El Acebuchal Pueblo

The smell of Pine trees and wild rosemary is pleasantly finding its way into your nostrils when you turn into the narrow track - that leads to El Acebuchal Pueblo - from the old Frigiliana road between Frigiliana and Torrox Pueblo.

You have now entered Park Natural in the Tejeda and Almijara mountains. This is an absolutely perfect way to spend a day whether you are on holiday or live in Andalusia.

If you know the story of acebuchal you may feel your adrenaline pumping a bit when you see the little white village appears in the valley. The Spaniards has named the village "Pueblo el Fantasma" - The Ghost Village, while "los residentes extranjeros" the foreign residents call Acebuchal "The Lost Village".

The short version is that the village was abandoned and in ruins from 1949 to 1998. Today the village is beautifully renovated with respect for the original style and with great attention to details.

A stroll through the picturesque white village surrounded by Pine-covered mountains, and no disturbing noises, is soothing for the soul. The only sounds that break the silence are usually turkeys, donkeys, goats and - in the hot season - the constant sizzling sound of cicadas.

By the time you have walked the village you will have worked up an appetite and most likely a dry throat. No problem! You will find "La Venta de Virtudes" at the top of the village. This is the local bar and restaurant - actually the only bar and restaurant where you can sit shaded by a bamboo-roof and contemplate life sipping Tinto Verano and spoiling your tastebud with "the perfect bite".

The menu offers among other home-baked bread, homemade ice cream and mouthwatering delicious dishes such as wild boar, lamb, fish, chicken or different tapas and salads.

The prices are reasonable for well prepared homemade food. A hot meal is between 8 and 16 Euros but 4 people can have a table full of tapas and home baked bread plus a couple of drinks each for 50 Euros.

The restaurant is closed on Mondays.

Phone: 650617901 or 666790895 (Spanish & English)

Have a look at the video below to see the village and "La Venta de Virtudes".

Driving out of Acebuchal not the way you arrived (from the Frigiliana Road) but towards Competa will take you on an unforgettable drive in the Majestic mountains of the Park Natural.

I will have to mention that you will be driving on a dirt track, and that it is no coincident that I suggest you drive from Acebuchal this way and not to Acebuchal. The reason is that you will be driving as far from the edge as possible in this direction, whereas you would be driving along the edge if you were driving to Acebuchal this way.

I am not too good with heights - but slow and easy driving in the right direction - as far from the edge as possible, that I can handle - and even enjoy. So stay warned if you and heights are not the best friends!

If you are driving a 4x4 you should be fine going all the way to Competa - if not you will have to turn left, when you come to a place where you have the choice of continuing straight ahead or turning left. If you don't feel like driving in the natural park yourself you can book a jeep safari from Torrox or Nerja.

Turning left will take you to a place where you have to cross a small stream. With a little carefulness any car can do this in the summer. However in the winter I would not recommend you try, as the road can be damaged by rain, and the river can be too deep to cross.

It is lovely to get out of the car and cool your feet and face in the fresh water. This route will end at a place locally known as "The Helicopter Pad" and from there you are right on the Competa road.

I hope I haven't scared you off. The Park Naturel is really a fantastic experience, but it is serious mountains and as long as you are aware of that and take your precautions - you will be fine.

Enjoy!