Moclinejo, is a small town on Piedrasblancas hill and the area is marked by deep ravines. There are two small streams, the Valdés and Granadilla, but these only really flow to any extent during heavy rains which means that olives, almonds and grapes are the main crops as far as the local economy is concerned.
There is little or no record of settlements in the area prior to the arrival of the Arabs and both the location, on a hillside, and design, steep and narrow streets, are typical of both the Muslim period and the whole Axarquia area. The most notable historical event relating to the town took place shortly before the catholic reconquest of Málaga.
A Christian army of 2,700 cavalry and 1,000 infantry under the command of Alonso Aguilar arrived at Moclinejo in March 1483, causing the local residents to grab their belongings and seek refuge in the castle. Finding nothing of any value in the village, the Christian army set fire to the community.
That did not go down well with the Muslims, as you can imagine, and they showered the Christians with arrows, causing many casualties. In memory of that resounding defeat, there is a ravine called “Hoya de los Muertos” (Valley of the Dead).
Statistics
Area: 14 square kilometres
Altitude: 432 mtrs above sea level
Population: +/- 1,200
Distance from Nerja: 45 km
Driving Time: +/- 45 minutes
Location
Places of Interest
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Gracia
El Manchón de las Minas
Local Cuisine
Local specialities include: Ajoblanco (chilled garlic soup with almonds, bread, oil and vinegar), Gazpacho (chilled tomato, garlic and vegetable soup), Migas (fried breadcrumbs), Gazpachuelo con patatas (Soup with potatoes, bread and egg white) and Sopa de Maimones.
Local Festivals
Feria del Ganado (May 1st)
Romeria (End of May)
Semanas Culturales de Moclinejo y El Valdés (May & June)
Feria de Moclinejo y El Valdés (Last week of July)
El Huerto (Resurrection Sunday)
Fiesta de San Bartolomé (August 24th)
Fiesta de Viñeros (September)
Useful Info
Tourist Office
Plaza de España, 7
29738 Moclinejo
Tel: 952400586
Tel: 952400505
[email protected]
Where to Stay
Venta El Pilar
29738 Moclinejo
Tel: 952400507
Hotel Axarquia
Ctra Moclinejo
29738 Moclinejo
Tel: 952400507
Fax: 952400641
[email protected]
Casa El Sol
29738 Moclinejo
Tel: 952405740
Where to Eat
El Pilar
Ctra Moclinejo km10
29738 Moclinejo
Tel: 952400507
Reyes
Plaza España 9
29738 Moclinejo
Tel: 952400558
Tres Peniques
Plaza España 7
29738 Moclinejo
Tel: 952400502