Colmenar is a very attractive village located thirty-five kilometres from Malaga in the north of the Malaga mountains and to the south of the foothills of the Camaroles mountains. The surrounding hillsides are covered in pine forests offering shady trails for ramblers. The village of just over three thousand inhabitants is comprised of the old centre where the steep narrow streets are huddled around the seventeenth century hermitage. Beneath the old centre are the more modern structures built to house an increasing population. As the economy does not rely heavily on tourism, the atmosphere of the village is very traditional. A Colmenar holiday offers a relaxing break in an area of great natural beauty, where you can bask in the warmth of the sunshine as well as in local hospitality.
Located away from the bustle of the popular coastal resorts yet close enough to enjoy a day by the sea, Colmenar combines the best of both worlds. Here you can enjoy the traditional atmosphere found in the village and explore its historic centre, play a round of golf at a nearby course or enjoy the beaches with their golden sands, warm water and provision of water sports.
A Colmenar holiday appeals to a variety of ages and interests with the exception of young singles looking for lively evenings, and families with small children who usually prefer to be closer to the sandy beaches of the Costa del Sol. Golfers can find courses in the area and ramblers can enjoy many beautiful walking trails; those with an interest in the past can explore the many historic sites littering the area.
Although Colmenar is a year round holiday venue, the summer holiday period is probably the most popular time to go, with guaranteed sunshine and warm seas. However, it is also a good place to escape from the damp and dark British winter and enjoy a round or two of golf.
Colmenar, thirty five kilometres north of Malaga and the beaches of the Costa del Sol, lies in a beautiful area with rolling pine clad hills and fertile valleys. Its economy is agriculturally based with crops and livestock. The area gets its name from the Spanish for beehive and the area is famous for its honey.
The village has two distinct parts, the old surrounds the Hermitage of Nuestra Senora de la Candalaria which dates from the seventeenth century. The Church of the Asuncion is also worth visiting with its remnants of Moorish architecture. Below the maze of steep narrow cobbled streets is the more modern Colmenar which has developed to accommodate an expanding population.
There is a range of holiday accommodation to suit all budgets from small family run hotels to larger first class establishments. Although Colmenar’s restaurants serve mainly traditional food, there are some excellent restaurants serving international cuisine.
Most Spanish villages enjoy celebrating fiestas and Colmenar is no exception. There are several throughout the year including the celebration of the patron saint in February, Holy Week at Easter, and wonderful celebrations at Christmas. There is also a lively fair in August when visitors can enjoy traditional music and dance.
Colmenar offers a tranquil holiday in idyllic surroundings where you can relax in the warmth of the sunshine and enjoy the friendly hospitality of the local people. In order to make the most of your holiday car hire is recommended.
Colmenar nightlife is very low key with evenings spent wandering its charming streets and alleyways, enjoying local hospitality in the company of friends. There are some excellent restaurants serving mainly traditional food.
Colmenar has good shopping facilities with supermarkets for essential provisions as well as the many small shops found in the narrow winding streets of the old town. Popular buys include traditional handmade items such as hand carved kitchen utensils, pottery leather goods and articles woven from grasses. The area is renowned for the quality of its honey.
Colmenar has some fine restaurants serving mainly traditional Spanish cuisine. Menus include traditional local dishes including Garbanzo stew typical of the mountainous regions, as well as paella, tortillas, tapas and chorizo. There are also restaurants offering a choice of international cuisine. A good way to try Spanish food is to order a plate of tapas which consists of a medley of bite-sized dishes. Tapas are also ideal for filling the sometimes long gap between lunch and dinner, which is served later in Spain than at home. Spanish wines are pleasant and inexpensive.
Children are always made very welcome in Spanish restaurants and their tastes and portion sizes are usually accommodated.
