ALMÁCHAR is a quintessential Spanish village with picturesque white painted houses climbing up the sun-drenched mountainside. With the spectacular mountain formations embracing the village, the view from the terrace of the hotel is undoubtedly one of the most scenic in the entire Axarquia area.

A silent, late afternoon, somewhere in the distance, a dog on guard is barking. The sky is ever blue, as always. A slow growing clutter from footwear, the silence is broken by a lone hiker with plenty of time and no stress, walking by on the warm, cobblestone streets.

Almáchar is situated between two rivers, located in a green and fruitful farmland with vineyards and plantations. “Tranquilo” (calm), is the most common description of this authentic Andalusian village. Approximately 2000 people call Almáchar home. Almost no tourists come here. The fact that most streets are too narrow for cars makes the village even more peaceful.

Many farmers use donkeys for transportation in the village. An unashamedly sunburnt man walks through the village, with each hand leading a donkey, carrying fresh mangos to the local grocery. In Almáchar, a wandering tourist can truly meet the authentic, unglamorous Andalusian village.

From a vantage point just outside the seemingly oversized police station (this is a regional station for large parts of the entire Axarqía area), houses down below look almost as if they were dropped from the sky. However, entering the village the genius of Moorish city planning becomes clear. Streets, alleyways, and squares neatly braid together in a labyrinthine pattern. In the center stands a church, a town hall, and a library.

One of the oldest and unmistakably most beautiful buildings of Almáchar is the 17th century San Mateo, breathing gothic renaissance style. The old church right next to the hotel is well worth a visit.