In and Around... Almeria and the Almanzora Valley

Albanchez

In Albanchez you can enjoy of a traditional presentations of the soldiery, squads of Moors and Christians that face off against each other in the streets of the towns, acting out texts that date back to the seventeenth century.

The people who come upon this marble-producing region have the chance to witness those pirate assaults by Berbers assisted by Moors that the almería coast suffered during the entire seventeenth century and that kept the sparse Christian population on the alert.

Near Albanchez you can visit the hermitage of San Roque, the Caños fountain and the Encarnacion parochial church, which magnificently combines the Mudejar style of its exterior, the baroque of its interior plasters and its neoclassic main altarpiece.

Albox

The town of Albox is located in the Almanzora basin in the north of Almeria province and covers some 165km² with a population of around 10,000. Surrounding villages are Arboleas, Cantoria, Oria and Taberno.

The town is about forty minutes drive from the beaches of Mojacar and Garrucha and around an hour and a quarter's drive from the airport at Almeria. Alicante airport is between two and two and a quarter hour's drive away.

Albox has good access to the A7/E15 Autovia del Mediterráneo the Mediterranean motorway that runs down the entire eastern coast of Spain.

Almeria

Another beautiful city which oozes charm. Take a coffee in one of the many pavement cafes whilst life whizzes by. Wander around one of the many old plazas which haven’t changed much in 100 years. Of course there’s the much-used Centro Commercial (great for shopping) but there is so much more to this fantastic place. Wonderful fountains, balmy tree lined avenues, historic restaurants which have been serving up excellent wine and seafood for years, packed evening bars playing traditional Spanish music. You can even catch a ferry to Morocco.

Antas

The agricultural wealth of Antas was discovered early in neolithic times, as we know from archeological remains discovered in El Aljoroque, El Garcel and la Pernera, where a slate idol was unearthed that gave the area its name.

However, it was in the Bronze Age that Antas became the centre of a prehistoric empire with the establishment of Argar and the Argárica culture which rolled out across southeastern Spain between 1900 and 1300 Bc.

Legendary Belgian archaeologist Luis Siret discovered an entire city in which the formula for making bronze was kept secret by the city fathers, using this to ensure their dominance over other settlements such as Fuente Alamo in Cuevas del Almanzora and Catas in Turre.

Arboleas

A small but very pretty and popular town with a strong agricultural economy. Surrounded by citrus orchards and olive groves the surrounding scenery provides year-round pleasure. Its bustling Saturday market attract visitors from miles around who flock in to sample the great local produce whilst catching up with friends over a cerveza or two.

Bedar

An authentic Spanish village, in existence since the time of the Moors and nestling into the lower slopes of the Filabres mountains, approximately 15 kms inland from the coastal resorts of Mojacar Playa and Garrucha.

As you drive towards this picturesque mountain village, Bedar becomes a focal point sitting astride a pretty hillside setting in a quiet and calm atmosphere and still retaining many of the original cottages which line the narrow streets and little alleyways.

All every-day needs are catered for including a Post Office, Chemist, Surgery and a supermarket. There are three good restaurants/bars offering a variety of cuisine.

Cantoria

Cantoria has 3,382 inhabitants, lies at 382m above sea level and is a modern town that mainly relies on the production of marble, although it sits on fertile land producing agricultural goods. The town is more uniform with straighter streets and roads than the neighbouring villages. Also in the “marble zone” lies Olula Del Rio, as Cantoria, this valuable asset is its main resource. There are several archaeological sites, the Verde Olula and caves, Cueva de Humosa. As homage to its main resource, the church has been completely decorated in marble.

Cuevas del Almanzora

The beautiful town of Cuevas del Almanzora is situated in the fertile valley of the Almanzora River. One of the oldest towns in the province of Almeria, it boasts of a rich history and has many impressive buildings that are favourite tourist spots in the region.

Popular destinations in Cuevas del Almanzora include the 18th century Baroque style Parish Church de la Encarnacion which displays a painting of the Last Supper and was regarded a national monument in 1982 ; the Castillo de Cuevas del Almanzora where the Torre del Homenaje, Casa dela Tercia, and the Marquis are located. The Convent of San Antonio, the Hermitage of San Pedro de Alclala(patron saint of Cuevas del Almanzora), and the Convent of San Antonio are also famous for their façade and religious importance.

Huercal Overa

Huércal-Overa has been a commercial centre since Phoenician, Greek and Roman times. With one of the most modern hospitals in the area and a variety of shops, hotels, restaurants and bars it still acts as a hub for the province. Apart from shopping, there is also a cinema showing English films on a regular basis and there are plenty of historical buildings to see.
One very notable building is the Parish Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, built in 1505 and the Chapel of Jesús Nazareno built in 1749 with an impressive statue of Jesús Nazareno carved by Franscisco Salzillo.
 

Taberno

North of the province, in the foothills of the Sierra de las Estancias, you will find the traditional village of Taberno. A cluster of white washed buildings with traditional iron balconies and uniquely colourful patios, this village is one of the few that still operates in a traditional way and gives you a real taste of the classic Spanish way of life.
Previously encompassed within the Vélez Rubio region, Taberno gained independence in 1839. Although its population has fluctuated over the years, it is now a settled village with a bright future. The locals derive their living primarily from livestock, however, due to the improvement in irrigation and access to underground water reserves they also specialise in the pasteurisation of goats milk.

Zurgena

Situated just 25 minutes drive from the coast the pretty village of Zurgena and it’s neighbouring/partner village of La Alfoquia offer a wide range of amenities which include, doctor’s surgery, English speaking pharmacy and primary school, older children can attend the secondary school in La Alfoquia, a school bus transport service is available free of charge.

Boasting 5 bars, all of which serve tapas long into the evenings, a kiddie’s play park the newly constructed sports barn, 2 mini-markets, a bakers ( Open Sundays), 2 banks and two conveyance stores Zurgena has much to offer the visitor and resident.

The weekly market comes to Zurgena every Friday morning, where there are several fresh fish, meat and veg stalls.