The small town of Monda lies in an elevated position surrounded by olive groves and orchards. It has had a long history and is said to be the site of an important Roman battle, the Battle of Munda, waged by no other than Julius Caesar himself, in order to save the Empire. Whether or not this is true, Monda certainly has had its fair share of unrest. The castle dominating the town has seen many invaders and has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. Monda played a decisive role in the war of independence against the French. Now Monda is a quiet traditional village largely untouched by tourism where cultivating the land remains an important part of the economy. A Monda holiday offers peaceful relaxation in an area of outstanding natural beauty. It benefits from being a short car ride from the coast with its golden sand and warm clear water.
A Monda holiday offers peace and relaxation in a beautiful inland village where you can enjoy its traditional atmosphere and bask in the warmth, not only of the sun but in the welcoming hospitality of the local people. Here you have the choice of exploring the surrounding countryside, playing a round of golf at a nearby course, sailing or fishing on the nearby reservoir, or enjoying the beaches with their golden sands and warm clear waters providing a variety of water sports.
A Monda holiday appeals mainly to couples. Although there are beautiful beaches within a short drive, families with small children usually prefer to be nearer the sea. Those interested in non-powered water sports will find the reservoir is the perfect place for sailing, canoeing and fishing. The area is very popular with walkers, cyclists and horseback riders.
Although Monda is a year round holiday venue, the summer holiday period is probably the most popular time to go, with guaranteed sunshine. Many choose to visit Monda in the winter in order to escape the dreary, dark days at home.
Monda enjoys an elevated position inland from Marbella on the Costa del Sol. It is a small village with a population of less than two thousand. The castle which dominates the village is now a luxury hotel decorated in Moorish style. The village now has good road links with the coast and is increasing in popularity. Only half an hour from the coast, Monda is an oasis of peace and tranquillity unspoiled by tourism where visitors are warmly welcomed by the locals. The steep, narrow winding streets of the village are best explored on foot. Whitewashed houses gleam in the sunshine, their doorways filled with pots of brilliant red flowers and with blossom cascading from their balconies. The streets contain many small shops and cafes and there are shady squares where you can enjoy refreshments in the pavement bars and cafes.
Those who enjoy the great outdoors will find many good walking routes through national park and into the hills. There are opportunities for mountain biking and horse riding. The nearby reservoir permits non-powered water sports.
Monda celebrates several fiestas throughout the year. The most important takes place in Holy Week with processions on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.
The beaches in Marbella have lovely thick golden sand perfect for the construction of castles or other more complex sculptures. Water sports including jet skiing, sailing, fishing and scuba diving are all available.
Many people come to this area for the golf and there are a number of excellent courses close by. Remember to bring your handicap certificate as this is usually a course requirement.
In order to make the most of your Monda holiday, car hire is recommended.
The nightlife in Monda is very low key reflecting the popularity of the resort with couples. Evenings are spent wandering its charming streets and alleyways, enjoying local hospitality in the company of friends. There are some excellent restaurants serving mainly traditional food. If livelier nights are required, drive to Marbella and experience its clubs, discos, show bars and casinos many of which remain open until the early hours of the morning.
The narrow streets of Monda have small supermarkets for essentials and the usual tourist gift and craft shops. Popular purchases include pottery, embroidered linens, basketry and jewellery. Those looking for a wider choice of goods can take the short journey to Marbella. Here, the renowned Golden Mile is full of elegant boutiques where you will find the latest fashions. The tiny shops in the narrow streets of the old town delight shoppers with their range of often unusual goods. Puerto Banus is also known for its excellent shopping opportunities.
Monda has a number of good restaurants serving mainly traditional food. Fish features prominently on menus as well as pork and chicken. A good way to try Spanish food is to order a plate of tapas which consists of a medley of bite-sized dishes. Tapas are also ideal for filling the sometimes long gap between lunch and dinner, which is served later in Spain than at home.
Children are always made very welcome in Spanish restaurants and their tastes and portion sizes are usually accommodated.
Spanish wines are pleasant and inexpensive.
