CASITA COMARES

In addition to our love for Spain, we have completely fallen for the most iconic car in Spanish history, the Seat 600E. Last week, the moment finally arrived, and we received the keys. The drive from Cádiz to Comares was simply unforgettable, with the many greetings we received along the way. In this blog, we’re excited to share what makes this car so iconic.   The "Pelotilla" This charming classic, affectionately called the "pelotilla" (little ball), symbolizes a period of change in Spain and holds a special place in our hearts. Our 1972 Seat 600E, manufactured in Spain, is not just a vehicle but a living piece of history. The Seat 600 was produced during a time when Spain was under the rule of dictator Francisco Franco (1939 - 1975). However, the introduction of the Seat 600 in the 1950s and 1960s marked a significant shift. It was a time when Spain was slowly modernizing, and the middle class gained greater access to mobility. The Seat 600 became a symbol of hope and progress, enabling families to travel and discover new opportunities despite the limitations of the regime.   The Charm of Simplicity What makes the Seat 600 so unique is its simplicity. It’s a car with no frills but plenty of character. One of the most remarkable features of our Seat 600E is its classic design. The round headlights, the modest yet sturdy interior, and its charming profile - all exude nostalgia. Our 600E, with its air-cooled 767 cc engine, delivers a modest 32 horsepower. While this may not sound like much, it’s exactly what makes this car so beloved: it doesn’t need embellishments to make an impression, and it’s love at first sight.   Sociedad Española de Automóviles de Turismo For us, the Seat 600E represents not just a passion for classic cars but also pride in its Spanish roots. Many Seat car models are named after Spanish cities. Did you know that SEAT stands for Sociedad Española de Automóviles de Turismo ? The name says it all: a car for the people.   Have you ever driven a Seat 600, or are you curious about this Spanish legend? We invite you to join us for a ride with "Burrito" to discover our beautiful village of Comares and experience the history of Spain for yourself! 🚗

Have you ever picked lemons from your own garden? In our lower garden, the tree is full right now, and our guests can also harvest themselves. What is the history of lemons, what do you do with all those lemons, and how do you pick them?   History Lemons and Spain have a fascinating history that is deeply intertwined with the country's culture and agriculture. Lemons were first brought to Spain by the Arabs around the 8th century during the Islamic rule over the Iberian Peninsula. This period is known as Al-Andalus.   The Spanish climate, with its warm summers and mild winters, proved ideal for the cultivation of lemons. The fruit quickly became an integral part of Spanish cuisine and culture. To this day, lemons remain a popular and essential fruit in Spain, often used in dishes, drinks, and even traditional medicines.   Harvest When the lemons are bright yellow and firm, pick them carefully. I use pruning shears to neatly cut them from the branches.   Part of Spanish Cuisine In the kitchen, I throw it in most drinks, lemons are full of vitamin C, add a kick to my salads, or give my fish and chicken dishes a fresh twist! The leaves are also widely used in Asian cuisine and add a lot of flavor to dishes.   You can also bake: lemon pie, cookies, and cake! I use the zest for extra flavor. Want something stronger? Online you can find many variations of homemade limoncello. You can also preserve lemons: I make pickled or candied lemons for longer shelf life and extra flavor in my dishes.   If you love cleaning: mix lemon juice with water and vinegar for a natural all-purpose cleaner. Furthermore, you can use it to keep mosquitoes away and as a natural rinse for blonde hair. Lemon in your hair and bake away… :-)   And the best part? If you stay with us at Casita Comares, you can also pick lemons yourself! Watch the video on how to pick lemons best.   ¡Que vivan los limones y el sol de España!

Comares, the picturesque village in the province of Málaga, is renowned for its breathtaking views and rich history. But did you know that this charming village also boasts some remarkable water sources? In this blog, we’ll dive into how these sources work, their reliability, and whether the water is drinkable. How do the water sources work?   The water sources in Comares are natural springs that have played a crucial role in the lives of its residents for centuries. These springs are fed by underground water flows formed through rainfall and the natural water cycle in the mountains of the Axarquía region. The water seeps through porous limestone layers, collects in underground reservoirs, and is then pushed to the surface by natural pressure. Do the springs ever run dry?   While the water sources in Comares are generally reliable, they can occasionally run dry. This typically happens during prolonged periods of drought, such as last summer, when some springs dried up. Fortunately, such instances are rare, and most years the springs provide a stable water supply for the village. Is the water drinkable?   The water from the springs in Comares is naturally pure and often considered drinkable. For centuries, villagers have used it for drinking, cooking, and irrigation. However, as with any natural water source, heavy rainfall can affect water quality. Key springs in Comares   Comares is home to several springs where visitors can collect drinking water. Below are some of the most notable ones: Fuente Delgada   Fuente Delgada is one of the most well-known natural springs in Comares. It offers a tranquil spot where both locals and visitors can enjoy the clear, fresh water. It’s a popular location for water collection. Fuente Gorda Another significant spring in the village, Fuente Gorda has historically played a crucial role in Comares' water supply. Its water is often used for irrigation and other household purposes. Fuente Sana Fuente Sana, located between Comares and Los Ventorros, is a historic and natural spring. The name "Fuente Sana" translates to "Healthy Spring," indicating its reputation for clean and high-quality water. Fuente del Lavadero Among Comares’ springs, the Alquería spring is the largest. Known as the “washing spring,” it was traditionally used by the town’s women for washing clothes. Built in 1950, this spring has been a public drinking source for livestock and features an extensive irrigation system for nearby orchards. In October 2024, the municipality of Comares started the renovation of this source. Remarkably, this spring remained dry for two years and only resumed flowing in late December 2024. It is within walking distance of Casita Comares. Is rainwater also collected?   The water storage facilities in various parts of the village are designed to collect and store rainwater along with water from natural springs. This system ensures a reserve water supply is always available, particularly during dry periods when the natural springs may yield less water. The stored water is filtered and treated to ensure it is safe for use by the villagers. Drinking water quality   Like the natural spring water, the water from storage facilities is regularly tested to guarantee its safety for consumption. The storage system is routinely maintained, which includes cleaning tanks, checking water quality, and repairing any infrastructure damage. The historic Moorish well   Another fascinating aspect of Comares’ water supply is the historic well that dates back to the Moorish era. This well, located in the heart of the village, serves as a tangible reminder of the rich history and influence of Moorish culture in the region.    During the Moorish rule of Spain, from the 8th to the 15th centuries, innovative water management techniques were introduced. The Moors were renowned for their advanced knowledge of hydraulics and irrigation, leading to the construction of countless wells, aqueducts, and reservoirs throughout Spain.    The well in Comares was built to provide villagers with a reliable water supply, especially during dry periods. The deep well reaches underground water layers, ensuring access to fresh water at all times. Its construction showcases the Moors’ engineering expertise, with sturdy stone walls and an ingenious system to draw water to the surface. Though no longer in use, the well is cherished and preserved as an important piece of the village’s heritage. It stands as a testament to the era when the Moors governed the region and shared their knowledge and skills. This rich blend of natural resources and historical ingenuity continues to define Comares as a village where life and history flow together seamlessly.

