Comares facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Comares
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 Comares
Location in Andalusia
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| Sovereign state |  Spain |
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| Autonomous community |  Andalusia |
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| Province |  Málaga |
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| Comarca | Axarquía | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 255.5 km2 (98.6 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 703 m (2,306 ft) | |
| Population
(2018)
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| • Total | 1,323 | |
| • Density | 5.1781/km2 (13.411/sq mi) | |
| Demonym(s) | Comareño | |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | |
| Postal code |
29195
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| Website | http://www.comares.es | |
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Comares is a charming town and municipality located in the province of Málaga, which is part of the autonomous community of Andalusia in southern Spain. This lovely place is about 28 kilometers (17 miles) from the city of Málaga and 24 kilometers (15 miles) from Vélez-Málaga.
You can find Comares nestled in the foothills of the Montes de Málaga mountains, sitting high up at 703 meters (2,306 feet) above sea level. It's one of the 31 villages that make up the comarca (a type of region) called Axarquía.
The town shares its borders with several other places:
- To the north: Riogordo
- To the north, northeast, and east: Cútar
- To the south: El Borge
- To the southwest and west: Málaga
- To the northwest: Colmenar
Around 1,420 people live in Comares. The local people are known as Comareños.
Contents
Exploring Comares: Geography and Nature
The main part of Comares is built on a slight slope, right on the top of a very steep mountain. This mountain is 703 meters (2,306 feet) high. The area around Comares is full of deep valleys called ravines. You'll also see many small villages and farms spread out across the mountainside.
Highest Point and Water Sources
The highest point in Comares is the hill of Mazmúllar, which reaches 721 meters (2,365 feet). The area gets its water from a dip where the Cuevas or Benamargosa rivers end. This dip feeds smaller streams like Cútar, Fuente Delgada, and Solano. However, these streams are often dry for most of the year. The town's drinking water comes from natural springs named Délga, Gorda, Caño Seco, and Maroto.
Farming and Local Products
The main way people make a living in Comares is through farming. They grow important crops like olives, grapes, and almonds. Comares is famous for being part of the Ruta de la Pasa, which means the "Route of the Grape."
The grapes grown here are special. They are used to make Pasas de Málaga, which are sun-dried raisins. These raisins have a special status called a "Protected Designation of Origin." This means they can only be grown in the Axarquía region and around Manilva. Farmers dry these grapes in the sun using special drying racks called paseros.
In recent years, more and more people have been visiting Comares for rural tourism. This means visitors come to enjoy the countryside, learn about local life, and relax in the beautiful natural surroundings. This has become a big part of the town's economy.
A Glimpse into Comares' Past: History
The name Comares comes from an old Arabic word, qumaris or hins comarix. This word means "castle in the height," which makes sense given where the town is located!
Ancient Origins
Comares was not originally founded by the Arabs. Instead, it was settled by the Greeks and Phoenicians. These ancient people arrived on the coast of Málaga way back in the seventh century BCE (Before the Common Era).
Moorish Fortress and Battles
Since the eighth century CE (Common Era), Comares was an important Moorish fortress. It played a key role in history. For example, it was one of the strongholds used by Omar ibn Hafsun in his fight against the Umayyad Caliphate of Córdoba.
Comares was considered a very important strategic spot for Rayya (which is now Archidona). At that time, Rayya was the capital of the taha (a type of administrative division) of Málaga. Its high position made it a great place for defense and watching over the surrounding lands.
See also
In Spanish: Comares para niños
