Who would have thought that a girl who spent two decades soaking up the glamour of Marbella would trade the high life for the slow life in a tiny white village? Certainly not me! But sometimes, the greatest treasures are found just off the beaten track.

Located close to Marbella and Malaga

For over 20 years, I lived the quintessential Costa del Sol dream—all chic boutiques, sparkling beaches, and the non-stop buzz of Marbella. Then, something extraordinary happened: I fell in love with a Dutchman, and together, we made the bold decision to leave the glitz behind and embrace the true heart of Andalusia.

View over the Pueblo Blanco and the Monda Castle

Now, my home is Monda, a traditional pueblo blanco (white village)

that’s only 30 minutes from the coast, yet feels like a world away. It’s a beautifully quiet, charming Spanish village nestled in the hills—it’s hard to believe such a peaceful spot exists so close to the hustle and bustle.

The Call of El Campo

The move was a life-changing milestone, and yes, it took a while to adjust. Swapping pavement cafes for mountain paths felt like a monumental shift. But how could I not be happy here?

Our new life is centered around a hilltop villa in el campo (the countryside), offering total privacy and the most amazing, sweeping views. From our terrace, we can see all the way to Málaga and even the snowy peaks of Sierra Nevada—a fantastic bonus, as I can be on the slopes in just over two hours!

It’s a world away from the coast, defined by nature, not nightlife. My new reality is sunshine, swims in the private pool, and the gentle sound of the wind rustling through our olive and almond trees. The pace is slower, the air is fresher, and the feeling is one of deep, settled contentment.

And, of course, our little hilltop family is complete with three loyal dogs and one very opinionated cat. The chaos of a busy house is far more rewarding than the chaos of a busy city street.

Monda: A Village of Deep Roots and Dramatic Views

For those who haven’t yet discovered this hidden gem, here are a few facts that make Monda such a fascinating place to call home:

The menu of one of the local restaurants and locals in front of the Farmacia

• Gateway to Nature: Monda sits in the foothills of the Sierra de las Nieves—a spectacular natural park, now officially a National Park—offering endless trails for hiking and nature lovers.
• The Castle on the Hill: The village is dominated by the Castillo de Monda. Built on the foundations of the ancient 9th-century Moorish fortress, the Castillo de Al-Mundat, it has been beautifully rehabilitated and now functions as a striking hotel and restaurant. Yes, the building you see crowning the hill is a piece of history you can dine in!
• Ancient History: Some historians suggest Monda may have been the location of the famous Battle of Munda in 45 BC, where Julius Caesar defeated the sons of Pompey. Whether true or just a legend, it speaks to the area’s deep Roman roots.
• The Pueblo Blanco Vibe: With a small population of around 3,000 residents, Monda retains the authentic atmosphere of a traditional Andalusian white village, complete with whitewashed walls, narrow, steep streets, and geranium-filled balconies.
• Local Treasures: You can still visit local sites like the historic Fuente Lavadero de la Jaula (the old public washing fountain) and the Casa Museo Marigloria, a small museum preserved in a typical early 20th-century village house.

The main square in Monda

The Perfect Balance

This move wasn’t about giving up the old life; it was about choosing a better one. Monda offers an ideal balance between rustic tranquility and modern convenience.

If I ever feel the urge for some retail therapy or a fancy beachfront meal, Marbella is still only 30 minutes away. It’s the perfect escape hatch—I get all the authenticity of rural Spain, but the bright lights of the city are always within easy reach.

My home in Monda

Who would not fall in love with this view

If you’re dreaming of sunshine, charm, and a life truly lived, sometimes the answer isn’t another year in the fast lane, but a bold left turn onto a winding mountain road. Come visit Monda—I think you’ll see what stole my heart, too. And remember, you get quite a bit more property for your money here inland!

This video will give you a good impression of Monda