The derelict San Joaquin Sugar Mill, located between Nerja and Maro on the old coast road, is a fascinating sight, silhouetted against a Mediterranean sunset.
The tradition of sugar cane plantations and sugar cane mills, began in the XVI century, although this mill was built in 1884 by Francisco Cantarero and owned by the Marquis de Tous. It closed down in 1911, reopened in 1930, and closed again, and forms an intrinsic element of one of the last untouched stretches of Malaga coastline.
Sadly this evocative place, part of Andalucia’s industrial heritage has been under threat for years from developers who want to build yet another golf course, yet another hotel and 700 hundred luxury homes. Greenpeace Spain, Ecologistas en Accion and thousands of residents oppose the scheme. Another development for the rich to get even richer and destroy the environment.
I’d hazard a guess that all three will be far beyond the income of most local people in Nerja, and the freedom to roam will vanish. It’s worth remembering that we owe it to ourselves and the next generation to conserve the environment so that we can bequeath our children a sustainable world that benefits all.
George Munday Creative 