Comares offers spectacular views and a unique perspective into the past

COMARES is probably the most talked about village in the Axarquia.

From almost anywhere, you can catch sight of this town perched atop a mountain some 735m above sea level.

There is a clear Arab influence in Comares – which comes from the Arabic word for castle, Qumarix – with at least three original Moorish arches towering over the streets.

You cannot help but notice blue ceramic footprints with Arab motifs, crafted by the women of the village.

A pair of footprints is often found in front of monuments or colourful ceramic plaques, inviting you to stop and take notice.

This can be seen at the Plaza de los Verdiales, a monument to the panda de verdiales, bands of local men who play lively music.

Comares has its own style of verdiales, and a statue of a band member wearing typical dress stands proudly in the square.

A village shop sells everything from bread to mouse traps, and up the hill lies the 1505 church of La Encarnacion, with its eight-sided
tower.

Worry not if you are a bit peckish – a local woman is bound to appear selling honey, raisins, almonds and sweet homemade wine.

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