Colmenar: what to see and how to get there

Colmenar lies in the inland Axarquia, beside the Montes de Malaga and around 35 kilometres by road from Malaga city. Its name reflects a long association with beekeeping, a tradition you can explore at the Honey Museum. Whitewashed houses, viewpoints and paths through olive and almond groves make up much of the visit, with local cooking providing a good reason to stop for lunch.

You can explore the village on foot, walk up to La Candelaria chapel or spend part of the day following a trail through the surrounding countryside. Local restaurants and ventas, traditional roadside inns, serve dishes such as migas, goat in sauce and plato de los Montes.

History of Colmenar

The village grew out of the farmsteads and agricultural estates in the surrounding countryside. Early settlements formed around these farms, including the estate known as Colmenar. After the Christian conquest of the area in the late 15th century, the settlement gradually developed into the village seen today.

Beekeeping, vineyards and olive growing have all shaped the local economy and customs. That connection with the land survives in the village's produce, its traditional farming practices and the old farmhouses along the country lanes.

What to see in and around Colmenar

• Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria chapel: dedicated to Colmenar's patron saint, this chapel stands in one of the highest parts of the village. Its surroundings offer views over the houses and nearby mountains. The walk up combines a stroll through the village streets with a stop at the viewpoint. (View the chapel on the map)
• Malaga Honey Museum: the Museo de la Miel de Málaga explains the lives of bees, pollination and the work of beekeepers through hives, tools, information panels and interactive displays. It also organises workshops, activities and visits to hives with protective beekeeping suits, which must be arranged with the museum in advance. The shop sells honey from across the province, including orange blossom and wildflower varieties. (View the museum on the map)
• Nuestra Señora de la Asunción church: the parish church was built in the early 17th century and later enlarged. It is another stop to include on a walk through the village centre.
• Peñas de Cabrera archaeological site: this site lies within the municipality of Casabermeja, near Colmenar. Its rock shelters preserve prehistoric paintings and engravings, while the protected archaeological area also includes the El Tajillo dolmen. A visit involves walking over natural terrain, so plan your approach and wear suitable footwear. (View Peñas de Cabrera on the map)

Walking and nature near Colmenar

The La Molina walking route explores the countryside around Colmenar, passing vineyards, almond trees and olive groves. It takes you past old farmhouses such as La Molina and Napolín, both dating from the 18th century, and offers a closer look at the agricultural landscape around the village.

Another option is the El Teniente route, which follows the stream of the same name through olive groves. For mountain walks, consult the routes published by the council for the Sierra de Camarolos and the area around Chamizo. Check the route, ascent and walking time before choosing: a stroll near the village and a climb into the mountains call for different levels of preparation.

The surrounding area also has cycling routes. Hills and a mixture of roads and tracks allow for rides of varying difficulty; choose an itinerary that suits your bike and the experience of everyone taking part.

Festivals and traditions in Colmenar

The village's celebrations and rural customs are closely linked to life in the countryside. Public festivals are separate from traditional activities such as harvesting honey, the family pig slaughter and grape treading.

• Festivals of the Virgen de la Candelaria and San Blas: held in early February in honour of Colmenar's patron saints, with processions and community celebrations.
• August fair: the village's summer festival features music, dancing and activities for different age groups. The council publishes the dates and programme on its website each year.
• Traditional honey harvesting: known locally as ‘castración de las colmenas’, this involves collecting honey from the combs. It is one of the practices that reflects the village's long connection with beekeeping.
• Family pig slaughter: the preparation of sausages and other pork products following the slaughter is part of Colmenar's food traditions.
• Grape treading: this recalls traditional winemaking, when grapes were trodden underfoot in the winepress to extract the juice.

What to eat in Colmenar

Olive oil, honey, wine and cured meats play an important part in Colmenar's cooking. Restaurants and roadside inns in the area serve stews, meat in sauce and dishes typical of the Montes de Malaga:

• Plato de los Montes: a plate of potatoes, pork loin, chorizo, peppers and egg.
• Migas: a dish of rustic bread crumbled and fried in olive oil with garlic, chorizo and bacon, often served with a fried egg and peppers.
• Puchero de garbanzos: a chickpea stew with chicken, bacon and bones, which also produces stock for soups.
• Goat in sauce and snails in broth: two traditional local dishes.
• Sweet treats and desserts: roscos de huevo (sweet ring-shaped pastries), borrachuelos (filled, fried pastries), quince paste and meloja, a sweet preparation made with fruit, pumpkin and honey.

For something to take home, look for local honey, olive oil or cured meats such as chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage) and lomo (pork loin). The Honey Museum shop is a useful place to discover the different honeys produced in the province.

How to get to Colmenar from Malaga

A usual route from Malaga follows the A-45 to Casabermeja, then the A-356 towards Colmenar. Allow around 40–50 minutes by car from the airport, depending on traffic and your destination. Having a car also makes it easier to combine the visit with nearby villages and reach the country lanes around Colmenar.

Exploring Colmenar and the surrounding villages by car

If you want to visit Colmenar and continue to Riogordo, Casabermeja or Comares, a car lets you plan your stops without relying on bus timetables. With Malagacar, you can collect your hire car when you arrive at the airport.

Car hire in Malaga

Taxi or private transfer to Colmenar

A private transfer takes you straight from the airport to your accommodation in Colmenar without changing services. It is a practical option if you prefer a direct journey or are travelling with luggage and do not need a car during your stay.

Book a taxi or transfer

*No advance payment is required and cancellation is free. We therefore recommend booking ahead to secure your vehicle and price.

Getting there by public transport

From Malaga, you can reach Colmenar on bus routes M-251, Malaga-Casabermeja-Colmenar-Riogordo, and M-252, Malaga-Casabermeja-Colmenar. Check the regional transport consortium's timetables to plan both your outward and return journeys, as departures vary by day.

If you are travelling from Malaga Airport, you will first need to reach the city to connect with the bus. Once in Colmenar, you can explore the centre on foot, although the walk up to the chapel is uphill.

Tourist information and contact details

Colmenar Town Hall

Malaga Honey Museum

The museum asks visitors to contact it directly for opening hours. Group tours and activities at the hives must be booked in advance.