I love you - Calle Antonio Machado, Mollina
Mollina
The site of this small town (current population around 5,500) has been home to human settlements since the Neolithic period. Situated just 15 km north-west of Antequera, on the A-92, on the slopes of the Sierra de Mollina, it lies at the very heart of a landscape of olive groves, vineyards and cereal fields. The nearby Fuente de Piedra Lagoon is just 10 km away and is famous for its large colony of pink flamingos.
Furthermore, Mollina is one of the main wine-producing centres in the province of Málaga. Its wineries and cooperatives produce around 80 per cent of the wines under the Málaga Designation of Origin, making the town a major wine tourism destination.
The town's name is believed to derive from a milling tower, the Torre Mollina (similar to Torremolinos on the Costa del Sol), which disappeared during the Middle Ages. An alternative theory suggests that the name originates from the Latin mollis, meaning "soft", "gentle" or "pleasant", dating from the Roman period.
History
There are hardly any traces left of the Neolithic or Roman Mollina, beyond artefacts discovered in the neighbouring Sierra de la Camorra and the rectangular Roman mausoleum of La Capuchina, situated around 7 km from the town. Four kilometres from Mollina lie the remains of the ‘Castellum’ of Santillán. This fortified settlement developed around a Roman villa and its outbuildings, covering approximately 1,400 square metres. During the Roman period, the site was subsequently surrounded by defensive walls, reflecting the instability of the time. More>
Things to see
Laguna de Fuente de Piedra
The Laguna de Fuente de Piedra is the largest natural lake in Andalusia and one of Europe's most important wetlands. The nature reserve is internationally recognised for its breeding colony of pink flamingos and is also home to migratory and resident bird species. More>
Bodega La Capuchina
Bodega La Capuchina combines winemaking with rural tourism. Surrounded by vineyards, it offers guided tours, tastings, and the opportunity to learn about the local winemaking tradition. More>
Convent of La Ascensión
Founded in the 16th century, the Convent of La Ascensión remains one of the town's principal historic buildings and is known for its façade and distinctive sundial. More>
The Church of Our Lady of the Olive
Built in 1687, the Church of Our Lady of the Olive is Mollina's parish church. Originally dedicated to San Cayetano, it was later rededicated to Nuestra Señora de la Oliva, reflecting the importance of olive cultivation in the local area. More>
International Nativity Scene Museum
The International Nativity Scene Museum (Museo Internacional de Arte Belenista) houses a collection of nativity scenes created by artists from Spain and around the world. Its displays range from traditional handcrafted figures to contemporary interpretations. More>
Bus Service
Regular buses (M-253) connect Málaga with Antequera in around one hour. From Antequera, frequent regional bus services continue to Mollina. More>
Gastronomy
Mollina's cuisine includes dishes based on locally produced olive oil, seasonal vegetables, cereals and meat. Traditional recipes include migas, gazpacho, and porra antequerana. The town is also known for its wines, with local wineries producing wines under the Málaga Designation of Origin.
Festivals
Mollina celebrates a range of festivals throughout the year, including Carnival, Holy Week, the Three Kings Parade, the Grape Harvest Festival, the August Fair and Calendaria. More>
Weather Forecast
The weather forecast for the next few days for Mollina. More>
Tourist Office
The tourist office of Mollina is located in Calle de la Villa, 3. More>
Hotels
Hotel Molino de Saydo
Hotel Molino de Saydo is a classic hotel built in the style of a traditional Andalusian roadside, situated a few kilometres south of the town. Adjacent to the hotel is the Saydo Parks holiday complex, with caravans and cabins set in rural surroundings, making it a base to explore Mollina and the surrounding countryside.
Hotel Antequera Rural Fortes La Nuit
Located in the town centre.
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Next Villages
Mollina is part of the comarca of Antequera, bordering the municipalities of Humilladero, Fuente de Piedra, Alameda, Antequera and Villanueva de Algaidas.