Monda is located just over 15 kilometres from Marbella past Ojen along the A-355 road. It is a charming town, popular with both tourists and newer residents who have relocated to start a new life in the sun.
Monda is surrounded by the Sierras de Las Nieves on one side and the Alpujatas on the other, both providing a dramatic backdrop to a town that is conveniently close to the main hub of Costa del Sol activities yet offers a more sedate lifestyle up in the mountains – with clean, crisp air and surrounded by unspoilt nature.
Monda’s most prominent landmark is its castle, perched high on the hillside and overlooking the town. Having witnessed its fair share of battles and transformations over the centuries, the Castillo de Monda is now run as a hotel and wedding venue. While records of the fortress date to the 13th century, Monda’s history is believed to pre-date this by many centuries, all the way to 45 BC.
The town itself is well-kept and there is a great sense of pride among the local residents about their town, local traditions and mostly classically rural way of life. Olives are one of the major contributors to the local economy. You will notice vast olive groves as you approach the town, and an olive press at the entrance to Monda where everyone, regardless of quantity, is welcome to press their olives.
Monda has a good range of amenities and facilities including bars, shops, restaurants, a medical centre and schools. Interestingly, you won’t find any large supermarkets in the town – it remains traditional and typically Spanish in many ways, including how people shop. As well as at the weekly market, local produce is available from butchers, bakers and greengrocers.
Photo credit: Hermann Haf