Here’s how one can embark upon a day filled with adventure and nostalgia as you cruise through the picturesque countryside of Andalucia in a genuine electric Moke from The Jolly Mile. Transport yourself back to the Mediterranean glamour of the 60s and explore Southern Spain in an irresistibly fun, and eco-friendly Moke from the lovely people at The Jolly Mile.
Andalucia offers the quintissential Spanish travel experience, but if you are looking for a fresh perspective of the south, then immerse yourself in the freedom and thrills of the open road exploring the scenic routes of Malaga and Cadiz provinces, cruising around in a fun Moke, writes Andrew Forbes (The Luxury Editor).
Mini Mokes & Electric Mokes
The Jolly Mile offers a unique fleet of classic Mini Mokes and genuine electric Mokes, allowing you to experience the joy of vintage driving with a modern twist. The fleet is available from Sotogrande and Marbella/San Pedro Alcántara.
EcoGloria – Experience Finca La Gloria
We had the opportunity to enjoy one of the curated experiences from The Jolly Mile, leaving the coast at Sotogrande and meandering inland to the enchanting estate of Finca La Gloria.
The Mokes from The Jolly Mile are showstoppers, attracting admiring glances from other drivers as we explored the sun-kissed landscape, the warm breeze on our skin, soaking up the beauty of the Guadiaro valley. Our tranquil route took us through farmland, orange groves, past grazing cattle and landscapes framed by dramatic mountains. The drive in the sporty little Moke made for quite an unforgettable day.
These charming Mokes feel more than just vehicles; they truly evoke the laid-back, sun-soaked lifestyle of Andalucia. Whether you opt for a group convoy experience, a spin around Puerto Banus marina, or a personalised day trip with a picnic, The Jolly Mile promises that every moment behind the wheel is filled with fun, and in our experience that was certainly true. We fell in love with our little electric Moke (a classic Brit heritage car brand with very modern eco-credentials.
Farm to Fork Lunch at Finca La Gloria
Our journey culminated at Finca La Gloria, a classic Andalucia Cortijo nestled in the heart of the Guadiaro valley. Here, we were treated to a freshly prepared organic lunch made with sustainable produce grown on the estate’s permaculture farm, managed by siblings Daniel, Oscar, and Eva.
Lunch is a delight, served on the shaded terrace, with dishes including starters of refreshing homemade gazpacho, fried kale and homemade hummus followed by vegetable lasagna with delicious aubergine and local cheese.
After lunch you can take a dip in the inviting pool, explore the house, decorated with fine art and antiques, and immerse yourself in farm life with a tour.
Sustainable Estate
The estate itself is a testament to sustainable farming practices, drawing inspiration from permaculture principles shared by Bill Mollison and others in the 1970s. This approach focuses on nurturing the environment and fostering organic diversity through ‘permanent agriculture’ that opposes modern day intensive farming that is so demanding of resources and chemicals and instead proposes an alternative, natural approach.
For those seeking a deeper understanding of permaculture, Daniel offers an insightful tour of the estate, shedding light on the principles of ‘permanent agriculture’ and the benefits of natural farming methods. One learns how Finca La Gloria is leading the way in sustainable agriculture, from creating enriching composting to growing a food forest. Daniel explains how they use a variety of plants to naturally reduce or prevent infestations as well as soil erosion while maximising diversity – it’s a fascinating experience. You can also support their mission, if you live in the Sotogrande area, by subscribing to their vegetable box delivery service.
As our day of adventure came to an end, we chose to extend our experience, with a stay at the tranquil cortijo. The property is available for exclusive rental, offering 6 suites, so it is ideal for a small group. Daniel told us that the property is also available for weddings.
Moke Lifestyle
To embark on your own electric Moke adventure with The Jolly Mile, visit their locations in Marbella and Sotogrande for day-trip experiences, self-drive rentals, and even the opportunity to purchase your very own classic or electric Moke. Let the road lead you to new discoveries and unforgettable moments in the heart of Andalucia.
Other adventures with The Jolly Mile include whizzing up to the village of Casares for an Andalucian grill lunch, discovering the chic areas of Sotogrande or exploring the picturesque village of Castellar de la Frontera, passing through the amazing Alconocales oak forest.
Contact Details
Website: www.thejollymile.com
Address: Carril de Picaza, Local 4. Pol. industrial de San Pedro de Alcántara, Marbella. 29670, Málaga