Comares sits on a rocky outcrop. To the north, the town overlooks the Periana corridor and parts of the Montes de la Axarquía; to the south, it overlooks the vast area of the Vélez Valley and the Sierra de Tejeda. This setting provides the geographical context for a trip whose cultural themes range from castle traces to archaeological remains.

Castle traces, the church and Verdiales culture

At Castillo Baluarte La Tahona, a section of wall from the former castle of Comares remains; La Tahoncilla was a small tower in the castle’s defensive perimeter. La Coracha is something different: the name refers to the remains of the Arab wall surrounding the town centre. These distinct traces of fortification stand side by side: a section of castle wall, a tower and a wall around the town centre.

The parish church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación dates from 1505. Its Mudéjar wooden ceilings in the presbytery and central nave are particularly noteworthy; the Sagrario Chapel, built in 1721, has a Rococo dome. These are specific architectural features to look out for as you explore Comares.

The Monumento al Fiestero also adds a cultural touch: it stands in Plaza de los Verdiales and represents Comares’ local Verdiales culture. This connection leads to a different aspect of local cultural life than the town’s architectural history.

Archaeological remains on the Mesa de Maxmúllar

The Mesa de Maxmúllar is home to a 13th-century Mozarabic cistern. In May 1931, it was declared a national historic-artistic monument. The remains of a Mozarabic dwelling with three rooms and a millstone have also been preserved. The archaeological traces also include anthropomorphic graves carved into the natural rock, as well as about 30 storage jars carved into the rock and used to store grain. Together, these different remains offer insight into past ways of living and burial, as well as how food was stored. If you plan to visit the Mesa de Maxmúllar, check access conditions locally in advance.

Virtual route and activities

The Ruta Musulmana can be explored virtually on a mobile phone, without a guide. There is also a walking route in Comares that is three kilometres long and takes about an hour. Check the trail conditions before setting out. The two options differ in format: the Ruta Musulmana is a virtual exploration, while the other option is a route with a specified distance and approximate duration.

The Comares zipline is 436 metres long, with a vertical drop of 115 metres. Check the technical details before your trip. Comares also has several via ferratas with different routes and features such as Tibetan bridges, monkey bridges and suspension bridges. Find out about the facilities and route layout before setting out. These route details offer specific points to consider when planning, but do not indicate a walking time or difficulty level.

Verdiales and travel planning

At the Fiesta de Verdiales (San Hilario de Poitiers), Verdiales music, singing and dancing take place throughout the day at various locations in Comares. The festival is recognised as an event of provincial tourist interest in Málaga. While the Monumento al Fiestero stands in Plaza de los Verdiales, festival events are spread across several locations. If you want to plan your trip around the fiesta, confirm the date in advance with the town hall or tourist office.

The features described offer different ways to decide whether Comares is right for your trip: historic architecture, archaeological remains, Verdiales culture or outdoor activities. As you plan, you can first decide which of these themes you want to shape your stay.

Discover more destinations: Genalguacil, Los Villalones, Bobadilla, Benarrabá, Cajiz, Arroyo Coche, Arenas, Malaga

For the wider travel overview: Málaga.