This pleasant village is situated at 359 metres above sea level, about twenty minutes by car from the coast and an hour and a half or less from Málaga. It has a population of approximately 1.000 inhabitants. Sayalonga is located in a valley of the same name through which a river flows down from the mountains, passing first through Canillas de Albaida and Archez before reaching Sayalonga, then continuing Algarrobo and on to the sea. This river has played an important part in the survival and prosperity of the town.

Ingenious irrigation channels, some dating back centuries, irrigate the fruit tree groves and orchards of the lower slopes. Olive, almond and vineyards predominate in the local cultivation of crops and recently avocado plantations, which the reliable water source allows to flourish, have been added. The village spreads out along the ridge of a low mountain and a street running along this ridge leads to the parochial church of San Pedro, which stands out sharply white against the magnificent backdrop of the Sierra Tejeda mountains.

Sayalonga’s turbulent history – from the Moors to the Reconquest - is chronicled in historical guidebooks, but present day Sayalonga offers the visitor the tranquillity of narrow winding streets, tree shaded plazas, a quiet easy going life-style, some excellent bars and restaurants and a wonderful sunny climate.

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