|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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 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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
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.
|
|
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 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.
|
![Our surroundings [Introduction]](../../images/300/300_00.jpg)
