own festival, the Día del Níspero (Loquat Day).
Other traditional festivals not to be missed are the Romería de San Pedro, in June in the nearby village of Corumbela, and the Sayalonga fair in July, where all the villagers enjoy activities, music and typical food during a few days of summer heat.
How to get to Sayalonga
How to get to Sayalonga by bus
If you take the option of going by bus, there are 3 daily routes available (11.30h, 13.00h and 18.30h) departing from Malaga Station. The estimated duration is 1h and 25min and there are stops in other villages such as Algarrobo or Vélez-Málaga.
How to get to Sayalonga by car
The route to get to Sayalonga by car from the airport is initially the same as for the whole of the eastern part of the province of Malaga. Follow the MA-20 motorway until you reach the turn-off for the A-7. Take exit 277 to follow the A-7206 towards Sayalonga.
Following this route, explained in more detail on the map below, you will be in the village in just over 50 minutes. Fortunately, this long road runs along the coast from altitude, offering an ideal opportunity to hire a luxury car from Malaga airport and enjoy a spectacular coastal and mountain drive.
Map of Sayalonga
In the following map prepared by CarGest you can locate all these points mentioned and how to get to Sayalonga according to the chosen means of transport. Explore everything this town has to offer and don’t miss anything!
For more information, you can consult the Sayalonga Town Hall website: https://www.sayalonga.es/
