The Village of Molvizar

Molvizar is a beautiful small village of almost 3,000 residents clinging to the side of a mountain on the main road that connects Motril via highway N-323 to the towns of Otivar and the majestic Sierra de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama mountain range. Molvizar is situated 241 meters above sea level. It has twice won national awards for municipal beauty, as Molvizar is very well taken care of by its inhabitants.

Molvizar locals celebrate the patron saint, Santa Ana, on July 26, during which the town puts forth a traditional representation of Moros y Cristianos, which commemorates the expulsion of the Moors (Spanish Arabs) from Spain in the XV and XVI Centuries. One of the most important monuments of Molvizar is the Santa Ana Church built between 1785 and 1790. Roman archaeological remains found in Molvizar include an ancient Lagar for wine making. The streets of Movizar have a very Moorish feel and the locals are very friendly.

The economy of the area surrounding Molvizar is agriculture-based, especially the cultivation of fruit. Molvizar is a traditional Andalucian village made of small whitewashed houses and narrow streets winding their way up the mountainside. Its surroundings are rugged and mountainous, yet Molvizar is only a short drive from the coast.

Molvizar has many hectares of vineyards, which produce exquisite wines, famous in the whole of Andalucia. The mosto wine is of such high quality that local Molvizar producers compete in an annual wine festival at which all the different wines can be tasted, and the prize for best mosto of the year is awarded. The Molvizar wine is accompanied by bread baked in the traditional manner, in wood-fired ovens, and with traditional pastries.

Molvizar is located very close to the town of Itrabo, the latter of which is further up the mountains and closer to the Sierra de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama mountain range. A visit to Molvizar should be combined with a visit to Itrabo. A nice loop can be made by visiting the towns of Jete, Otivar, Lentejí, Itrabo, Molvizar, Salobreña, and Almuñécar, with the first five towns located in the mountains and along the magnificent Sospiro de los Moros road, and the last two (Salobreña and Almuñécar) coastal towns in the heart of the Costa Tropical offering a magnificent drive along a beautiful stretch of the N-340 highway.

The History of Molvizar

Molvizar developed the most during its period of Arab (Moorish) domination, and was inhabited by the Moors until their expulsion in the XV Century and subsequent repopulation by Christians brought in from northern areas of Spain to all Andalucia and most especially the areas surrounding Granada. Molvizar suffered under the rule of the mayor of neighboring Salobreña, Diego Ramirez de Haro, and later he had to build defensive bastions because of the threat of Berber pirates crossing the Mediterranean from Morocco and Algeria. In addition, Molvizar was a scene of multiple guerrilla battles during the War of Independence when Molvizar refused to pledge fidelity to Jose I. In recent years, thanks to the agricultural development and tourism, Molvizar is growing in new prosperity.

Where is Molvizar?

Molvizar of the Costa Tropical in the Granada province is a traditional small mountain village located near the Mediterranean coast of southern Spain in the Andalucia (Andalus) region. Molvizar is reasonbaly accessible by paved smaller roads that connect with a major highway, N-340 described below.

Getting There

Molvizar is about 50 minutes drive due south of the city of Granada and Granada airport. Driving from Granada and down the main N323 to the coast, take a right turn after the town of Velez de Benaudalla just before getting to Salobreña. Molvizar is clearly marked.

From Malaga, take the N-340 highway east towards the cities of Granada, Motril, and Almería. In just over an hour upon reaching Salobreña, take the N-323 highway towards Granada. In a few kilometers look for the first left turn. Take this first left turn and follow this road for about 15 minutes to Molvizar.

The nearest coast is at the Costa Tropical town of Salobreña. The larger town of Motril is only 15 minutes from Molvizar, and the town of Almuñécar situated on the coast of the Costa Tropical is only a little further away. In addition to the highway access, Almuñécar is also accessible via the beautiful mountain road Sospiro de los Moros, a stunning drive through winding mountain passes.

Who are we? An American expat with over 20 years of experience living and traveling in Spain, specifically in Malaga and Granada. Darsey is a seasoned explorer of Andalucia. Drawing from decades of immersive experience, she offers deep insights into this enchanting region of Spain, including off-the-beaten path destinations, the best places to stay, and the top bucket list activities to try! More...

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Molvizar on the Map