Seven things not to miss this summer on a visit to the Muscat Heart

Moclinejo, Almáchar, and El Borge have formed a tourist trilogy for almost two years under the brand 'Corazón Moscatel', presenting themselves as a unique yet diverse destination centered around a unique product: raisins. Part of this offer revolves around the Muscat of Alexandria variety, but there are also many other things to do in these three towns in the Axarquía region.

Gaudí in the heart of Axarquía with the sea as a backdrop. Some may not believe their eyes, but El Valdés, a hamlet in Moclinejo, is a must-visit at any time of the year for lovers of rural tourism.

It all started with the Casa Museo de la Axarquía, created by a local resident passionate about Gaudí's style, Antonio Montañez. Later, the style of the Catalan architect also spread to other places in the hamlet. In summer, it is advisable to visit either early in the morning or late in the afternoon to cope with the steep slopes of this rural area.

First, it was the Little Mouse Pérez, and this summer, the Vain Little Mouse. Two of the most charming rodents for children have decided to have their own house in Moclinejo, a village in Axarquía that overlooks the nearby sea from its urban center.

The houses of both are located in the streets of the village. It's worth taking a family stroll through them to discover, with the help of some clues, what these famous rodents' homes are like. Both have been designed and brought to life by local artist Chari Ruiz.

The cultivation of Muscat of Alexandria has defined the way of life in villages like El Borge, Moclinejo, and Almáchar for centuries. In the latter, while waiting for a new thematic space, you can visit the Casa Museo de la Pasa, located in the heart of the village in a traditional house.

There, not only can you see tools and utensils related to the grape harvest, the chopping of raisins, or the making of wine, but domestic spaces such as rooms and kitchens of many villagers are also recreated, as they were just a few decades ago.

The last days of summer, when the aroma of Muscat can be felt in that area of Axarquía, it is worth venturing to see the sunset in the old town of Almáchar. First, you can walk its streets, a real labyrinth that connects to the Church of San Mateo with the Gardens of El Forfe.

The climax is to go to one of those elevated places in the village that serve as viewpoints to watch how the evening falls on the village streets, a delight for the eyes. Cornellá de Llobregat street is one of the most recommended for capturing this image in the retina.

Since the winter of 2023, El Borge has one of the most important collections on banditry. It's a must-see, even in summer.

Knives and blunderbusses made in the 18th and 19th centuries, documents and books related to the capture of bandits, or objects that belonged to some of these characters are part of one of the most complete collections dedicated to this phenomenon.

This permanent exhibition features more than a thousand objects and documents, including some very valuable ones that belonged to feared characters such as El Bizco de El Borge, Pasos Largos, Tragabuches, or El Tempranillo.

The end of summer in Corazón Moscatel is full of festivals that allude to the traditional gastronomy and agriculture of these three villages.

The agenda includes three dates. On one hand, on September 6, as every first Saturday of that month, the Ajoblanco Festival is celebrated in Almáchar. Then, on Sunday the 14th, the Viñeros Festival in Moclinejo and on the 21st, the Day of the Raisin in El Borge. Many tastings and the aroma of Muscat to end the summer.

It is a dish that must be tried in its bars or restaurants, because it has the identity marks of these villages. Whether made with chicken or pork, meat with Muscat sauce is a must-try recipe when visiting the trilogy of villages in Corazón Moscatel.

With sweet wine and Muscat raisins, today you can find different versions in restaurants like the Posada del Bandolero in El Borge, or the bar Reyes in Moclinejo.