Salares spring festival

The Fairy Tale of Salares

I can still remember my first time in Salares really well. The smell of rosemary and pine was in the air; the sun was shining brightly. It was March, but it felt like summer. I was on my way to a spring dinner with friends. This village, it turns out, would be the setting for a medieval festival. I didn't know that then. The road there was winding and steep. I drove through white villages with red roofs and saw olive groves glittering in the distance. Salares itself seemed small, with winding streets. Whitewashed houses clung to the hillside. The 13th-century Moorish minaret stood proudly above the rooftops. It already hinted at the history. Even without the gates and flags of the upcoming festival, the village had its own charm. The peace was palpable. People here live simply, connected to nature. For a moment, I imagined myself in another era. I understood immediately why a medieval festival would take place here of all places. The setting was perfect.

A Dive into the Middle Ages

Knights on horseback galloped across the village square. Their swords clanged. Quite a spectacle. I just stood there, mouth agape. Kids ran around with wooden swords. A feast for young and old. The atmosphere was immediately authentic. No half measures here. The streets were filled with market stalls. Stalls everywhere with handmade goods. Leather bags, ceramics, herbs. I bought a special goat's cheese there. The cheesemonger proudly told me about his craft. Not a supermarket product, a real local specialty. Everywhere smelled of food. Meat from the spit, fresh bread from stone ovens, local wines. I tried a cup of mead. The village was a living, breathing medieval painting. This time the festival's in the second half of March. It's only an hour's drive from Nerja. A perfect day out.

How to Get There and Park Smart

Getting to Salares is a sight in itself. You follow the A-7 motorway to Velez-Málaga. After that, you take the A-356 towards La Viñuela. From there, it's a winding road, the MA-156. Plan on about an hour's drive from Málaga. It's a beautiful route through the inland. I always enjoy the mountain views. Parking can be a challenge, mind you. The village is small. There are temporary parking areas set up on the outskirts of Salares, though. Just follow the "Parking Feria Medieval" signs. They're clearly marked. I always try to be early. Then you've got the best chance of a good spot, close to the center. An alternative is to park in Archez and walk the last bit. That's about a kilometer and a half. A nice walk if the weather's good. Sometimes there are shuttle buses from the car parks, too. You'll want to check that beforehand, though. I prefer to walk; it gives me a chance to get into the atmosphere already.

Where to Eat Well After the Festivities

After all the festival bustle in Salares, you can grab a good meal. All that medieval spectacle works up an appetite. I headed back down the hills, towards the coast. Near Velez-Málaga, you'll find Restaurante El Convento. They serve traditional dishes here. Try the plato de los montes, a mix of meat and potatoes. Simple, but good after a day like that. Another option is a bit closer, in Canillas de Albaida. It's not a big restaurant, more of a bar with a small kitchen, but the migas here are fantastic. Ask the owner for the daily special. Often a surprise, always fresh. The wines are local and dirt cheap. I then just enjoy the mountain view. If you really want something different, drive on to Competa. You'll find more choice there. Lately, I've often chosen Mesón La Axarquía. It's got a bit more flair and they've got cordero al horno, oven-baked lamb. That's my favorite. This is one of those places where you stay longer than planned. Trust me on that.