Colmenar is located at the most westerly point of Axarquia. It is situated approx 30 minutes drive from Malaga and 30 minutes drive from the coast at Rincon de la Victoria. The town has an altitude of 700 metres and a population of 3,600. The foothills of the Sierra de Camaroles lie to the north and Mount Miraflores to the south.
The economy of the town is based on agriculture, livestock farming and several food and drink industries including the production of honey. In the surrounding countryside there are numerous beehives from which the town name was derived ('colmena' is Spanish for beehive).
The town has two distinct areas; an upper area with steep, narrow streets clustered around the 17th century hermitage of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, and a lower area of more recent construction. There is also a 17th century parish church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción.
The village benefits from a 24 hour health centre, a pharmacy, a dentist, schools, a pet shop, petrol station, and the usual supermarkets, bars and restaurants.