Sedella is possibly one of the best-kept treasures in the Malaga region’s Axarquía. Surrounded by mountains covered with olive groves and vineyards, this town offers a peaceful environment to disconnect and relax.
The village is located on the Mudéjar Route, an itinerary of towns that preserve a rich Arab heritage and convey history and culture through their white, irregular, and flowery streets.
To visit Sedella, the best option is to rent an automatic car in Malaga airport and travel to this enclave between the Tejeda and Almijara mountain ranges.
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History of Sedella
Sedella has roots that date back to prehistoric times, with traces of civilizations like the Phoenician and Roman in its territory. However, its true splendor occurred during the Arab domination in the region.
For centuries, the city was home to Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and Christians, leaving a profound mark on its architecture and culture. The ruins and historical remains that still exist are testimonies of its rich heritage.
What to See and Do in Sedella
Located at the foot of the Tejeda and Almijara Mountains and just a few kilometers from other charming towns like Árchez and Corumbela, Sedella is a town surrounded by nature that also features monumental points of interest for visitors.
What to See in Sedella
Sedella has a variety of monuments and points of interest that reflect its history and culture, but it also offers a charming stroll through its white streets filled with flowers that captivates travelers.
Church of San Andrés
Located at the highest part of the town, this Mudéjar-style church dates back to the 16th century and is known for its striking square tower, preserved from an earlier construction. Inside, you’ll find artworks and religious objects from the 17th and 18th centuries.
- Opening Hours:
- Summer: Thursdays and Saturdays at 7:00 PM, Sundays at 12:00 PM
- Winter: Wednesdays and Fridays at 6:00 PM, Sundays at 12:00 PM
- Price: Free
- Location: C/ Ejido, 4
Casa Torreón
The Casa Torreón in Sedella was the house of the former mayor, Don Diego Fernández de Córdoba, who received the title of Lordship of Sedella for his services to the Crown. This building has a unique style, with a Mudéjar-style square tower adorned with arches and Moorish details that give it special charm.
- Opening Hours: –
- Price: Free
- Location: C/ Tenerias, 1
Hermitage of Our Lady of Hope
On the outskirts of Sedella, you’ll find this small hermitage located on the remains of an Arab castle. This construction dates back to the 17th century and houses the images of the town’s patrons, Our Lady of Hope and San Antón.
- Opening Hours: It’s almost always closed, but you can visit it on the town’s festivities, on January 17th and August 15th. You can also call the town hall and request a visit.
- Price: Free
- Location: C/ Jardines, 33
Public Washhouse
For those who enjoy seeing the remnants of a town’s past, the public washhouse is a testament to the passage of time, perfectly preserved and of popular style with individual washing pools. Undoubtedly, one of the meeting places for social life in the past.
- Opening Hours: Permanently open
- Price: Free
- Location: Villa del Castillo, 30
Nature and Hiking
Sedella is a paradise for nature and hiking enthusiasts. The region offers a variety of trails suitable for different skill levels, exploring the surroundings of the town amidst the mountains.
Roman Bridges Route
This route passes between the Roman bridges of Sedella and Salares. Following the signposts of the Gran Senda de Málaga, hikers will encounter breathtaking views of Maroma and Tejeda. The route meanders through trails and lanes to reach Salares, passing by the charming Cortijo Casa de Haro.
After exploring Salares, adventurers can return to Sedella, crossing dense vegetation in an unmarked section. The hike concludes with a steep descent back to Sedella.
Points of Interest
- Estimated Time: 5h 56min
- Kilometers: 11.96km
- Elevation Gain: 349m
- Approximate Location: Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara, y Alhama Natural Park
- Difficulty: Moderate
Cerro El Fuerte Route
Starting from the Recreational Area of Sedella, hikers can embark on an exciting adventure to Cerro El Fuerte. Along the route, they’ll enjoy the convenience of a forest track for most of the journey.
However, the final part of the route becomes challenging with a steep trail leading to the summit of El Fuerte. Upon reaching the top, the reward is astonishing: panoramic views stretching from the picturesque villages of Axarquía and the sea to the dizzying walls of Maroma’s south face to the north.
