High up in the Sierra de Tejeda, Canillas de Aceituno was first settled by the Romans, keen to exploit the gold mines at La Rabita, but the present day village is firmly rooted in Arabic origin. It was first known as Caniles, but by the end of the 16th century the ‘Aceituno’ had been added and become well established.
The village was re-conquered by the Catholic Monarchs and subsequently incorporated into the estate of the Count of Cabra, along with Archez and Corumbela. Canillas de Aceituno was one of the areas of the Axarquia region worst affected by the Andalucian Earthquake on Christmas Day 1884. The epicentre was in the nearby Sierra Tejeda. Six people were killed and many more were injured, with numerous houses being completely destroyed.
Despite being high on the hillside, the streets don’t seem as steep as in some of the other villages.
Statistics
Area: 42 square kilometres
Altitude: 645 mtrs above sea level
Population: +/- 2,300
Distance from Nerja: 41 km
Driving Time: +/- 45 mins
Places of Interest
16th century Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora del Rosario
Casa de los Diezmos, also known as the Casa de la Reina Mora
Various archaeological remains
Local Cuisine
Local specialities include: Tortillas de Bacalao (cod omelette), Olla de Coles (cabbage stew), Chivo al Horno (roast kid) and Gachas con Pescado (a sort of cod soup). Locally produced (sweet) wine is the tipple.
Local Festivals
Fiesta de la Morcilla in honour of the Virgen de la Cabeza (Last Sunday in April)
Fiesta de San Isidro (May 15th)
Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de la Cabeza (Second week in August)
Fiesta de la Candelaria (September 9th)
Useful Info
Town Hall
Tel: (0034) 95 251 80 02