Located in the foothills of the Sierra Almijara, Cómpeta sits about half an hour’s drive inland from the beaches of the Costa del Sol, with Torrox Costa and Nerja being the nearest seaside spots. The town is known for its sweeping mountain views, whitewashed houses, and a climate that makes outdoor living and café culture a big part of everyday life.
With a population of just 4,000, life in Cómpeta is slower-paced than on the coast, with a blend of local Andalusian tradition and a friendly, established foreign community. Its position, perched on the edge of Malaga province, also means you’re never too far from scenic walking trails or a quick trip down to the sea for a swim.
What’s it like living in Cómpeta?
Life in Cómpeta is all about getting back to basics—but with a bit of flair. It’s the kind of place where you’ll find yourself on first-name terms with your baker, and taking your morning coffee with a view that almost doesn’t feel real. There’s a real sense of community spirit here, with locals and expats mingling at the weekly market or catching up in the shade of the main square. People tend to look out for each other, and the relaxed pacing means no one’s ever in too much of a rush.
The town itself isn’t big, so you’re never far from the essentials—shops, bakeries, and the odd tapas bar tucked away down a narrow, winding street. Most days, life drifts along gently: long lunches, afternoon strolls, perhaps a local fiesta if you’re lucky. Between the old whitewashed houses and bursts of bougainvillea bushes, you’ll quickly fall for Cómpeta’s Andalusian charm.
Pros and cons of living in Cómpeta
Life in Cómpeta comes with its fair share of quirks—mostly the sort that people end up loving, with just a couple that take a bit of adjustment.
Living in an Andalusian white-washed village certainly comes with advantages:
- There’s a strong community vibe, with locals and international residents actually mixing rather than sticking to separate circles.
- The setting is pretty spectacular, right in the mountains yet close enough to the coast for spontaneous beach days.
- Every day life is still affordable compared to bigger spots like Nerja or Málaga city.
However, there are also downsides:
- Rural charm comes with the odd practical challenge, especially if you rely on public transport or need a wide variety of shops and services.
- While there’s plenty of sunshine, winters can get chilly indoors due to traditional building styles, so decent heating is more of a talking point than you might expect in southern Spain.
Cost of living in Cómpeta
Cómpeta has long appealed to people looking for an affordable slice of Andalusia. The cost of living here is generally much friendlier than in busier coastal towns or Málaga city itself.
Day-to-day costs aren’t too fierce either. A simple meal out, including a drink, shouldn’t set you back more than €20 per person, and a beer in a local bar is around €2.50. Utilities, covering basics like water and electricity, usually come in at €100 to €200 a month—though it’s smart to budget a bit more if your place needs air con in the summer or heating in winter.
If you’ve got a car, keep in mind that a chunk of your monthly outgoings might go on fuel, especially if you’re regularly dipping in and out of town for shopping or trips to the coast. Ultimately, actual living expenses will depend on the type of property you choose (think: an old townhouse versus a villa with a pool) and your lifestyle.
Property prices in Cómpeta averaged €1,596 per m² in May 2025, which is quite a step down from housing prices in Málaga, where you’d be looking at around €3,427 per m². Nearby Nerja also has significantly higher property prices, at €3,572 per square meter.
Things to do in Cómpeta
Cómpeta’s got plenty to keep you busy, whether you’re after a bit of adventure, a splash of culture, or just a pleasant afternoon soaking up local life.
Explore the Sierra de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama Natural Park
This national park is practically on your doorstep. It’s a paradise for hikers and nature lovers, with popular routes like the walk up to La Maroma—the highest peak in the province—or gentler rambles through cork oak woods and streams.
Wander the old town and main square
Cómpeta’s labyrinth of whitewashed streets is best explored on foot. The main square, Plaza Almijara, is the heart of local life, dotted with cafés perfect for a coffee or cold beer.
Visit the Church of La Asunción and local art galleries
The 16th-century Church of La Asunción, with its impressive Mudejar tower, is worth a look. For something different, pop into one of the local galleries—you might catch an exhibition by international artists who call the village home.
Sample local wine at a traditional bodega
Cómpeta is proud of its wine-making roots. Try a tasting session at a bodega, where you can sip the sweet local muscatel and learn a bit about the centuries-old methods behind it.
Join a fiesta or food event
If you’re in town during the Noche del Vino in August or the annual Semana Santa celebrations, make sure to join the fun. Even outside festival season, you’ll often find smaller food events or music evenings scattered throughout the year.
Spend the day on the coast
Seaside resorts like Nerja are just a short drive away and give you that coastal fix when you need it. For an even more epic day out, Malaga is a good destination if you're craving the big city vibes.
Living in Cómpeta as an expat
Cómpeta’s become a real hotspot for internationals, with just under half of its residents originally from outside Spain. The diversity is obvious—you’ll hear English, Dutch, and German in the supermarket as much as Spanish, although most foreign people living here are Brits. Expats find it’s a friendly, welcoming place, with plenty of local faces happy to chat and a good mix of folks looking to integrate rather than sticking to expat bubbles.
While Cómpeta is on the smaller side and doesn’t have its own international schools, you’ll find a selection in nearby cities like Málaga and Vélez-Málaga. For healthcare, the village is covered by a local health centre for day-to-day needs, and Hospital de La Axarquía is closest for bigger emergencies or specialised treatment.
When it comes to settling in, there’s no shortage of support. Facebook groups like “Cómpeta Lifestyle” and “Cómpeta Social” are active and welcoming, making it easy to ask questions, meet neighbours, or find out what’s happening around town.
