area information

Antas The agricultural wealth of Antas was discovered early in Neolithic times, as we know from archaeological remains discovered in EI Aljoroque, EI 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 Argarica culture which rolled out across south-eastern 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 Gatas in Turre.

Bedar is an old hill town that has managed to maintain its peace, tranquillity and beauty, overlooking a fertile valley dotted with cortijos and small farms. For many years these characteristics have made it a popular location for artistic - painters, actors, and musicians. Its history goes back to the Middle Ages, when Bédar, along with neighbouring villages Serena belonged to the municipality of Vera. A mosque survives as a reminder of the Muslim past, converted and for many years used as an olive oil mill, and more recently into a private residence. Bédar's Muslim heritage can be observed in its narrow, twisting side streets and its fertile plain, with traditional morisco terraces staggered around water courses - an irrigation system that uses the water supply to maximum advantage.

Cabo de Gata Covering 45,663ha in the south-eastern corner of Spain, Cabo de Gata-Níjar is Andalucía’s largest coastal protected area, a wild and isolated landscape with some of Europe's most original geological features. The mountain range is Spain's largest volcanic rock formation with sharp peaks and crags in ochre-hues. It falls steeply to the sea creating jagged 100m-high cliffs, which are riven by gullies leading to hidden coves with white sandy beaches, some of the most beautiful in Andalucía. Much of the coastline is only accessible on foot, via some well-marked footpaths and walks, especially between Cabo de Gata headland and San José and Las Negras and Agua Amarga.

Cortijo Grande The valley of El Cortijo Grande, flanked by mountains that rise to almost 1,000m above sea level is an ancient oasis in the traditionally arid region of Almeria. In the heart of a province claiming the only desert in Europe, El Cortijo Grande has become deservedly famous for its verdant landscape and profuse vegetation. El Cortijo Grande is a peaceful and tranquil location unlike anything else in the area with a natural landscape that is breathtaking. The first time visitor is often amazed at the greenness of the valley and at how the area differs dramatically from the nearby towns and villages. El Cortijo Grande also has a well established 9-hole golf course.

Cabrera The peaceful and tranquil village of Cabrera lies on the Sierra Cabrera Mountain range and overlooks the valley of El Cortijo Grande. Cabrera has been influenced by the Moors circ. 13th to 15th century and from the minute you set foot in this beautiful area you can see the Moorish influence all around you. Every visitor to Cabrera will recognise that it is a unique area and unquestionably one of the most unspoiled parts in the Province of Almeria. While Cabrera offers the rural charms of the Almeria countryside, it is just a short distance from the villages of Turre, Garrucha, Vera, Los Gallardos, and Mojacar and just a few minutes drive from the golf resort of El Cortijo Grande

Huercal Overa is the result of the fusion of two medieval villages, Huercal and Overa. Situated approximately 20 minutes from Mojacar with easy access to the connecting motorway. The architecture of the town is impressive, with the Church de Nuestra Senora de la Asunción, the Chapel of Jesús Nazareno and a bell tower dating back to the Middle Ages well work a visit. This agricultural market town enjoys an enormous weekly market on a Monday with stalls selling fruit, vegetables and local produce. Huercal Overa offers many facilities including schools, hotels, restaurants and a brand new modern hospital, municipal swimming pool and leisure centre.

Lorca is a diverse and interesting town from the thriving cosmopolitan centre through the agricultural inland areas where centuries of tradition are conserved.  As well as the many shops Lorca offers a wide range of restaurants, café bars, hotels, and leisure facilities and its residents all live beneath the famous 13th century hill top castle which overlooks the entire area. Lorca is well known for its love of cultural life and its passionate and lavish fiestas. Lorca is set in an expansive valley between the mountains and has many historical buildings including churches, Roman villas, and Palaces.

