Going up this stretch of road was quite the trip...
Off the beaten path...
When you head east out of Malaga on the A-7 (Autovia del Mediterraneo) and take the exit for A-7001, it almost feels like you took the wrong exit because it puts you on a tiny little road that looks like it just leads up to someone's house in the mountains. As you start heading up the foothills of the Montes de Málaga, the road basically turns into MA-3111 and starts getting steeper and steeper. You start passing little chalky homes and small villages along the way that seem peaceful and quiet enough---nothing like the hustle & bustle you just left in Malaga. Google Maps says it takes about an hour once you get off the highway, but it feels waaaaay longer probably due to our slower ascending speed. We didn't want to keep checking our watches because my hands were glued to the wheel and our eyes were peeled to the steep and winding road.
Along that route up the mountains, you do feel like you're getting lost. However, you keep going because it seems too dang crazy to try and turn around on that skinny road and because you still want to know what's around the corner. Plus, you also feel pressured to keep going in your car when you start passing cyclists pumping up the same stretch of road. These cyclists are the gods of the road here and have calves the size of Spanish castles to prove it. The road is in decent shape, but there are a couple little stretches where you do not want to look over the side---there aren't many barriers. There are a couple houses/villas along the way which seem inviting, but that's about it until you reach the drive-by village of Los Ventorros which does have a little roadside restaurant (near our villa). From there, you keep heading up the snake-like road until you finally start getting little glimpses of Comares. It's quite an amazing site to say the least. You know you are there when you are greeted by the Puerta De Malaga (stone & brick gate at the foot of Comares). At first, you think you have to park here to walk up into the village, but after a little exploration, we managed to get the car into the town square. Best to park at the gate though and take the 1/2 mile walk up into town to avoid looking for parking.
The Highest Village in Espana...
Comares claims to be the highest village in all of Spain. When you get there, you feel it so we felt we didn't need to take anymore time trying to prove it. The village was quiet and it seemed that we had the whole village to ourselves. It was early September so we missed the bus loads of tourists who usually head up there during the Summer months. Uhhh...BTW, I don't think I would head up that road on a bus if it were me...just sayin'. If you truly want to see Spain, then I would suggest heading up here. There's a very organic feel to this place and it feels like it really doesn't care if you are here. I kinda like that.
Comares was founded by the Greeks and Phoenicians who arrived on the coast of Magala in the seventh century. It was a Moorish fortress since the eighth century (and parts of the fort still remain there). If you just want a day alone with your camera and to have a place to yourself, then this is the spot. It was baking hot even in September so make sure to sport a big straw hat to keep the sun off and bring along a big bottle of something to drink. There are a number of little shops and grocers in the village and a couple little cantinas to drop in for a needed adult beverage. Between the old architecture, the cobbled streets, the incredible potted plants, rich history and the spectacular mountain views...how could anyone take a bad photo? The people are quite friendly and aren't bothered with you being there. I could go on and on about this place, but you can go explore it for yourself right?
All the places we ate and drank at in Comares were nice and quite friendly. Right off the town square is Restaurante Balcón de Comares. You have to walk through the hotel lobby and then you come into this beautiful little courtyard that looks like something out of a travel magazine. The food was delicious and the drinks were ice cold (key on a hot day). In fact, there were many times when we just came here to soak up the sites and suds. It was packed with the locals so you often felt as if you were at someone's family affair. Again, bring your camera because it is picturesque and the view of the mountains and valley were the cat's meow.
How To Find it...
It's right in the middle of the village square so use the photos as a guide. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner so that's a bonus if you're plan on doing some exploring. If you decide to sit out in front in the square, see if you can spot the stone bird/hawk/falcon.
Restaurante Balcón de Comares
Plaza Balcon de la Axarquia 2,
Comares Spain
29195
Ph: +34 952 50 94 06
Open 7 days a week (check available hours)
No website or social media presence available to-date.
As we mentioned, we stayed just down the road at a lovely rented villa down in Los Ventorros. We have to give a big shout-out to Restaurante El Molino. Talk about dang good food and a perfect place to chill and watch the cars go up to and down from Comares! Yes, the convenience was ideal, but the food, friendly & helpful staff and the view of the valley was quite something. We spent many nights there enjoying the atmosphere and cold drinks until the joint closed. The food is dang tasty and you get plenty of it! If you get there, try the huge pork seasoned vegetable skewers that are cooked on the open grill in the back. They were cooked and seasoned perfectly every time...I still think about that dish so that tells ya something.
How To Find it...
As you drive up to Comares, you literally drive through the sleepy village of Los Ventorros. The restaurant is on the left and the only one in town. If you miss it, maybe it's because your attention is fixed on the road and should be. We get it...
Restaurante El Molino
Los Ventorros 13-15,
Comares Spain
29195
Ph: +34 952 95 70 57
Open 7 days a week (1:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
No website or social media presence available to-date
We sooooo enjoyed our time in this part of Spain. After a couple days, going up and down that road became second nature and zipping by other cars flying past ya got easier and easier. We were centrally located to the region so we were able to get to many historic sites and down to the coast easy enough. However, we always had to make our way back up that steep and winding road back to the villa. We knew that most tourists normally don't get up this way and that was part of our enjoyment and satisfaction. However, on the day we had to get back to the airport in Malaga for a very early morning flight, that road reminded us again who was boss. There is nothing like driving down a tiny, curvy road in the dark with rain and crazy fog. Aiyiyi...we must have looked like John Candy and Steve Martin in the car scene from Planes, Trains & Automobiles. That dang road...love it!
Hey, if anyone ever gets back there, drop us a line and send us some photos of your experience so we can update this post. Mahalo!
#IslandsToHighlands #comares #losventorros #spain #comaresspain #aloha #travel #adventure #mountains #moutainvillage #bracelets #mensbracelets #handmadejewelry
Of course I had to create a bracelet about this road and experience so go check it out!
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