Cueva de Tesoro /  by Finca Lagarto

Near Málaga

Cueva de Tesoro is one of only 3 marine caves in the world — and it's a 10-minute drive from the city. Tickets from €4.65, free entry every morning, and yes, it's better than Nerja.

The 6 nicest things to see and to do in Monda /  by Finca Lagarto

Monda, a picturesque white village in the Sierra de las Nieves, Andulicia

Monda is a picturesque village located in the heart of the Sierra de las Nieves in the province of Malaga. This charming place, with its unclear prehistoric origins and a rich history dating back to the Roman and Moorish eras, is a hidden treasure in Andalusia. Stroll along ancient Roman roads and explore the historic Monda Castle, once a Moorish fortress and now a unique hotel. Surrounded by lush olive groves, almond trees and citrus fruits, Monda offers a perfect combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

In this blog, Michiel from Reischeck.nl takes you to the six best activities and sights around Monda. From the enchanting view at the Mirador de la Peragüera to the legendary Castle of Monda. We will also tell you more about the local festivals that make the village vibrant and discover the rich traditions and gastronomy that Monda has to offer.

1. Casa Museo Marigloria

Monda is a picturesque village located in the heart of the Sierra de las Nieves in the province of Malaga. This charming place, with its unclear prehistoric origins and a rich history dating back to the Roman and Moorish eras, is a hidden treasure in Andalusia. Stroll along ancient Roman roads and explore the historic Monda Castle, once a Moorish fortress and now a unique hotel. Surrounded by lush olive groves, almond trees and citrus fruits, Monda offers a perfect combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

In this blog, Michiel from Reischeck.nl takes you to the six best activities and sights around Monda. From the enchanting view at the Mirador de la Peragüera to the legendary Castle of Monda. We will also tell you more about the local festivals that make the village vibrant and discover the rich traditions and gastronomy that Monda has to offer.

1. Casa Museo Marigloria

Discover the past at Casa Museo Marigloria, a hidden gem in Monda. This museum, located in a typical village house from the early 20th century, exudes authenticity with its historic furnishings and atmosphere. Admire a fascinating collection of historic tools, household objects and traditional stoves, each telling a story about the lives of the workers of that time. Transformed into a museum by its dedicated owner, this charming cultural site is open to visitors free of charge.

A tour of this museum is a walk through history, a must-visit for lovers of rural heritage and way of life.

2. Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park

Experience the majesty of nature in the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park, a vast oasis of 20,000 hectares in the province of Malaga, soon to be declared a National Park.

Surrounded by picturesque villages such as Alozaina and Yunquera, this park is a haven for biodiversity. Home to rare species such as the Spanish Spruce and majestic animals such as ibexes and eagles, it is a nature lover's paradise. Don't miss the impressive Pinsapo de Las Escaleretas, a natural monument known for its imposing presence. This park, which is about to gain National Park status, offers a unique combination of natural beauty and ecological importance. Also great for a child-friendly holiday!

3. Iglesia Parroquial de Santiago

A pearl of Monda's architectural heritage, the Iglesia Parroquial de Santiago stands as a testimony to history and art. Built on the ruins of a mosque in 1505, this parish church displays a mix of Mudéjar and Baroque styles. The interior is decorated with the Chapel of Jesus, with Mudéjar elements, and the Chapel of the Virgin, crowned with a beautiful Baroque plaster vault. The exterior is equally captivating, with a unique three-tiered tower and the coat of arms of Bishop Freelord Alonso de Santo Tomás. Retaining most of its original structure, this church invites visitors to explore its historical and artistic significance, offering a glimpse into Monda's rich cultural fabric.

4. Mirador de la Peraguera

Located on the outskirts of Monda, the Mirador de la Peragüera offers breathtaking panoramic views. Once a path of the 'vines de Agüera', when wine growing flourished here, this viewpoint is now a place of peace and beauty. Look out over the village of Monda with the impressive Sierra de las Nieves in the background. Access to this viewpoint is possible by car, or on foot from the castle, a walk of about 20 to 30 minutes. A perfect spot for photo enthusiasts and nature admirers, the Mirador de la Peragüera is a must-visit for unforgettable views of Andalusian beauty.

5. Monda Castle

The Castillo de Monda, with a rich and turbulent history, may date back to the 8th century. Over the centuries, this castle has undergone several transformations, from a Moorish fortress to a Christian fortress. The castle played an important role during various historical periods, including the Moorish uprising in 1570. Interesting is the legend of Beatriz, the daughter of the first Christian mayor, and her lover Arturo. Their tragic love story and the blood-red almond blossom are part of the mystical atmosphere that surrounds the castle. After centuries of disrepair, the castle was restored in the 20th century and is now a luxury hotel. Visitors can experience its rich history, hike through the woods, or even stay in this historic landmark.