Los Gallardos The small town of Los Gallardos is ideally located between Bedar, Turre and Mojacar and is within striking distance of the motorways and just 40 minutes from Almeria Airport. Los Gallardos is an ideal place for families to settle as it offers many amenities and services. The local market is every Tuesday where local farmers congregate in the town square. The patron saint of Los Gallardos is San Isidrio, whose festival day is the 5th of May.

Lubrin is conveniently located just 45 minutes from the beaches of Mojacar yet offers an opportunity to experience the real Spain. There are around 20 hamlets in the area of Lubrin, some of which have become de-populated due to the decline in agricultural activities. Local towns in the area worth a visit are El Marchal, El Chive and El Pilar. Lubrin’s roots have been traced back some 3.5 million years and about 100,000 years ago Neanderthal man arrived in Lubrin.

Mojacar is a growing tourist resort, with the village itself perched high on the hillside, a striking cubist image of whitewashed Moorish buildings, and the 5 kilometre long beach area below. Both the beach area and the village offer a host of shops, hotels and restaurants and there is a lively nightlife of music and bars. There are a number of golf courses close by.

Palomares is less than 1k from the coast and it retains a very Spanish feel largely unaffected by the coastal development of the area. It offers a real mixture of traditional Spanish houses and new apartments. The village has various shops, doctor, banks, chemist and a good selection of Spanish boars offering tapas and light snacks. Within walking distance of Palomares is a long stretch of sandy beach and tree covered picnic area, with two Spanish beach bars offering typical Spanish fare during the high season. Slightly further a way are numerous rocky coves waiting to be discovered and often empty even in high season. Palomares nearest neighbour is Villaricos, also within walking distance, with its bars, restaurants and 2 picturesque marinas.

Puerto Lumbreras Puerto Lumbreras is a town situated in the Alto Guadalentín area within the Region of Murcia. Situated 80kms from the City of Murcia, 160kms from Alicante Airport and just 25kms to the coast and Port of Aguilas, Poet Lumbreras is a lively town with a good selection of shopping, entertainment, restaurants and bars.

Velez Rubio Originally a fortified medieval hill-town, Velez Rubio is famed for its many churches and convent buildings. The province’s biggest church is the baroque church of La Encarnacion which was built in the 18th Century. The nearby caves of Cuevas de los Letreros are well worth a visit displaying drawings that date to 3,000 B.C., of human figures, animals and indalos. Velez Rubio’s neighbouring town is Velez Blanco.  The town offers cafes, bars and restaurants and a market every Saturday which has been in existence since 1804

Vera The walled, renaissance town of Vera is one of the most important commercial centres in the region and was originally called Baria. Vera is a prosperous town with a great variety of shops, many selling locally made handicrafts, and o­n Saturdays there is an amazing street market that seems to take over the town. An equally strong attraction is the local cuisine, found both in classy restaurants and tapas bars. Nearby at Vera Plays there is the o­nly Water Park in the area, Parque Acuatico and from here you can take a thrilling ride o­n o­ne of the many flumes or sit and relax by o­ne of three swimming pools.

Villaricos The charming small fishing village of Villaricos is located approximately 10 kilometres north of Garrucha and it is in a unique position on the mouth of the Rio Almanzora and the coast. There is a strong fishing community here and it maintains a typical Spanish feel. Along with fishing, tourism is the main source of income. Villaricos (rich village) derives its name from ancient silver mines, which have their place in history, as it is from here that Hannibal paid his mercenaries when he besieged Rome. The surrounding countryside is stunning and there are some spectacular caves nearby in Cuevas del Almanzora.

Zurgena is a small town and is 248m above sea level. It is situated 12km from Albox, 33km from the coast, and 104km from Almeria the nearest international airport. Zurgena has many amenities including a town hall, post office, supermarket/general stores, several bars, a butchers, and hardware store. There is a school for children up to 12yrs of age, and the nearest secondary school is in Alfoquia only one kilometre away. Zurgena has a medical centre and a chemist with an English speaking pharmacist. The nearest major hospital is in Huercal Overa approx 13km away. There is a municipal swimming pool situated in Alfoquia. Market day is on Friday mornings.