The Village

Canillas de Albaida is set in a truly spectacular position; the wild backdrop of the Atalaya and Verde Mountains home to eagles, wild boar and mountain goats dominates the brilliant white buildings that huddle together forming the village. The whole village is a magnificent maze of streets, twisting and winding at different levels. Calle Estacion is the main thoroughfare with numerous steep, narrow alleys running off it on either side, one of these, Calle Concepcion, is where you will find La Bodega Apartments just below the Plaza. El Callejon de Araceli is one of those which attracts most attention as it is barely possible to squeeze through between the houses on either side. All the streets lead to the Plaza del Ayuntamiento e Iglesia, the traditional village square. The Plaza is home to the focal point and main building of the village, the Church of Nuestra Senora de la Expectacion. The Church dates from the 16th Century and is remarkable for its square based tower that still retains its original 16th century decoration.

Historically Canillas de Albaida dates back to the 13th Century. "Albaida" means "white" in Arabic, so the village is unquestionably Moorish with the "white" referring to the abundant white flowers that grew in the area. This Islamic past is reflected in the layout of the streets and squares and in the use of terraces for cultivation of vines, olives, avocados, almonds, lemons, oranges and numerous other crops. Whilst some of the grapes are dried using the drying beds that can be seen all around the area the remainder is used to make the local heady wine - drinker beware!

Further evidence of Canillas' Moorish past can be found at Las Cuestas, a winding roadway made of stones and at the stone bridge spanning the rivers Cajules and Turvilla. Behind the present-day parking area at the entrance to the village, there is the one time public washing area where the village women would do their laundry using the water from the stream. It is wonderfully preserved with water running freely from the taps but with automatic washing machines and hot water heaters now the norm it is just a reminder of simpler times.

Dominating the village from its elevated position with magnificent views is the 16th Century Hermitage of Santa Ana, which has preserved its original decoration beneath its present facade. Legend tells that a tunnel exists under the shrine leading to the riverbed and was used by the Moors to fetch water. This has never been found and remains a mystery. A further shrine, the 17th Century Hermitage of San Anton is in the lower part of the village, half a kilometre from the centre towards Archez.

The village is well served with local shops including a pharmacy, two small supermarkets, a butcher, bakers, bank and Post Office. The nearest bar and restaurant to Casa la Bodega is just around the corner and with a half dozen others within a few minutes walk great food at very reasonable prices is never far away.

The public swimming pool, open during the summer months, is a great place to cool off and only a two-minute walk away. The pool is well equipped with changing rooms, toilets, and showers, sunloungers and even serves drinks and snacks.

Like all Spanish towns and villages Canillas has a number of Fiestas throughout the year when the whole village gets together for eating, drinking, singing, dancing and generally having fun. The Canillas de Albaida Fair, in honour of the Virgen del Rosario is held in August, although there are also festivities around the feast day at the beginning of October. The feast of San Anton in January and the Dia de las Salves (Hail Mary Day) in February are also celebrated.

The surroundings of Canillas de Albaida, rich in pine groves, scrubland and cork oaks are ideal for walkers and lovers of other rural activities. La Fabrica is a justifiably popular spot with tracks leading through the woods and up into the mountains where the cooling streams make a pleasant respite on a hot day. The Tejeda and Almijara mountain range covers an area of 20,500 hectares and is a Natural Park protected by the Andalucian Government. It is home to mountain birds such as the Egyptian and Common Vulture, wild goats, boar and mountain cats whose existence is now in peril.