Colmenar - Capital of the Malaga Mountains
Colmenar is located at the most westerly point of Axarquia, on the scenic Route of Olive Oil and Mountains. It is situated 35 kilometres from Malaga and 35 kilometres from the coast at Rincon de la Victoria. The foothills of the Sierra de Camaroles lie to the north and Mount Miraflores to the south.
The economy of the town is based on agriculture, livestock farming and several food and drink industries including the production of honey. In the surrounding countryside there are numerous beehives from which the town name was derived ('colmena' is Spanish for beehive).
The most traditional dishes of the area are chickpea soup, bean omelettes, gazpachuelo, porra and fried breadcrumbs. Cold gazpacho is eaten in summer, and every dish is accompanied by a glass of home-made must wine. The olive oil and honey used here is of a very high quality, as are the pastries made by the local people. And as in most towns in this region, pork and its derivatives are used extensively in the local cooking.
Colmenar village offers all the necessary amenities: banks, mini supermarkets, bakers, butchers, internet café, hotels and tapas bars. It has a 24 hour medical centre and chemist. Thursday is village market day. Taxi’s are available and the bus service to Malaga is frequent and inexpensive, but a car is really essential.
Places to visit:
Casa Velsheda is an ideal base for sightseeing, golf, country walking, bird watching, set as it is close to a number of national parks. April and May are the best months for the wildflowers for the botanists, photographers, artists and walkers to enjoy. The central location and good roads mean Malaga, Granada & Cordoba are all within easy reach. The coast is also within an easy drive of only 40 minutes. The motorway system means that Nerja is only 45 mins to the west and Fuengirola only 45 mins to the east. |
Hermitage of the Candelaria
This was built in the 17th century and, according to local tradition, was sited on high ground as a mark of gratitude by sailors from the Canary Islands who had been miraculously saved from drowning during a storm on the Malaga coast. It has a single nave with a flat roof that leads onto a square presbytery with a semi-spherical vault. The gesso designs on the vaulted ceiling are a popular interpretation of the mannerist style. In the small room off the main chapel is the image of the Candelaria, patron saint of Colmenar.
Church of La Asunción
This is a 16th century church, built with certain remnants of the Moorish style. It has three naves separated by semicircular arches on square pillars, and three small rooms off the main body of the church.
Useful Numbers:
Emergency Doctor: 061
Medical Centre: 952 730 311
Guardia Civil: 952 730 030
Local Police: 952 730 001
Emergency Police: 091
Town Council: 952 730 000
Tourist information:
Town Hall, Plaza de España, 9. 29170.
Phone: 952 730 000 Fax: 952 731 068
British Consulate - Malaga Tel: 952 352 300
Edificio Eurocom, Bloque Sur,
Calle Mauricio Moro Pareto 2-2, 29006 |
