Molí de la Calera

Molí de la Calera is a historic windmill perched on a hillside above Santa Pola, one of the landmarks that shape the rugged coastline of this stretch of the Costa Blanca. The mill sits along the path known as the Salt Route, surrounded by dry, rocky slopes on the cape south of town.

Where does this windmill come from?

The mill was built in 1771 to grind grain into flour for the local population. It stayed in continuous use for well over a century, right up until 1898, when it was finally decommissioned. Triangular sailcloths mounted on a wooden axle caught the wind and turned the mechanism, which in turn drove the heavy millstones housed inside.

Why "de la Calera"?

The name doesn't refer to the mill itself but to a neighboring structure — a calera, a traditional lime kiln once used to produce lime. The proximity of these two old crafts, milling and lime-burning, is what gave the building its current name.

What does the building look like?

The mill has two doors, one facing north and one south. This wasn't a design accident: depending on which direction the wind was blowing, one door stayed open while the other was shut, keeping people safe from the rotating blades. Inside, the structure is split across two levels — the ground floor was used for storing grain and flour, while the milling mechanism itself occupied the upper level.

What will you see there?

Today, Molí de la Calera marks a stop along a hiking trail that winds through the hills surrounding Santa Pola. The mill itself is best appreciated from the outside — a small stone structure standing out against the low, scrubby vegetation covering the surrounding slopes. From up here, the view stretches over the town, its harbor, and the coastline toward Tabarca Island.

How do you get there?

The mill stands on a rise within the Cabo de Santa Pola area, just a short drive from the town center. Reaching it means walking a stretch of trail — not a long one, but sturdy shoes are worth packing, since the ground is rocky and uneven in places. The easiest approach is to park near one of the marked trailheads and continue on foot from there.

When should you visit?

Since this part of the coast offers little shade and gets full sun exposure, morning or late afternoon are the best times to visit, especially in summer when midday heat builds up quickly. Spring and autumn make for pleasant walking conditions throughout most of the day.

What else can you combine it with?

Molí de la Calera sits on a route that continues toward other viewpoints on the cape, including stretches of coastline and cliffs. It's an easy way to pair a short historical stop with sea views, without needing to plan a full day around it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside the mill? The building is a historic landmark and functions as a viewpoint along the trail, so visits are mainly limited to viewing it from the outside.

How long does it take to reach the mill? Depending on the starting point, the walk takes anywhere from about ten to thirty-odd minutes, depending on which stretch of trail you follow.

Is the trail suitable for children? Most of the route is easy walking, though the ground can be rocky, so it works best for kids used to short hikes — bring water and sun protection.

Is there an entrance fee? No, access to the mill and the trail leading to it is free and open year-round.