The best cycling routes around Zafarraya

The Colmenar Town Hall (Ayuntamiento de Colmenar) is located in the town's historic center, on the Plaza de España, and forms the architectural and administrative heart of the municipality. Dating from the 19th century, the building has been restored several times to serve its function as a modern administrative center. It presents itself in typical Andalusian style with a light-colored plastered facade, symmetrical layout, and traditional wrought-iron balconies. A clock and the municipal coat of arms are located at the top, while the main entrance is emphasized by round arches and stone frames. Together with the church and several historic houses, the Town Hall frames Colmenar's central square, which serves as both a meeting place and venue for local festivals. Thus, the building embodies both the civic history and the architectural identity of this mountain village in the Axarquía region.

The Plaza de España in Colmenar is the vibrant heart of the village, reflecting the typical character of an Andalusian town center. Surrounded by white houses with wrought-iron balconies, small cafes, and orange trees, it forms the social and cultural hub of the community. At its center stands an elegant, multi-tiered stone fountain, a defining feature of the square. The water flows in gentle arcs from one basin to the next, creating a tranquil and inviting atmosphere. Particularly striking are the bees that gather around the upper part of the fountain with its intricately carved jugs—a natural phenomenon closely linked to Colmenar's history and identity. The town's name derives from the Spanish word "colmena," meaning "beehive," and the fountain seems to embody this symbolism in a truly remarkable way. Today, the Plaza de España serves as a meeting place for locals and visitors alike, a venue for celebrations, conversations, and the everyday life of the village. With its harmonious interplay of stone, water, and nature, it conveys an authentic image of the tranquil, welcoming atmosphere that characterizes Colmenar. The square thus represents not only the geographical center of the town but also the heart of its community.

The monument commemorates Don Alfonso Molina Padilla, one of the town's most important figures. Born in Colmenar in 1875, Molina Padilla was a lawyer and politician of the liberal left. He represented the Archidona constituency in the Spanish Parliament and dedicated his life to social causes and education. Having no children, he bequeathed his entire fortune to a foundation he established in his will – the "Fundación Molina Padilla – Orfanato de Jesús y Candelaria." The foundation's aim was to provide underprivileged children and young people from Colmenar with access to education. To this day, the foundation awards scholarships to pupils and students, ensuring the continued impact of his work across generations. A monument honoring his legacy was erected in Colmenar, located in the plaza at the end of Calle Camino de Málaga, near Calle La Nora. The statue depicts Don Alfonso Molina Padilla as a symbol of charity and community spirit – values that he deeply rooted in his home community.

Scenic vista point and accss to two parallel steeper trails above and below this remarkably gradual gravel road. Cork oaks with thick bark thrive at this elevation

Just off to both sides of the gradual Colmenares gravel road, steeper side roads and trails beckon to explore the nature reserve. Asphodelus albus flowers cover the slopes in early spring https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asphodelus_albus

At every turn of this well-built smooth gravel road the views open up across the valley and mountains to the west.

Clean mountain water and nature trails attracts visitors to this pristine area. They drive all the way up here along the gravel road to fetch it in water bottles

Outstanding overlook off the western side of the nature park, to a round water basin and helipad, against the valley backdrop