Welcome to Arriate - A Vibrant Village in Andalucia, Spain.
Arriate, Malaga, Andalucia, Spain
Arriate is a medium sized but big hearted village in the heart of inland Andalucia, Spain. It is located in the province of Malaga just five kilometers but autonomous from, Ronda, 'The City of Dreams'.
Arriate is one of the most welcoming villages in the Malaga region of Andalucia, Spain. It is located in the Serrania de Ronda, at the very heart of Hemingway's Andalucia. It is a small, typical Spanish mountain village with inspiring views, beautiful scenery, dramatic skies, abundant bird life, clean air as well as a friendly and relaxed atmosphere and an hypnotic charm to it. This is Arriate.
Come to Arriate to relax and refresh yourself in the unspoiled hills and valley's, music, culture and friendly atmosphere. Or, if you prefer a bit more activity there are many opportunities for mountain biking, hiking and horse riding through the countryside. From our adopted Spanish village you can explore the beautiful mountains with wild flowers, wander along the walking routes, see migrating birds and enjoy the wonderful scenery, explore the quaint narrow village streets and architecture. A superb place for anyone who wants to see and experience the real Spain.
Arriate is a treasure not too far from the maddening crowd!
Here in Arriate it is sometimes very easy to forget that not too far away is a hustling, bustling world where everything is quick, instant and on-demand. Where the blast of life speeding past you can leave you breathless and hasseled.
Well if you come to Arriate, our pace of life won't batter you but it will leave you breathless just the same, only this time from fantastic, breath taking views and rich culture. Sometimes even the simplest of things will take you by surprise... Imagine sitting in the sunshine enjoying a tapas or meal then someone completely unknown to you will stop and say 'Que aproveche!' , (enjoy your meal) and they will genuinly mean it!
The Spanish locals here really are friendly, welcoming and helpful. It is a place where strangers smile and say hello to you in the balmy shaded streets as you are wandering around trying to soak it all up. Actually they say Adiós - goodbye but that is to everybody and after 25 years here in Spain we still find it odd!
What about the language though Andy?
Well, you know, we are actually able to help you there with a few useful phrases available here on the website but better still, we recommend buying our short guide to Spanish language for the English speaker "Spanglish". It is only 2.50 Euros and gives you 12 pages of indispensable instant help. NO GRAMMER... Oh no, none!
You need to be aware that as a traditional inland town, very little English is spoken in Arriate and whilst, tolerant as they are, every day we see visitors struggling to ask even the most basic of things like 'water' or 'milk' or 'I'm lost". You can, of course, get away with 'taxi', 'tea' or 'coffee'!
Arriate is open and worth visiting all year round, 365 days. Arriate is a great place to be at Feria time, Easter and Christmas and many people pre-book their accommodation months in advance especially to ensure they are here for these events. Depending upon demand, you can usually find somewhere to stay but try your best to arrange this well in advance. Check this great local website for rentals. Holiday Rentals Arriate
Arriate has just three small hotels ranging from a brand new one in the town center that opened in September 2011 to a couple of superb country boutique establishments. There are a few rooms available in some of the inns and bars but we should warn you that they tend to be less than basic and the feedback we have had has all been poor.
Unfortunately the English owner of the only Bed and Breakfast in Arriate sadly passed away this year and as yet no-one has come forward to open a new one despite there being a lot of suitable properties on the market. Anyone interested in the challenge should look at the local Arriate Real Estate website, Property Arriate. There is a nich market waiting to be had and NO competition! The demand for rooms is not being met because of a lack of a new entrepreneurial Bed and Breakfast owner.
All in all, Arriate is still a typical Andalucian Spanish pueblo but is gradually changing as the younger generations strive to keep the village alive by embracing modern technology and new innovative ways to bring new life to their home. You can be assured of a great time filled with charm and surprise, relaxing cool shady streets, wonderful welcoming local people and scenery to gladen the heart. We know... We are English!