Point of interest
Jardín Botánico Molino de Inca
in Torremolinos, Spain
Botanical garden with natural springs, a historic mill and subtropical greenery; a green breather away from the beach bustle.
Where it is
A botanical garden in the Los Manantiales complex of Torremolinos, set around the springs (manantiales) that once supplied the town with water.
Address: Torremolinos
What it is
Spanning over 40,000 square metres, the garden holds around a thousand plant species, including more than 70 kinds of palm, making it one of mainland Spain's largest public palm gardens. Highlights include a Japanese garden with hillocks and ponds and a variety of birds, offering a green, quiet escape away from the beaches.
History
The name Molino de Inca dates back to a licence granted to Joseph de Inca Sotomayor in 1700 to build two flour mills powered by the local springs. In February 1926 King Alfonso XIII visited the Albercón spring to drink its pure water, and the spot has been called "Albercón del Rey" ever since. The present garden, designed by municipal technician Manuel Simón, opened to the public in spring 2003.