Colmenar is known as the capital of the Malaga Mountains, with a population of about 3200.

It is a pretty white village, but also a truly Spanish working town. You are just as likely to see locals using mules and horses for transport as motorbikes, scooters and cars. The coat of arms for Colmenar is a Beehive with seven bees flying over it, this can be seen in the village in a pretty tile design. The word COLMENA means beehive in Spanish and as expected there is a long tradition of bee keeping in the area.

There are the usual facilities, such as supermarkets, bars and restaurants. There is a colourful market on a Thursday morning, where you can buy fruit, vegetables and flowers, also clothes, shoes and local produce. At the top of the hill as you go through the market is an English Supermarket run by Sarah. Here you can buy all the things the children are asking for or things you may just fancy. There is a Doctor's with emergency room and a good chemist.

Colmenar, like many other villages in Andalucia was in Moorish hands for 600 years, this can be seen in the local architecture, culture, and music. It passed into Christian hands in the year 1488 during the time of the Christian monarchs – Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile.

Two landmarks are immediately obvious as you approach Colmenar, at the highest point is The Hermitage of the Santisima Virgen de la Candelaria, patron saint of the village. If you visit Colmenar in February you can observe the celebration of her festival.

Further down the hill is the Church of Nuestra Senora del la Asuncion a 16th century church built with certain remnants of the Moorish style. www.andalucia.com

Climate and weather

The Costa del Sol is reputed to have one of the best climates in Europe. With an incredible 325 days of sunshine each year, even in winter months you can be relaxing on warm, bright, sunny days.

Direct weather link
bbc.co.uk/weather/malaga
www.aemet.es/en/portada