Colmenar, a picturesque white village, is located in the heart of the Axarquía region, just 30 kilometres from Málaga. Its name, which evokes its rich beekeeping history, is a testament to the main driver of its economy for many years: the beehives.
Located in the heart of the Montes de Málaga, a visit to Colmenar will not only allow you to appreciate its architectural beauty and historical monuments, but also enjoy an impressive landscape and a variety of tourist attractions. Come and discover all that Colmenar has to offer!
Colmenar, a picturesque village located in the heart of Andalusia, is a place where the past and present intertwine in a fascinating way. Its history, which dates back to Prehistory, is a rich and varied tapestry of cultures and civilizations that have left their mark on the landscape and the people.
The archaeological remains found in caves and tombs around Colmenar attest to its antiquity and its importance over the centuries. From coins to ceramics, each find offers a window to a distant past and allows us to imagine what life was like back then.
The vestiges of a Roman settlement suggest that Colmenar was once a centre of trade and culture during the Roman Empire. Although much of its history is still to be discovered, Muslim testimonies and archaeological remains offer us a glimpse into its past, a time when the Moors ruled the region and left their mark on architecture, agriculture, and the arts.
At the end of the 15th century, Colmenar experienced significant growth in its population. The community was mainly composed of farmers who lived in cortijos, typical rural houses of the region. Today, only vestiges of these cortijos remain, but their presence is felt in the architecture and culture of the village.
Many of the current roads in Colmenar were ancient Roman or Andalusian paths, silent witnesses of the travellers, traders and conquerors who once travelled these routes. These paths are a reminder of Colmenar's rich history and its role as a crossroads over the centuries.
Today, Colmenar remains a place of history and culture, a place where every stone and every path tell a story. It is a place to discover, to explore, and to appreciate the beauty of Andalusia and the richness of its past.
Colmenar, with its rich history and beautiful landscape, offers a variety of activities and places of interest for visitors. Here are some suggestions:
Colmenar, a hidden treasure in the heart of the Montes de Málaga, is a paradise for nature lovers. This picturesque village offers a variety of outdoor activities that will allow you to immerse yourself in its natural beauty.
For hiking enthusiasts, Colmenar offers a network of trails that wind through its mountains and valleys. These trails will take you through pine forests, olive fields and vineyards, offering you panoramic views of the Andalusian landscape.
If you prefer cycling, Colmenar has mountain biking routes that will challenge you and reward you with impressive views. Whether you prefer a quiet ride or a mountain challenge, there is a route for you.
But not everything is activity in Colmenar. You can also opt for a quiet walk through its beautiful landscapes. You can stroll through its cobbled streets, visit its historical monuments or simply sit on a park bench and enjoy the tranquillity of the place.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pAXzyhoS78gMySw26
The Hermitage of Our Lady of Candelaria is located at a high point in the village, offering panoramic views of the Sierra Tejera, Almijana and Camarolo. On clear days, it is possible to see as far as the Sierra Nevada and the surrounding villages. Inside the hermitage, visitors can admire the image of Our Lady of Candelaria, a figure venerated in the locality.
In addition to being a place of worship, the hermitage also serves as a viewpoint to the village and the sierras of the Axarquía. The temple is well maintained and open to the public, although access to the interior is limited to preserve its state. Despite this, visitors can appreciate the interior of the temple through a grille.
The surroundings of the hermitage are open and well maintained, with a nearby area for parking. The pedestrian surroundings offer views of both the village and the surrounding sierras, providing a quiet and silent place to enjoy the landscape. Next to the chapel is the cemetery, both were refurbished in 1987. Between the cemetery and the hermitage, there are clean and sanitised toilets available to the public.
Location: Link to Google Maps
The Honey Museum, located in Colmenar, Málaga, is a centre dedicated to the dissemination of the work carried out by bees and beekeepers. This museum offers a detailed view of the world of beekeeping, with a wide collection of beehives and beekeeping tools.
One of the most outstanding attractions of the museum is a giant bee and large-scale models of breeding hives, which allow visitors to see in detail the life cycle of bees. In addition, the museum offers the possibility of a guided visit to the museum and the hives, dressed in the beekeeper's suit.
The museum also offers the opportunity to taste 8 varieties of honey from Málaga: Milflores, Azahar, Romero, Tomillo, Eucalipto, Castaño, Aguacate and Bosque. In the museum shop, visitors can buy Honey and other products from the Hive: pollen, candles, mead, cosmetics, propolis, among others.
