Botanical Garden Molino de Inca - Complex Los Manantiales

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The 'Los Manantiales' spring was historically the primary water source for the entire town of Torremolinos.

2. 2

   The flour mill on-site dates back to the early 18th century and is one of the few fully restored mills in the region.

3. 3

   The garden maintains a specialized collection of over 150 species of palm trees, including rare specimens from Asia and South America.

4. 4

   The estate was purchased by the Torremolinos City Council in the late 1990s to prevent its industrial degradation and restore its historical water systems.

5. 5

   The original millstones inside the building are still fully operational, demonstrating the mechanical process used for grinding wheat.

Overview

Botanical Garden Molino de Inca is a 40,000-square-meter site centered around a restored 18th-century flour mill powered by natural spring water. The garden features over 500 species of trees and shrubs, including a significant collection of palm trees from around the world. A network of elevated wooden walkways guides visitors through the lush landscape and over active water channels. The estate historically functioned as an active water mill supplying flour to the local area, utilizing the 'Los Manantiales' spring system. Its water channels are integral to the garden's design, powering two restored millstones within the main building. The site houses a small museum exhibit detailing the milling process and the history of the water management in Torremolinos. Aviaries containing exotic birds, including parrots and birds of prey, are integrated into the garden circuit. The topography is varied, with stone stairways navigating the incline from the mill down to the shaded lower paths.

Insider tips

• Bring a bottle of water, as the elevated walkways and stone paths involve considerable walking in the heat.

• Wear closed-toe, comfortable walking shoes due to the uneven stone paths and wooden walkways.

• Check the local tourism website shortly before visiting for updates on seasonal botanical displays.