Comares

Colmenar
Colmenar
Comares
Comares
Comares lies within the area of Axarquia, east of Malaga, with a population of 1,700. Comares is situated 25 kilometres inland from the coastal town of Torre del Mar and 35 kilometres from Malaga City. It is perched on top of a conical hill at a height of 735 metres with stunning coastal, lake and mountain views. Comares is visible from the coast during the day as a cluster of white village houses and by night as a necklace of lights. The town is a point on the scenic Route of the Raisin.
The village and surrounding fincas form a lively community. There are no souvenir shops but several bars, restaurants and a very attractive hotel converted from an olive mill with coutyards overlooking breathtaking views. When wandering around the steep and narrow streets you may find yourself invited into the home of a Spanish lady who sells local produce such as wine, almonds, raisins, olives, honey and cheese.

Comares Facts
Size of Municipality: 26 km2
Altitude: 735 m
Distance to Malaga: 35 km
Distance to coast: 25 km
Average sunshine per day: 7.87 hrs
Population: 1,700
Inhabitants: Comareños

Verdiales is a traditional music sung and danced to guitars, lutes, violins and tambourines. Groups of musicians are known as “pandas”, the history of which goes back to times when they moved from one farmhouse to the next, entertaining and cheering rural dwellers. The hats of the musicians were decorated with small pieces of mirror, the reflections from which announced their where-abouts across mountains and valleys. Verdiales are classified into three styles – Montes, Almogia and Comares. Each year in July, Comares hosts a Fiesta of Verdiales when a dozen or so invited groups of musicians play and dance accompanied by local wine and merriment. Details of Comares´ other annual festivals can be found at the fiestas link at the bottom of this page.

Comares dates from Medieval times and has a history of rebellion against Muslim and Christian rulers. Of interest to the visitor are a series of ceramic plaques which depict the village’s history, Medieval arches and footprint paving tiles which are a guide to the main streets. There is also an old Moorish fortress, once a Roman military outpost, known as La Tahona where two turrets are still intact. The church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación was built in the 16th century of Mudejar style.

Villages and hamlets within the municipality are: Arqueria, Mazmullar, Los Romos, Cueva, Rio and Ventorro.

Comares Popular Fiestas:
January 13th
June 6th
Popular Fiestas:
Mid January – Fiesta de San Hilario
Mid May – Village Fair & Festival of International Dance
July – Fiesta of Verdiales
Mid August – Feria de Las Cuevas
Late August – Feria de Comares
Early September – Night of the Candles

Comares Useful Numbers:
Chemist: 952 509 231
Emergency Doctor: 061
Medical Centres: 952 509 284 / 952 517 010
Guardia Civil: 952 509 201
Local Police: 952 110 354
Emergency Police: 091
Town Hall and Council: 952 509 233
Council website: www.comares.es
English website: www.comares.webs.com