Colmenar 

Just 30 km to the north of Málaga in the “Montes de Málaga” at an altitude of 694 m is Colmenar situated, also known as the capital of the Montes de Málaga. The village derives its name from a nearby farm where bees or in Spanish ‘Colmenar’ were kept en the large number of beehives (‘colmenas’) that were to be found here.

On top of the hill is the Chapel or ‘Ermita de la Virgen de la Candelaria’ located, dedicated to the patron saint of Colmenar. Built in the 17th century and declared as a historical monument. Another monument is La Iglesia Nuestra Sra. de la Asuncion, a church which also dates of the beginning of 17th century and was extended 16 years later.

Colmenar is the nearest village to Deseo (around 7,5 km).  For your daily shopping this is the place. Please take into account that the shops close in the afternoon from 2.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. There are numerous small supermarkets (Coviran) and a larger one (Dia) and several butchers, bakers and one greengrocer’s. Furthermore you will find here bars, restaurants, banks, an internet café, a pharmacy and even the regional medical centre, open all week 24 hours a day. On Thursdays there is market.