Nearby Villages & Coast

🏘️ Benamargosa

Benamargosa sits in a fertile subtropical valley surrounded by avocado, mango and citrus orchards. It is a small, very local village rather than a polished tourist attraction, which is exactly its appeal. Come for a relaxed walk through the centre, a coffee or lunch, and a glimpse of everyday Axarquía life among the green valleys below Comares.

⛪ Riogordo

Riogordo is a handsome inland village with white houses, steep streets and a strong traditional Andalusian character. Its historic centre, church and small ethnographic museum make it worth a slow wander, while the surrounding countryside is excellent walking territory. It is especially well known locally for its Easter traditions and makes a pleasant half-day trip from Comares.

🌄 Colmenar

Colmenar lies on the edge of the Montes de Málaga and is larger and livelier than many of the surrounding hill villages. Its centre has traditional architecture, local bars and restaurants, while the surrounding landscape is a mix of olive groves, mountains and rural farmland. It is a useful stop for combining village life with a scenic drive toward Málaga or the natural park.

🌿 Periana

Periana looks across the upper Axarquía toward Lake Viñuela and the dramatic mountains of the Sierra de Tejeda. The area is famous for olive oil, particularly the local verdial olive, and the village has a relaxed, agricultural feel. It is a good destination for lunch, countryside views and exploring the quieter northeastern side of the Axarquía.

🏰 Vélez-Málaga

Vélez-Málaga is the historic and commercial capital of the Axarquía. Its old town climbs toward the remains of the fortress and contains churches, convents, traditional squares and historic buildings, while the lower town provides shops, supermarkets and restaurants. It is a useful combination of sightseeing and practical civilization after several days of enthusiastically pretending mountain isolation is convenient.

🌊 Torre del Mar

Torre del Mar is the easiest place to swap the mountains for a proper day at the coast. This lively seaside town has a broad urban beach, a long palm-lined promenade, plenty of cafés, restaurants, shops and beach bars, and enough services to make it comfortable for a full day rather than just a quick swim. The promenade runs for several kilometres and connects toward Caleta de Vélez, making it excellent for walking, cycling or simply finding a terrace and watching humanity migrate between ice cream shops.

The beach itself is unusually spacious for the Costa del Sol, with long stretches of dark, fine sand and plenty of room even when the coast is busy. Families will find play areas and beach facilities, while adults can concentrate on the more serious regional traditions of swimming, eating and doing very little. Torre del Mar is particularly good for seafood: try grilled sardine espetos, fried fish and other local dishes at one of the chiringuitos along the seafront.

It is also more than a beach strip. The town has shops and a busy centre around Calle del Mar, local historical sites connected with its maritime past, a lighthouse, and an easy-going atmosphere that continues well into the evening. For visitors staying in Comares, it makes an excellent contrast: mountain village in the morning, Mediterranean beach and dinner by the sea in the afternoon and evening.

Best for: beach days, swimming, seafront walks, seafood, shopping, families and an easy evening by the coast.

⚓ Caleta de Vélez

Immediately east of Torre del Mar, Caleta de Vélez has a working fishing harbour and marina and feels noticeably more maritime. It is a good place for seafood, a harbour walk or a quieter extension to a day in Torre del Mar. The coastal promenade makes it possible to combine both places without needing to turn the outing into another car journey.

🏖️ Benajarafe

Benajarafe is a lower-key coastal option west of Torre del Mar, with a long beach and a more residential atmosphere. It is a good choice when the objective is simply sea, sand and lunch without the busier town-centre feel of Torre del Mar.