Our surroundings [Introduction]

Poniente almeriense

This area in the south west of the province of Almería has been visited by many peoples since the Antiquity, and combines the maritime nature of its coastline with a rural interior, around the mountain range of the Sierra de Gádor. Places such as the town of Aguadulce, in Roquetas de Mar, the coastal villages around Adra, the dam of Benínar and the village of Enix show us that Western Almería remains a place where Europe and Africa are within reach of each other. These two continents have always been divided and brought together by the same sea, a silent witness to events such as the arrival of the Phoenicians in the 8th Century BC or the retreat of Boabdil, the last king of the Moorish reign of Al-Andalus, to North African shores.

Alpujarra almeriense

The Alpujarra of Almería is the area of white villages that dot the mountainous landscape of the Sierra Nevada. This is the land that the Moors only left under military pressure. The Andarax river is the main artery of the area and forms a fertile valley with orchards and vineyards, in sharp contrast with the arid slopes of the Sierra de Gádor. This contrast of colours becomes even greater when the almond and the cherry trees are in bloom and cover the landscape with beautiful hues. The villages are perched on the slopes of the southern side of the mountains, as if they guessed the presence of the Mediterranean in the horizon. The crops also seem to climb the mountains and grow on terraces. The acequias or irrigation channels, a legacy from the Moorish times of Al-Andalus, still bring water from the frozen summits of the Sierra Nevada to irrigate the crops. Water is a crucial element in The Alpujarra, a land still fed by the same rivers and springs that charmed the Moors more than a thousand years ago.

Cabo de Gata-Níjar

Sheltered coves, dunes, beaches, unspoilt beaches, impressive cliffs, sierras, charming villages and sea-beds of incalculable value, such are elements that make up the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Park. Declared a Biosphere Reserve, the Park's 38,000 hectares of land and 12,000 hectares of sea are one of south-eastern Spain's most valuable protected spaces. All who visit are surprised by the apparently inhospitable area's rich ecosystems and economic resources such as the salt pans and mining activity which man has used wisely since antiquity, maintaining a careful environmental balance. The surprise is even greater for divers, able to enjoy the impressive sights of what is hidden beneath the Park's waves. The species of flora are small and adapted to resist high temperatures and able to store scarce water. among the types of flora to be seen are bufalaga (a type of laurel), small-flowered gorse, mastic tree, wild olive, asparagus, esparto, and Persian berry, pride of place however goes to the palmetto, the only native European palm and symbol of the Natural Park.

Sierra de los Filabres

Surrounded by contrasting landscape such as that of the Sierra de Los Filabres or the Tabernas desert, this is one of the most impressive natural areas in the province. From the north side of the Sierra Nevada to the Sierra Alhamilla, a series of small-whitewashed charming villages, crowned by the towers of Arab castles, invite visitors to explore the various routes of great archaeological interest.

Levante almeriense

Almería's easternmost district, the place where eastern Spain merges with the region of Andalusia is bathed by the Mediterranean. Bordering on the north with the region of Murcia, Eastern Andalusia stretches from the coast to the steep hinterland, from sierras such as Bédar, Cabrera and Almagrera to fertile valleys rich in crops, like those of neighbouring Murcia. This is a land enjoying brilliant, year-round sunshine, where you con still enjoy a day at the beach, even when the European coastline is cloaked in the cold of Winter. It is a paradise bathed by rivers flowing into the sea while the light playing on the sands of the beaches seems to come straight from the inspired brush of Sorolla the artist. Since antiquity, Eastern Almería has attracted many different peoples. Today this corner of coast of Andalusia is still a privileged place. Thanks to its scenery, climate, towns and villages, its beaches and the hospitality of its people, with a ready welcome for visitors coming to discover the charm of this unique district.

Almanzora

On the northwest border with the province of Granada, near Baza is Almanzora, between the areas of Los Vélez and the Sierra de los Filabres. The inland area provides an ideal setting for the development of rural tourism. Sierras such as those of Lucar, Oria, El Madroño and the Sierra de las Estancias, surround the Almanzora valley which takes its name from the river crossing the area and crates some of the most beautiful and charming scenery in the whole of the province. The Almanzora area is perfect for those who love quiet environments and peacefulness of nature.

