Mollina amid vineyards and cultural heritage

Vineyards as a starting point

Mollina showcases Andalusia where vineyards, historic buildings and natural landscapes meet. The town is part of the Ruta de los Vinos de Málaga y Ronda. The vineyards of Bodega Cortijo La Fuente are located in Mollina at an altitude of 480 metres above sea level, on sandy and calcareous soils. This gives winegrowing a clear place within the town's landscape.

The CIVA is the Centro de Interpretación de la Vid, la Aceituna y el Aceite in Mollina. Students and visitors can learn about the origins of local products there first-hand. Wineries in Mollina can also be visited by prior appointment and offer organised wine tastings. Wine is therefore both a landscape theme and a tangible part of the visit.

Historical layers in the townscape

One of the notable buildings is the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Oliva. It was built in the 17th century and has three naves separated by round arches. The Convento de la Ascensión dates from the 18th century and features a distinctive sundial. Both buildings add different accents to the historical exploration of Mollina.

Another historical layer is represented by the Castellum de Santillán, where Roman structures dating from the 1st to the 3rd century have been preserved. The construction history of the Cortijo La Fuente building goes back to the end of the 19th century, as it was built in the late 19th century. The Sierra de la Camorra is also part of the surrounding landscape: it has a network of caves, including the Cueva de los Órganos.

Hiking and festivals throughout the year

Anyone wishing to explore Mollina on foot will find a clearly described route in the GR 249.1. The trail leads from Mollina via Fuente de Piedra to Humilladero. It is 17.6 kilometres long, with a stated duration of 4 hours 30 minutes. The distance and time provide a concrete basis for assessing a day's hiking stage.

The Santillán nature area is the centre of the Romería de la Virgen de la Oliva, which takes place every year in Mollina on the second weekend of May. Following the religious ceremony, locals and visitors spend a day in the countryside in the Santillán nature area; sharing a family picnic is customary. Nature and living tradition are closely linked at this festival.

Another established date in the calendar is the Feria de la Vendimia in Mollina. It takes place on the second weekend of September and adds its own accent to the town's cultural calendar. Together with the wine route, historic buildings and natural landscapes, it creates a multifaceted picture of Mollina, making culture, wine and nature visible in different forms.

Discover more places: Humilladero, Benaoján, Benalauría, Macharaviaya, Iznate, Torrox, Antequera, Portugalejo.

For the broader travel overview: Málaga.