Points of Interest
- Estimated Time: 3h 16min
- Kilometers: 9.64km
- Elevation Gain: 692m
- Approximate Location: Collado de la Monticara
- Difficulty: Moderate
El Fuerte – Las Llanadas Circular Route
This circular route is a challenge for adventurers. Starting at the western entrance of Sedella, hikers follow signs towards Maroma, crossing hills and ravines. The trail becomes difficult due to the disappearance of trails on steep and slippery terrain, but it offers stunning views.
The route requires careful navigation, especially in dense areas and clearings created by livestock. Although challenging, this journey provides an authentic hiking experience for the most adventurous nature lovers.
Points of Interest
- Estimated Time: 5h 56min
- Kilometers: 11.96km
- Elevation Gain: 349m
- Approximate Location: Sedella – Solana de Casa de Jaro
- Difficulty: Medium – High
Popular Festivals and Gastronomy
If anything characterizes a town, it’s its popular customs and gastronomy, and Sedella is a locality rich in both, with festivals that surprise visitors and dishes full of flavor.
Popular Festivals in Sedella
Sedella is famous for its vibrant popular festivals that reflect the joy and hospitality of its people. The year begins with the San Antón Festivities in January, featuring a procession and the blessing of animals, followed by horse races and a colorful public dance.
Easter Week is one of the most significant celebrations, during which the streets fill with processions on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, while Easter Sunday sees fireworks to celebrate the resurrection, and the ‘Pedro,’ a straw doll, is paraded through the streets and burned in the town square.
Undoubtedly, one of the festivals most beloved by visitors is Corpus Christi, which takes place on May 29th. On this day, the residents of Sedella create decorative altars adorned with shawls, flowers, and plants, and a procession moves through the town with a music band making stops at different altars.
Among all the aforementioned festivals, the most prominent is the Sedella Fair, celebrated on the first weekend of August, offering live music, traditional dances, and delicious local specialties. The town is filled with activities, including ribbon races on bicycles, piñatas for children, musical performances, a public dance, and fireworks.
Typical Dishes of Sedella
The cuisine of Sedella is rich in flavors, with typical products from the Axarquía region such as honey, almonds, and goat. On the tables of the people of Sedella, you can’t miss dishes like potaje de coles e hinojos (cabbage and fennel stew), chivo al ajillo (garlic goat), tortas de bacalao (codfish cakes), or ‘parpuchas,’ and choto al vino (kid goat in wine).
Among their sweet bites, standout borrachuelos and ‘roscos tontos’, sweets with Arabic roots. Visitors must also try their wines, with sweet, dry, and semi-dry varieties being particularly noteworthy.
How to Get to Sedella
Sedella is easily accessible from the capital of Málaga, whether by car or public transport, traveling along the coast and gradually venturing into the Axarquía region, passing through charming towns like Algarrobo or Sayalonga.
How to Get There by Public Transport
Those who want to visit Sedella from the provincial capital can comfortably take a bus, a journey of approximately an hour and a half, with multiple trips per day from the Málaga bus station.
During the journey, the bus will make stops in well-known towns in the area like Torre del Mar, Trapiche, or Canillas de Aceituno. The approximate price is around 10-12 euros.
How to Get There by Car
The car journey from Málaga to Sedella offers beautiful views of the eastern coast of the locality and has an approximate duration of one hour and fifteen minutes. On this route, you can take the A-356 towards Vélez-Málaga and then follow the signs to Sedella.
- Exit Málaga towards Vélez-Málaga on the A-356
- After about an hour, take the exit towards Sedella/Salares/Canillas de Aceituno on the MA-4106
- Continue straight and turn left towards Sedella on the A-7205
- Upon reaching Canillas de Aceituno, turn right onto MA-125 towards Sedella
- Continue on a mountain road until you reach your destination
Sedella Map
Without a doubt, Sedella is a charming destination that perfectly combines history, nature, and gastronomy. With its lively festivities, rich history, and stunning natural landscapes, this picturesque Andalusian town offers an unforgettable experience for visitors.
