Moclin Spain - An Agricultural Village in Granada province

Moclin, Spain Photo Credit Ingeborg van Leeuwen

Where is Moclin?

Moclin is a village in Southern Spain, in Granada province. It takes 40 minutes to drive to Moclin from the city of Granada. It´s 25 miles or 40kms away from the Alhambra palace. Moclin´s population is 3529. (source INE 2024). This village is part of the Poniente Granadino. It lies NE of Granada and not far from the Jaen town of Alcala la Real.

Moclin is known for its agriculture, production of Olive Oil Almonds and asparagus amongst other crops. The muncipality is actually made up of several villages including: Limones, Olivares, Puerto Lope, Tiena, Tózar and Casillas de Gumiel.

Cristo del Paño October Festival in Moclin

What to See in Moclin

If you want to visit the village of Moclin, there are a few monumental buildings of note. The main sights are the castle, hermitage or several watchtowers between Moclin and other villages in the region.

As with many of the locations around the Poniente Granadino there are plenty of architectural reminders of the golden age of Al Andalus. Recalling the regions turbulent past. Alhama de Granada, Montefrio or Loja are similar towns, all examples of quiet rural locations with dramatic stories and impressive monuments.

There are even signs of life in this area some 30,000 years ago, a recent study at the Cueva del Malalmuerzo in Moclin gave insight into the Neolithic period in this part of Granada province. Currently the cave isn´t open for visits. From the Copper and Bronze age lots of ceramics were discovered from this area.

Moclin Castle 13th Century – For 200 years it was the border between Jaen and the Kingdom of Granada.
Mingoandrés Watchtower – standing 6 metres tall on the road between Granada – Alcalá la Real.
Porqueriza Watchtower
Mesa Watchtower
La Solana Watchtower (on the road between Puerto Lope – Moclin)
Gallina Watchtower
Church of Encarnacion / Santuario del Cristo del Paño built in 1552 Century by Diego de Siloe on the site of a Mosque
16th Century Granary – Pósito
San Anton Hermitage (b.1470)
Moclin Castle 13th Century Andalusia Spain

On 26th July 1486 Moclin was conquered by Christian troops after three days of siege

Visiting Moclin Castle

The 13th Century Moclin Castle is recognised as BIC (of Cultural Interest) since 1931. Dominating the skyline, previously a Muslim fortress stood here in the 11th century.

You can visit it on weekends at specific times but you need to book ahead of time with the Town Hall. Visiting times are Saturdays and Sundays at 11am and 5pm. (Groups maybe able to book midweek visits by prior arrangement)

At the end of 2024 Moclin restored the Casa de los Maestros creating a Visitor Centre, which is probably the best point to start your visit.

Eating in Moclin

Some of the best places to eat are the following:

Bar Breaking Plaza España, Moclin (Closed Mondays)
Bar El Salon Calle Real 65 – opens only at Midday on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
Rincon de Marcelo is one of the best options in the area. C/ San José, 25 Tózar Bookings: 958 41 76 95
Casa Juani Avenida Pinos Puente, Olivares (Closed Mondays)
Bar La Ruta Calle Cerro Alto, Olivares – Bookings: 620 407710 Opens Thursday, Friday afternoon/evenings + all day Saturday +Sundays (Closed Mon to Wednesdays)

Where to Stay in Moclin

Gollizno Hike

The most popular hiking routes is La Ruta del Gollizno. It gets busy on weekends and bank holidays, it is a circular 8kms route that runs alongside the Velillos river. When you walk this pathway you can see the Corcuela Cave paintings, cross a few bridges and see some of the old watchtowers that linked Olivares and Moclin.

To start the route head to Calle Real and walk down the Calle Esperanza until the end. Then follow the details here: Gollizno Trail – Route Information

Old Water Fountain Moclin Spain

Local Fiestas

The local festivities in Moclin happen every 17th January, San Anton and on 5th October, known as El Cristo del Paño (Christ of the Cloth). The October festivity is the main fiesta and attracts large crowds (as seen in the photo above)

Cristo del Paño

The Cristo del Paño measures over 2 metres. Curing properties are attributed to this painting. It is kept inside La Iglesia de la Encarnación, the 16th century church. The artist is not known, but it could be the work of an artist inspired by Tiziano´s style. The image isvthe centre of celebrations in the village every year on the 5th of October. This painting of Christ and the Cross even inspired Federico Garcia Lorca to write the play Yerma.

The celebration takes place around 1pm after a religious service at the church. In October 2024 60 buses and over 400 cars turned up to enjoy this tradition. So if you plan on going next time, get there early. This festival is of Touristic Interest in Andalucia.

The artwork was brought to Moclin by the Catholic Kings Ferdinand and Isabel. The priest who took care of this painting at the time had cataracts affecting his sight. The legend says that after touching this artwork he was cured of the affliction. The name Christ of the Cover or Cloth comes from the curing of the priest of cataracts as he would cover his eyes from sight with a cloth or veil.

Move to Moclin

As with many villages and towns in the Andalusian countryside, many are losing inhabitants. The Poniente Granadino is no exception. To move to this region will mean a quiet peaceful residence and needing the use of a car to get around the main towns. The closest being Alcala la Real (Jaen) and then Granada.

Cost of Living in Moclin Spain

Updated for 2025, here´s the the Cost of Living in Moclin, Granada province, Spain.

The property prices in Moclin may seem reasonable if you are a foreign investor. However if you need to resell anytime it maybe difficult to find a buyer. If you are looking to move to the Granada region and enjoy a mix of countryside yet with infrastructure of a nearby town, there are many options to choose from. Some closer to Granada or connected by Motorway/Highway such as Guejar Sierra, Cenes de la Vega or Lecrin Valley.

See more insight on moving to the province of Granada here.