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Corumbela can be found 16km inland from the coast and is perhaps the smallest of the White Villages to be found in this part of The Axarquia, surrounding the town of Competa. It can be seen hanging from a ridge on the Velez Malaga to Archez road that snakes up the mountains, but you can also get a great view of it coming from the other direction on the Algarobbo to Archez road via Sayalonga.

Like many of the local Pueblos, Corumbela’s origin is uncertain, but it’s name derives from the Roman word for dove or pigeon, as they felt the small village soared over the valley below. Corumbela has been owned by several families following the conquest of the Moors, given as a gift by the conquering Catholic Monarchs for assistance during the war. Having changed hands several times it eventually became part of the municipality of Sayalonga when Parliament ruled it was illegal to “own” a village or town by a family or individual.

Corumbela is a quiet sleepy village. There isn’t a huge amount there barring a small bakery and a recently opened bar-restaurant called Meson Los Arcos, that is well worth a visit to take a drink on the terrace. Given the villages height of 600m above sea level, the views from there are as good as you would imagine. There is also a church with an original Moorish tower and although a quiet place, they throw themselves into the local fiestas and ferias with gusto!

There are a few non-Spanish families residing in Corumbela, but not many. There are more in the surrounding campo, however you’re far more likely to bump into a pensionista taking an evening stroll or a working donkey being led home after a day in the groves.