Colmenar is a beautiful village nestled on the northern edge of the Málaga mountains (Montes de Málaga), serving as a northern gateway to the Axarquía region from the direction of Antequera. Situated at an altitude of 700 meters above sea level, the village has a population of approximately 3,500.
Colmenar is a principal town in the Axarquía region. The Moors named this area *Ash-Sharquia*—meaning "Land of the East"—due to its location east of Málaga. They established the region's characteristic white villages, built castles, fortifications, and mosques, cultivated the land, and constructed irrigation infrastructure. Moorish influence remains evident throughout the culture, language, and architecture of the region's 31 municipalities.
History:
The village was situated along one of the important ancient routes connecting Axarquía with the Guadalhorce Valley. However, the village itself is of more recent origin; unlike defensive hilltop settlements, it lies in the valley. It was founded following the Christian Reconquest of Moorish territory in the late 15th century. The year 1560 was significant, as the village's boundaries were demarcated during the summer of that year. It did not become an independent town until 1777. The name "Colmenar" originated from a honey-producing estate (*colmena* means "beehive" in Spanish).
Things to see:
Puerto de la Cruz monument. Located at the main entrance to Colmenar, the "Puerta de La Cruz" welcome monument bears the town's coat of arms, featuring a beehive with seven bees flying above it. There is also an artistic scene depicted from 1488, when the village was taken over by Francisco de Coalla from Hamet el Zuque.
Convent of the Virgin of La Candelaria
A walk to the highest point of the village—the Convent of the Virgin of La Candelaria—is certainly worthwhile. It is also known as the 'Ermita' (hermitage) de la Candelaria. From here, you have a view over the Tajo and Doña Ana gorges, while the Sierra Nevada—snow-capped during the colder months—lies to the right. Legend has it that this 17th-century convent was built as a gesture of gratitude by a group of fishermen who were miraculously saved from death during a terrible storm off the coast of Málaga. In a niche, you can see an image of La Candelaria, the patron saint of Colmenar.
Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción
The Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción was built in the 16th century. Its architecture shows signs of Arab influence.
Outside the village, you should also visit the archaeological remains in areas such as the Cueva de las Pelusas or the Cortijo de Gonzalo in the Zorrera river basin.
If you are looking for something typical of Colmenar, there is a wide variety of artisanal products available; olive oil, honey, natural sugars, and freshly ground flour make great purchases. The residents of Colmenar also specialize in weaving items such as baskets, mats, and rugs from natural fibers like esparto grass.
Colmenar is located a 35 km drive inland from the city of Málaga, heading towards Antequera up the steep, rocky Guadalmedina Valley. At Casabermeja, take the 'Carretera de Colmenar' heading east. Rio Gordo is a neighboring village.
Montes de Málaga Natural Park
This park is easily accessible and situated close to the surrounding coastal and mountain towns and villages. Considered the "green lung" of the nearby area, it offers a perfect spot to rest and relax in its recreational zones. It is also ideal for hiking. During the rainy season, for instance, you can see beautiful waterfalls such as Picapedreros.
Serrato lies on the edge of the Montes de Málaga, home to wildlife including the Spanish imperial eagle, griffon vulture, Andalusian chameleon, genet, wild boar, mountain goats, martens, and weasels. The park's vegetation consists mainly of pine and carob trees—including Aleppo pine, cork oak, and holm oak—as well as wild almond and olive trees. It is a hilly to mountainous area covering 4,996 hectares, crisscrossed by small valleys and watercourses—ranging from fast-flowing winter streams to small waterfalls. The southern part of the park offers magnificent views of the coast and Málaga; on rare occasions with clear weather, you can even see the Atlas Mountains in Morocco.