Horseback riding in the countryside of Monda /  by Finca Lagarto

Now is the perfect time of year to join me enjoying the Monda country side 😎

I specialise in 1 to 1 trails so if your a beginner or a nervous rider this is perfect for you

Can also take 2 riders

My special deal this winter if you come weekly it’s a special price of €25 per hour 😉

Also lessons available

WhatsApp 00447923234802

Monda history. Did you know..... /  by Finca Lagarto

One of the most important historic events that took place in the village of Monda was on 17th March in the year 45 before Christ. This was when the famous battle of “munda” was staged in which Julio Cesar defeated the Pompeyo brothers, Cneo and Sexto. This battle was so important, not only because there were many lives at stake, but because the whole Roman Empire, which dominated the known world at the time, was in danger.

Later on, at the end of the 9th century, when Omar Ben Hafsun organised an uprising in Bobastro, the El Mundat castle was rebuilt. Its strategic position dominated the village that was part of the Califato de Córdoba. It had been destroyed by Said Ibn Al-Mundir in the year 308. It was rebuilt once more in the 11th by the Hammudies and by the 12th century Monda was am important village famous for its leaders and fighters.

Monda was handed over to the captain of the Reyes Católicos, Don Hurtado de Luna, who was to take on the title of mayor once the battle was over, between the Spring and Summer of 1485. At that time, Monda was under the jurisdiction of Malaga. The Moors who were willing to stay as Mudejars were allowed to do so. This remained so until the uprising that happened in the Serranîa de Ronda in 1501, when the Christians forced them to convert to the faith. In 1570 they were finally expelled.

During the War of Independence in 1811, Monda played a vital role in the Spanish general Ballesteros Frente a Soul, Duke of Dalmacia’s mountain warfare strategy. .

Because of all this, the Castle at Monda has become one of the most important symbols of the village. Today it has been restored and transformed into a unique hotel which offers some panoramic views of the village and its surroundings.

This town was declared as a "Paisaje Pintoresco” (A Pictoresque Landscape) in1971 and the truth is, there are many features to recommend it. Its white-washed houses stand out against the green background of the allotments which, all together, create a kind of green covering for the valley. The village can be seen well by taking a stroll through La Alpujatam which is a place of natural beauty. The Arab origins of the village can be seen and felt all over the urban centre with its fountains, houses and other features. Some of the best fountains are; "La Jaula", "Morales" and "La Relumbrosa"; and then there is the public washing place. There are other spots worthy of special attention like the bridge known locally as "La Teja", which was built by the Romans over a small river, or the Arabic mills or maybe the "El Calvario", a building topped off by wrought iron crosses which was built by Juan de Cózar, a member of an influential family from Monda.

A new hiking trail opened. Hiking following the Rio Grande. /  by Finca Lagarto

(Coín-Málaga) Approved trail PR-A 496, Coín-Rio Cantarranas-Rio Bajo-Rio Pereilas-Rio Grande-Rio Guadalorce a route of about 25 km and a drop of 270 meters.

More information by clicking the link to the track

https://es.wikiloc.com/rutas-senderismo/sendero-homologado-pr-a-496-coin-rio-cantarranas-rio-bajo-rio-pereilas-rio-grande-rio -guadalorce-131380154#wp-131380173

Wiciloc is a fantastic App to find hiking and cicle trails.

New pedestrian walkway /  by Finca Lagarto

in Álora signals first stage of the 156-million-euro Guadalhorce Green Corridor

The provincial authority project aims to create the largest river park in Spain, and includes the eight municipalities that form part of the lower basin of the river: Álora, Ardales, Pizarra, Alhaurín el Grande, Coín, Cártama, Alhaurín de la Torre and Malaga

https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/guadalhorce-valley/guadalhorce-green-corridor-20220928105747-nt.html

‘Sierra de las Nieves’ a world-class tourist destination /  by Finca Lagarto

With the aim of making the Sierra de las Nieves a world-class tourist destination, a plan created by the Association of Municipalities of the Sierra de las Nieves has been approved by the Junta's de Andalucía's Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism and by its Tourism Council. The plan will run for three years, with four different areas of work, designed to protect and promote the unique habitat.

The nine municipalities that make up the association, Alozaina, Casarabonela, El Burgo, Guaro, Istán, Monda, Ojén, Tolox and Yunquera, have unanimously agreed to adopt the plan.
Some 900,000 euros has been allocated to promote ‘green tourism’ with an emphasis on reducing the carbon footprint of the sector including improving existing mountain trails and the creation of more cycle and pedestrian friendly routes in urban areas.
New shuttle buses will be introduced to reduce the number of cars in the area and there are plans for an increase in the number of recharging points for electric cars in each municipality along with a 725,000 euros initiative to provide villages with electric bicycles which will be free to the public to use.
A further 600,000 euros has been allocated to create a tourist web portal for the Sierra de las Nieves and its surroundings, accompanied by digital content such as promotional videos and photographs.
Improved infrastructure in the park including camping areas and bridges is also anticipated.

Happy New Year /  by Finca Lagarto

The olives have now been picked from the trees and only the best will be covered in salt to extract the bitterness from the olives.

Only then will they be gently put into jars topped up with biological Extra Virgin Olive oil and garlic to be enjoyed at leisure. Yummy! And the oil full of the olive flavour is delicious as a dressing on a salad.