Situated at the foot of the Sierras de Tejada y Almijara, in a valley formed by the Cajula and Turvilla rivers, is Canillas de Albaida, a village dating back to the 13th century. Hence its Moorish features.

The white village houses are its hallmark, so much so that it is even reflected in its name: "Albaida", which means "the white one" in Arabic. Very close to the village is the Fábrica de la Luz (the light factory), one of the most beautiful natural spots in the Axarquía region.

MUST SEE SITES IN CANILLAS DE ALBAIDA

MONUMENTS

The Nuestra Señora de la Expectación church is the most prominent monument in Canillas de Albaida. It was built during the 16th century and reformed in the 18th century. It has three naves, a ceiling with a wooden framework structure and a tower. Within the church is a Rococo choir stall.

The chapels of Santa Ana and San Antón are also well worth visiting in Canillas de Albaida. The first is a Mudejar-style sanctuary made up of a single nave and a barrel vault. Inside are 18th century images of Santa Ana and Santa Rita. The latter is located at the lower end of the village and it was built between the 16th and 17th centuries.

The natural area of las Cuestas is the ideal place to immerse oneself in the culture and the history of these lands. Two Roman roads intersect at this point. One of their descends from the lower end of the village and the other ascends towards El Cerrillo. The two merge with the Roman Bridge that crosses the Turvilla river.