Periana
The charming village of Periana is located in the beautiful Axarquia region of Malaga, affording stunning views to the surrounding countryside. To the north are spectacular mountain ranges and to the south the beautiful Lake (Reservoir) Viñuela and the coastline.
The village sits along the scenic Route of the Olive Oil and Mountains, which follows the land through olive groves, mountain ranges and ancient pueblos blancos (white villages).
Periana is located just a 40 minute drive from the city of Malaga and its airport, 40 minutes from the Spanish resort of Torre Del Mar and less than 40 minutes away are the costal towns of Nerja, Torrox and Torre Del mar, which boast lovely beaches, markets and many bars, restaurants and shopping facilities.
History
The village dates back to 1761, the name deriving from the two ancient defence positions of Pereiro and Santana. In those days the village was a simple farm range that stood between the two.
Around town
The village is Moorish in style, and has retained much of its Mudejar style even though it was rebuilt after an earthquake in 1884. The original Mudejar style parish church of San Isidro was also rebuilt.
The village offers everything one would need to enjoy a holiday in the Andalusian countryside. There are several supermarkets, banks where you are able to change your money, a pharmacy, doctor’s surgery, butchers, restaurants, bars and even a disco.
Places to visit
In the area there are several prehistoric sites and settlements discovered by archaeologists; these include Cerro de Capellanía, El Fuerte, Llano de la Matanza, Rio Seco and Cerro Alcolea.
At Baños de Vilo, situated two kilometres north of Periana, there are sulphurous Moorish baths, which have recently been restored and are considered medicinal and health-invigorating. The beautiful spot at the source of the Rio Guara which feeds Lake Viñuela is also worth a visit and is a lovely site for a picnic.
Festival
The main agricultural crop of Periana and the surrounding area is peaches and ever summer a peach fair is held to celebrate the harvest. Another product is Verdial Olive Oil and the Festival of Verdial Olive Oil is celebrated earlier in the year and thousands of visitors come to try the superior olive oil.
Cuisine
The cuisine in Periana is typical of the Axarquia region; specialties include Ajoblanco con Uvas (Garlic Soup with Grapes), Chota a la Cazadora (Kid in Almond Sauce), Cordero Asado al Horno (Roast Marinated Lamb) and sweet Churros, fried dough sticks, a bit like donuts, dipped in hot chocolate, delicious!
Climate
Periana enjoys a typically inland Andalusian climate, being extremely hot in the summer and temperate in the winter, although when it rains the streets become awash. The residents enjoy around 2,800 hours of annual sunshine.