The Honey Museum is a fascinating place to learn about the importance of bees and beekeeping in our society and environment.
Visiting hours:
Monday to Friday: Mornings from 9:30 to 14 hours
Saturdays and Sundays from 11 to 14 hours.
Located halfway between Colmenar and Casabermeja, this archaeological site is an accessible and attractive destination for lovers of history and nature. Here, visitors can discover remains of cave paintings dating back to prehistoric times.
This open-air site consists of several rock shelters that house a rich collection of prehistoric paintings and engravings. Visitors can admire a variety of rock art, which includes everything from schematic drawings to anthropomorphic figures and representations of plants.
In addition to the cave paintings, the site also has an ancient quarry and a dolmen, providing a broader view of the life and practices of the ancient civilizations that inhabited the area.
Although access to the site is relatively straightforward, signage may be limited. It is recommended to use the Cortijo de la Cabrera as a reference point to reach the archaeological site.
Location: Link to Google Maps
Colmenar, with its rich cultural heritage, hosts a variety of festivals and traditions, some modern and others that have stood the test of time, reflecting the vibrant community spirit of the village.
A tradition dating back to ancient times, the castration of the beehives is carried out manually, just as it was done in the past. This annual ritual takes place in mid-February. It is a celebration of Colmenar's rich beekeeping history and an opportunity to learn about the importance of bees in our ecosystem.
The slaughter is a tradition widespread in many villages in the province of Málaga. This festivity, celebrated during the winter, usually at the end of January or the beginning of February, involves singing and dancing while participating in the preparation of meat products. It is a celebration of local gastronomy and an opportunity to enjoy the hospitality and community spirit of Colmenar.
The grape stomping is a winemaking tradition that involves dancing on the grapes to produce the wine. This festivity, celebrated during the autumn, usually in September or October, is a fun and lively way to celebrate the region's rich winemaking tradition and enjoy local flavours.
The Colmenar Fair, in honour of the Most Holy Virgin of Candelaria and San Blas, is celebrated in January, usually during the second week of the month. It is an event that will appeal to all ages, so it can be ideal whether you are travelling alone, as a couple, or with children. It is an opportunity to enjoy local music, dance, food and drink, and to experience the hospitality and warmth of the people of Colmenar.
The gastronomy of Colmenar is a reflection of its rich culture and traditions. Especially based on oil and wine, the native cuisine of Colmenar offers a variety of typical dishes that will delight your palate. Here we present some of the most recommended dishes:
This is one of the most typical dishes of the region. It is a delicious combination of local ingredients that includes potatoes, loin, chorizo, peppers and egg.
Migas is a traditional dish made with settled cateto bread, garlic, chorizo, bacon, oil and salt. It is served accompanied by fried egg and peppers.
The chickpea stew is a rich and nutritious soup that includes chickpeas, chicken meat, añejo, fresh spine bone and bacon.
The goat and the snails are other typical dishes of Colmenar. The goat is usually prepared in stews, while the snails are cooked in a broth with spices.
As for pastries, the tasty egg roscos and homemade borrachuelos stand out. Also popular are the quince meat and the Meloja, a dessert made from fruit, pumpkin and honey.
In addition to these dishes, Colmenar is known for its excellent sausages and cold meats, such as the loin, the chorizo and the black pudding. Also highly appreciated are its olive oil and the exquisite bee honey.
We invite you to discover and enjoy the rich gastronomy of Colmenar on your next visit.
Colmenar, a charming village in the Axarquía region, is accessible from several routes. The most direct route is through Casabermeja, a picturesque village on the route to Colmenar.
We recommend travelling by car to enjoy the beautiful landscape and the comfort of your own schedule. The use of public transport may be an option, but bear in mind that it may take longer and be a more complicated journey due to bus schedules and connections.
If you do not have a vehicle, there are several options for car hire in Málaga. You can pick up your rented car at the airport or at the Málaga train station, depending on your point of arrival.
Once in your car, simply follow the directions to Casabermeja and from there to Colmenar. The road is well signposted and it is a fairly straightforward journey that will take you just over 30 minutes.
In addition to the directions, you can follow the recommended route on the map provided below. This map will guide you through the best routes to get to Colmenar and will help you plan your trip in the most efficient way.
Town Hall: Plaza de España, 7 - 29170.
Telephone: 952 73 00 00.
Official Website: Colmenar Town Hall
Credit cards accepted
