Enjoy our quick guide to Mollina, a town that boasts of a captivating natural setting and interesting archaeological places.
You can easily reach it by taking the A-45 and then using the exit 138. Travel time is approximately 50 minutes from Malaga capital.
You can also take the AP-46 toll highway and then take A-45. Using this route will take a travel time of around 55 minutes.
Below we feature an expat interview with Susan Reynolds of Inland Andalucia who covers the Mollina area.
Specifically, we wanted to learn from Susan the many reasons why people should consider moving to this area and the value for money they can get once they decide to stay permanently.
Susan, thanks for helping our readers. I guess we should start off by asking what would you say would be the advantages to living in Mollina compared to other Costa del Sol towns?
Living in Mollina places you in the heart of Andalucia. Not only do you get to live the real Spanish way amongst Spaniards, you are also a mere 40 minutes drive from the Costa del Sol, 45 minutes from Granada city, 45 minutes from Córdoba and under an hour away from Seville. Costa de Sol towns are not the “real Spain”. They are built with the idea of entertaining tourists. In the heart of Andalucia you get to taste the real Spain.
In addition Mollina is a traditional Spanish town. Throughout the year you will be able to enjoy the local events and fiestas. These range from Carnival in March, to the Spring BBQ, the summer 4-day feria in August, the famous Ferria la Vendimia (wine ferria) in September and of course the Christmas spirit throughout December!
Would the area not suit certain types of people, i.e. are there any possible downsides?
People that are looking for all night night life will be better off living on the coast.
What proportion of the local population are Spanish?
Mollina has around 5,000 residents made up of mainly Spanish locals. However Mollina does have around 200 established expats. It’s the type of place where you will get to know everbody… Your local shop keepers, your local restaurant and café bar owners and of course your neighbour.
What are your favourite things to do in the area?
There is so much to do, hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, swimming in the lakes, skiing in the winter, spending the evenings enjoying tapas, watching the world go by, shopping in Antequera.
Can you give us some insider tips to the best bars or restaurants?
Mollina benefits from having over 30 café bars and restaurants. If the truth be known we probable have too many! The ones not to miss are Restaurant Meson, Chavos, Vendimia, La Casa, Flores, Pizaria Isabela and Reyes.
Are there many facilities such as doctors and dentists, shops etc?
Mollina has two dental practices and a large medical centre. Antequera hospital is 15 minutes away.
The infrastructure is complete with banks, daily fresh market, weekly open market, many stores providing everything that you could require.
Are there smaller villages nearby that you might also recommend?
There are many smaller villages in the area all of which have their own benefits.
Fuente de Piedra with its famous flamenco centre and donkey rescue centre.
Alameda with its Roman archeology.
Mollina also benefits from being just a minute drive from the large town of Antequera. Antequera has 42,000 residents and has superb architecture running through the town.
What are the nearest international schools and how good are they?
The non-Spanish children of Mollina go to the local schools in Mollina. This helps the children integrate and learn Spanish, normally within 6 months!
Is crime an issue for expats?
There is very little crime inland. It is still a very “old fashioned way” of living here. People look out for each other and doors are often left open.
Coming onto buying property, what is the market like now in terms of prices going up, or down or staying the same?
Here at Inland Andalucia we are selling more properties than ever. We have been trading for 16 years. Following two or three tough years around 2008, 2010 we have continued to grown with increased sales year on year.
Is this a good time to buy and are there any repossessions or very cheap properties still available to buy?
Property prices are at a 12-year low and now is the time to buy!
What urbanisations are there and can you describe each one and how they might differ from each other?
Mollina has two distinct faces… The old town and then the new area of Castaño. Basically the style of property here can cater for all tastes and requirements.
How much are the typical property prices in Mollina for apartments, villas etc?
Properties in Mollina can be purchased from 35.000€ up to 400,000€. The average property price here in Mollina is 85.000€.
Any tips and advice to people looking to buy in Mollina or surrounding area?
Contact us at www.inlandandalucia.com.
Susan, thank you so much for taking the time to help our readers with your experiences in Spain. If you want to contact her, you can find her details below.
Calle de la Villa 14
29532 Mollina
Tel. +34 952 741 525
Email: info@inlandandalucia.com
Website: www.inlandandalucia.com
Here is an interesting tourist video on Mollina.
Contact us to be featured – we want more expat interviews for our newsletter and website. You don’t need to be an estate agent, we want to hear from anyone who lives in Spain whether you are working or retired.
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