Los Vélez

The area, dominated by the impressive Sierra María-Los Vélez Natural Park is located in the northernmost part of the province of Almería, bordering with neighbouring provinces, Granada and Murcia. Its situation in this important environmental area is largely what makes it so attractive for tourists. Acting as a northern doorway to the province, it has a mountainous terrain, which is very unlike other areas, very lush, with large forests, in contrast with the arid nature of other parts of Almería. It is its situation as well which leads to the very rustic way of life, in close contact with its surroundings, which is so attractive for visitors seeking peace and tranquillity.

Granada & Sierra Nevada

Granada is one of the pearls of Spain, most visited by tourists from the entire world. The long-time capital of Moorish Andalusia has to offer the most important reminds of this epoch in Spanish history, with the world-famous "Alhambra" at the top of the list.

Active Almería

Few Spanish provinces can offer as wide an array of recreational activities as Almería. This is the result of its highly contrasted geography which in a matter of few kilometres allows you to go from a wild and mountainous landscape to another more akin to a tropical paradise with sun-bathed beaches. People keen on water sports can enjoy beach holidays water-skiing, diving in the rich and wild underwater lands of secluded coves, or taking long boat rides along the Mediterranean coast. For those who prefer nature holidays, the province is covered with numerous cultural and archaeological routes that allow visitors to enjoy direct contact with the environment at the same time they enrich their cultural knowledge. Visitors can walk, ride mountain bike or even take a ride on a donkey along nature trails.

Golf in Almería

Almería is a major lure for golfers from all over the world, amateurs and professionals alike. Not in vain some of the best golf courses in the country are situated here. These are characterised by the tremendous variety of surroundings in which they are set, facilitating visits to the magnificent beaches of Mojácar, Roquetas de Mar or Vera as well as day trips to Sierra Gádor or the Valley of Almanzora. Each course has individual features which make one each unique. Golfers can choose to tee off in a desert landscape and enjoy the feeling of being in an oasis, or may prefer to hit a few balls in a marine ambience, in view of the Mediterranean Sea and Almería's unspoilt beaches.

Almería and Cinema

Desert areas and wild landscapes, such as those of Tabernas, wide sierras with luxurious vegetation, coasts, cliffs and the pristine beaches of Cabo de Gata-Nijar, few Spanish provinces can boast of such a varied and strongly contrasted geography. Without doubt, this feature is what caused Almería to become one of the world's major film production centres, with up to 200 films and series filmed as of 2001.

Sun and Beaches

Almería-Cabo de Gata-Níjar is the most untouched and least explored area of the province of Almería, an area which finds its maximum expression in the small fishing villages steeped in ancient custom and traditions that seem to have been suspended in time, like picture post cards from the past.

The City of Almería

When entering Almería the first impression we get is its Mediterranean flavour. What was once the main port of Al-Andalus is now, as then, an open and welcoming city accustomed to receiving people from all over the world. From the Moorish flavour of the "La Chanca" quarter to the wide avenues and promenades of Almería, the city is a rich compendium of artistic styles and contrasting atmospheres bathed in the perpetual, brilliant sunlight which seems to be brighter here than anywhere else. Parque Nicolás Salmerón leads us into the old town which in turn gives access to the Alcazaba (Moorish fortress). Churches, convents and monasteries rise from the narrow streets, inviting us to discover the city's rich religious heritage, with the Cathedral as its maximum expression. The Plaza Vieja opens before us as an oasis of calm, a perfect place to have a rest. Outside the old city, the streets widen and the public buildings reflect the magnificence of the 19th century. The bustling Rambla takes us to the Port and Las Almadravillas beach, overlooked by the former mineral ore loader called Cable Inglés. Our stroll through Almería finishes in the most modern part of the city, with the Museum and Train Station. Almería, looking seaward today as in the past. The city's historical quarter is home to numerous bars and restaurants offering exquisite tapas and meals, combining sightseeing with gastronomy. We cannot hope to know a city by a sight alone, we must also experience its flavours.

Gádor, our village

Gádor is a typically Andalusian village with about 2,700 inhabitants. Purchase possibilities (bakers, Butcher and several smaller supermarkets) you will find in town. More shopping possibilities are in the near capital. In Gádor you find a public swimming pool and several sport possibilities and in the vicinity 2 Arabic thermal baths invites for relaxing. One of the most important European archaeological finding sites lies only 5 km away. Also culinary Andalusia has a few things to offer.

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