Caractéristiques
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Maison urbaine
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2 chambres
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6 couchages
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2 salles de bain
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150 m² de superficie
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50 m² de terrasse
Divers
* The 300 year-old house has been completely modernized and fully equipped
* Two spacious double bedrooms, each with en suite bathroom, plus one extra twin bedroom (accessed through one of the main bedrooms)
* Truly amazing views from two rooftop terraces
* The charming and authentically Spanish village of Comares is yours to discover
* Wander the winding streets, sampling local almonds, sherry, raisons and more
* Several good restaurants and bars within the village
* A small, very well-stocked supermarket is a 5-minute walk from the house
* Unlimited walking/hiking opportunities within and beyond the village, clearly signposted
* 5 minute walk from village swimming pool (open in summer)
* 12 minute drive to another village pool set in lovely, landscaped gardens
* The village streets are for pedestrians and donkeys only, although there is parking 100m from the house
* Ideally placed for visiting Granada, Seville and Malaga, plus the white villages and countryside of Axarquia
* 30 minute drive to excellent beaches and shopping centre
* Horse riding nearby, golf and full range of coastal activities within 30 minutes drive
* One hour drive from Malaga Airport, 90 minutes from Granada Airport
* Our local English-speaking property managers are happy to provide information and suggestions
* Available of rental from early March to late October
We have a web site with reviews from previous visitors, please contact us for details.
THE AREA AND THE VILLAGE
This region, known as Axarquia, is slightly set back from the coast and consists of rolling hills and a few lakes with "white" villages dotted around, most with 500-4,000 inhabitants. While fine beaches and a variety of tourist attractions are within easy reach at the coast, Axarquia is a relatively tranquil area where it is easy to relax and/or explore at a slow pace. Thanks to the excellent road network, it is also possible to explore some of the major attractions in southern Andalucia in a series of day trips.
The weather is fabulous, with over 320 sunny days each year. We rent the house out in the spring, summer and autumn.
We visited several villages in the region before settling on Comares. For us it was an easy choice. At 720 metres above sea level, the spectacular hilltop setting of the village can be seen from miles around and provides amazing views in all directions. Snow-capped peaks are clearly visible during the winter and it is possible to see across the Mediterranean to Morocco on a clear day.
According to ANDALUCIA WEBSITE, "the views are, quite literally, incredible. From the south, rolling hills of olive and almond trees reach to the sea while, to the north, dramatic mountains rise up far into distance, like a bewitching lunar landscape which shifts and changes according to the is, without doubt, one of the prettiest villages in the province of Andalucia and should be visited soon, before the raffia donkeys go on sale."
The streets are peaceful as cars are required to park outside the village (although there is parking an easy one minute walk from the house). Traffic past the house is limited to pedestrians, a weekly van selling fresh fish and the occasional donkey. The relatively lively village square is only a minute away from the house, but far enough away that sound does not carry. The houses and streets are well maintained and the village has a very pleasant atmosphere. There are no souvenir shops (yet!).
There is a marvellous small hotel converted from an olive mill in the village square with a good restaurant and more great views, there are other good restaurants within walking distance or a short drive, and there are a variety of bars serving tapas as well as good coffee. There is also a pub. We will provide you with our recommendations for restaurants, including some excellent seafood places on the coast that are rarely visited by foreigners.
A variety of interesting walks can be made through the winding streets of the village, including one to the remains of a Moorish fort, once a Roman military outpost, and a beautifully-maintained and fascinating cemetery.
The many small farms around the town cultivate olives, almonds and grapes. When wandering around the steep and narrow streets you may find yourself invited into local residents homes to sample local wine, almonds, raisins, olives, honey and cheese.
A walk of about one hour on a simple track around the entire perimeter of the village reveals the countryside around and a pastoral landscape that changes colour with the seasons. There are a number of marked footpaths for longer walks, with color-coded signs and explanatory maps set up in the village. Driving up to half an hour brings you to a range of additional walks, and we provide detailed information on these.
There are two banks, at least one of which has English-speaking staff, and two cash machines in the village square.
While several British families have villas within a few kilometres, there are only a handful of foreign residents in the village. Not many people in the village can converse in English, although foreigners are always made to feel very welcome. There are fiestas in the village during May, July and August. These are great fun for both adults and children if you happen to be there on the right day. Well provide you with dates and details of these.
Medieval arches and footprint paving tiles provide a guide to the main streets. Throughout the village, there are colourful ceramic plaques depicting Comares important place in history, which can be traced back to the third century BC. The Moors built the fort in Comares that was one of the three principle forts in the Axarquia. Two of the towers that reinforced the wall are still here. Strategically important in the defence of the crumbling Moorish territories, Comares was finally conquered by the Catholic Kings from the north in 1487. The village remains typically Moorish in its layout and design with narrow cobbled streets, interspersed with arches, flanked with simple whitewashed houses. The Parish Church is 16th century with a beautiful coffered/stucco/moulded ceiling.
ACTIVITIES
A good quality pool in Comares is open during the summer, while there is a larger and very attractive community pool set in gardens in the village of Benamargosa about 10 minutes drive away. Excellent swimming beaches at the pleasant coastal town of Torre del Mar are 30 minutes away by car.
A car is necessary and easy to rent at Malaga Airport. Our favourite car hire firm is recommended below. Driving in this part of Spain is not hard, the roads are generally in excellent condition and places are clearly signposted. In the house we provide a range of books, maps and suggestions for both driving and walking tours.
The fascinating city of Granada and its magnificant Alhambra are two hours away by car, either by motorway or an attractive, alternative route on smaller roads. Seville, another key attraction, is 2.5 hours away. The city centre of Malaga is an underrated attraction and well worth a visit, especially the new Picasso museum (reservations recommended and essential in summer). Malaga, Seville and Granada each have the sophisticated shops associated with major cities. Smaller towns well worth a visit include Antequerra, Nerja, Almunecar and Marbella. Many of the nearby villages are also worth going to.
There is an aquarium and (separately) an aquatic park with dolphins in Estepona, as well as a sanctuary for endangered Andalucian Giant Donkeys.
Friends of ours in the next village manage the house and offer horse riding.
The nearest golf course is about 30 minutes away by car.
THE HOUSE
The 200-year old house has recently been completely modernized. There two large double bedrooms each with an en suite bathroom. One of the bedrooms has a further twin bedroon con