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The
drive inland from Malaga city, in the Antequera/Granada direction,
takes you on a journey to the real Andalucia. Colmenar is one of
the most important villages in this area, being the Capital of the
Malaga Mountain villages. It is just 35 kilometers inland from Malaga,
on the 'Carretera de Colmenar', a road that cuts and winds up through
the Malaga Mountains, until you reach the village at 696 meters
above sea level.
As with many villages in Andalucia, Colmenar was taken over by the Christians in the 15th century. Before that, it had been in the hands of the Romans and then the Moors. 1560 is an important date in its history because it was during the summer of that year that the boundaries were marked out, covering a total area of 65,50 Km2. Since then its administrative importance as capital of the Montes de Malaga has evolved into what it is today, with a resident population of over 3,000.
 At the main entrance to Colmenar, you see the welcoming
"Puerta de La Cruz" monument, which bears
the town's coat of arms, showing a beehive with seven bees flying
above it ('Colmenar' means apiary or beehive). There is also an
artistic scene depicted from 1488 when the village was taken over
by Francisco de Coalla from Hamet el Zuque. As you carry on right
into the heart of the town you can see that you are surrounded by
hills, which have kept the expansion of the small town under control
and now create a beautiful natural backdrop.
It is well worth a walk up to the highest point
of the village, at the Convent of the Virgin of La Candelaria
(also known as the 'Ermita' (hermitage) de la Candelaria). From
the viewpoints, you can see the Tajo and Doña
Ana gorges and looking to the right is the Sierra Nevada,
snow capped in the colder months. The story is that this 17th century
convent was built as a token of gratitude from a group of fishermen
who were miraculously saved from death during a terrible storm off
the shores of Malaga. The plasterwork in the vault reflects the
mannerist design of that era. In a niche, you can see an image of
La Candelaria, the patron saint of Colmenar.
It is also recommended to visit the Church
of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción. Built in the 16th
century, there are signs of Arab influence in its architecture,
especially in the three aisles with very high ceilings and separated
by arches on square pillars.
Gastronomy
One of the delights of Andalucia is to sample the
cuisine in the local bars or restaurants. "Garbanzos"
is a traditional dish of chickpeas cooked in stock and is a good
choice in the colder months. During summer, the chilled gazpacho
is refreshing and full of vitamins. "Tortilla de habas"
(broad bean omelette) is another specialty worth trying. A glass
of local wine will add to the country flavour of your meal. Take
away some natural Colmenar honey, which is certainly the best in
the area.
Local Celebrations & Festivities
Virgen de la Candelaria
Fiesta in honour of the Patron Saint, at the beginning of February.
Easter Holy Week - Semana Santa
Religious celebrations and processions.
Dia de la Pipa
3rd May. The people of the village have a huge picnic in the country.
Colmenar Fair
The second week in August
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