The Axarquía region in Andalusia is rich in traditions and village festivals, each with their own unique charm. In this blog we would like to tell you more about the village festivals (ferias) and special festivities and dances, with special attention to our village Comares. Comares, known as the “Balcony of the Axarquía”, offers spectacular views over the region and has a rich history and culture. Also in music and dance. The region of Málaga has its own type of flamenco called Verdiales. This music is traditional for this region and has its own dance and colorful costumes. Typical traditional instruments belong to this music such as the guitar, violin and tambourine. This music has a peasant origin. It is a type of sung and danced fandango that is accompanied by an orchestra. A fandango is a dance form in 3/4 time that was originally sung, but over time was increasingly performed purely instrumentally. The Panda, as the group of people who perform the Verdiales is called, consists of the following instruments: 1 violin, 2 to 4 guitars, 1 tambourine, various cymbals, several castanets and sometimes a lute or bandurria. The conductor walks in front of the group, holding up a stick and pointing to the singer and indicating the beginning and end of the piece of music. The dancers dance around the panda and wear colored ribbons on their castanets. The music of Verdiales has a rhythmically exciting character that can put you in a trance if you listen carefully. In our village Comares there is even a square named after the Verdiales. Various panda groups perform here during the feria. The feria in Comares takes place in July in Los Ventorros, in August on the village square of Comares, and in Las Cuevas, and in January on the village square of Comares during San Hilario. The village festivals in the Axarquía region offer a wonderful opportunity to experience the local culture, gastronomy and traditions. Each village has its own unique festivities that reflect the rich history and vibrant culture of Andalusia. Comares, with its spectacular views and lively ferias, are highlights not to be missed. We hope to see you soon at one of the ferias / Verdiales !

It is October, the month of wine. The harvest is currently in full swing in our region of La Axarquía. La Axarquía is located in Andalusia and is a region known for its rich culture, beautiful landscapes and fine wines. The wine growing in this region has a long and fascinating history that goes back thousands of years. History of wine in Andalusia The wine tradition in Andalusia began over 3,000 years ago, when the Phoenicians planted the first vineyards in the region. Later, around 1100 BC, the Greeks began producing wine in Andalusia. These early influences laid the foundation for a rich wine culture that has continued to evolve over the centuries. During the Moorish rule, wine production was temporarily suppressed, but after the Reconquista the wine industry flourished again. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Andalusian wine, especially sherry, became popular throughout Europe. Today, sherry remains one of the most iconic wines from this region. The Wines of Andalusia Andalusia is known for a wide range of wines, from dry whites to rich, sweet dessert wines. Some of the most famous wine regions in Andalusia include: Montilla-Moriles: Located south of Córdoba, this region is known for its sweet wines made from the Pedro Ximénez grape. These wines have notes of dried fruit, nuts and honey. Málaga: The wines of Málaga, made mainly from the Moscatel grape, are famous for their sweet and aromatic character. These wines are often paired with desserts or enjoyed as an aperitif. The Harvest The harvest season in Andalusia, known as the “vendimia”, is an important period that usually takes place from August to October, depending on the grape variety and the specific microclimate of the vineyard. During the vendimia, the grapes are picked by hand to ensure the quality of the wine. This is a time of hard work, but also of celebration and tradition, with local communities coming together to celebrate the harvest. Andalusia offers a rich and varied wine experience that is deeply rooted in the history and culture of the region. Whether you are a lover of dry sherry, sweet dessert wines or something in between, the wines of Andalusia are sure to enchant you. Visiting our region during harvest time offers a unique opportunity to experience the passion and tradition of Andalusian winemaking up close. You can usually tap a bottle of local wine from the barrel in village shops. In our village of Comares, you can also fill your own bottle at the Estanco. A beautiful route through the grape region of La Axarquía is the Ruta de la Pasa . Salud to the beautiful wines of Andalusia! 🍷