Andalucía's Sierra Almijara and Malaga's 15th Century Ship

Hello Everyone and welcome back to My Spanish Weekly newsletter. This week was a busy one, but as a result I have lots to share with all of you. First If you have checked out my latest video, click the link below. I travel by car to the Sierra Almijara where I get to explore a small village and see the beautiful some incredible mountain ranges just an hour east of Malaga. Buckle up as this will be a fun one!

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Sierra Almijara: El Acebuchal de Competa

In this weeks video I visited the Sierra Almijara, but we made an important stop before starting our adventure in the mountains. The Village of Acebuchal De Competa, lies nestled in the Sierra Almijara. This village has less than 50 residents and was abandoned in the 1950s during the Spanish Civil War, or the Spanish Maquis. This was due to the Spanish Civil guard learning that many of the villagers were sympathetic to the Rebel Maquis.

The Village was later reinhabited by a woman who was the descendant of one of the original founders of the village. Over the years she was able to encourage more and more locals to come back and the Village began to grow. Now there is a small group of residents who live there and even a popular restaurant. Locals and tourists alike come to visit year round for good food and to meet the owner of the restaurant who has contributed to the continued growth and renown of the village over the past decade. It is a testament to new beginnings and regrowth.

The hike at the base of El Acebuchal de Competa took us to the Fuentes del Río Higuerón, or the sources of the river Higueron. This was a beautiful hike in the heart of the mountains that offered spectacular views. I went hiking with a group of 30 people and had incredible conversations along the way. There was a slight crisp in the air, but overall it was a warm sunny day. Throughout much of the hike you could make out the ever present Mediterranean Sea in the distance.
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This hike is accessible by car, and there are plenty options for one day rentals from the Malaga Maria Zambrano station, or the airport for less than 20 Euro a day. We didn't get the chance, but next time I plan to stop in the Pearl of the Axarquira, Frigiliana. This is a small town full of beautiful white washed buildings that offers incredible views of the mountains and Mediterranean. I look forward to future solo and group adventures in this region.
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Nao Santa Maria

As I was walking along Muelleuno I was greeted with a surprise from the 15th century this week. The Nao Santa Maria is docked in the port of Malaga until January 25th. This is a replicate that was built almost a decade ago to showcase the historic boat that, alongside the Pinta and Niña crossed the Atlantic to discover the America's. This ship is classified as a carrock, which is a type of ship from that time period. The Santa Maria was the largest of the 3 vessels that crossed the atlantic and it still makes those crossings even now!

This ship is functions fully like the original, with working sails masts and steering. This ship has sailed to and from the America's several times over it's life time and will make another crossing sometime this year. This ship is part of the Fundación Nao Victoria (Nao Victoria Foundation) which supports this effort to educate those on Spanish history through interactive exhibits to showcase what life was link in the 1400s. Stay tuned as I may make a short video on this to share with all of you!
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Sabor de España

This week I am featuring a truly classic Spanish Dish, Paella! When many people think of Spain they think of this rice based dish. Many types of Paella come with meats, seafood, or veggies. The one I ate this week had fresh octupus and gambas (ship) and was a delight. Did you know that this is considered a lunch time meal, although you can absolutely order if for dinner, it just isn't traditionally served for dinner.

This dish originated in Valencia, Spain, as a humble lunchtime meal for farm workers, cooked over a wood fire using local ingredients like rice, snails, rabbit, and vegetables from the fields, with the name coming from the wide, shallow pan. Now this is a staple meal found all across Spain and the world and is enjoyed by many.

Thanks to everyone who is watching my content and reading this far into the newsletter. If you have any comments, questions or suggestions please send me an email at below!