PLACES OF INTEREST AROUND ALBANCHEZ
CLICK ON SOME OF THE MAP NAMES FOR MORE INFORMATION

MOJACAR BEACH

MOJACAR
Mojacar itself is a beautiful ancient town with an Arab past. Overlooking its steep terraced streets is the old atalaya or watch tower. The twisting cobbled streets and old arches offer a surprise around every corner. Restaurants, bars and shops catering for all tastes. This area is well known for its musicians, artists and Artisans.

The wide beach offers excellent opportunities for water sports, and nature lovers can follow beautiful cliff sidetracks along the coast and enjoy the majestic landscape.

MAP

VIEW FROM TOP OF MOJACAR

BEACH

GARRUCHA / VERA
The old town of Vera (pronounced berra) has its own coastal resort.

The popular fishing village of Garrucha near Mojacar is renowned for its harbor side restaurants. Possibly the best place to sample the superb local fish.

These beaches are approximately 40-50 minutes from Albanchez.

MAP

BEACH FRONT

CABO DE GATA / HUERCAL OVERA AND RIO ALMANZORA
These areas are renowned for their natural beauty, and the abundance of different bird species. A must for any walker or bird watcher. Species include the Dartford Warbler, Bee eaters, waders, spectacled warblers, Alpine accentor, cattle egnet, grifton vultures, various swallows, and many more.

MAP

BIRD TRIP REPORT

CABO DE GATA

(Click on the above to be taken to their web sites)

TABERNAS AREA

TABERNAS
(Europe's desert) The Moorish Village of Tabernas is crowned by an Arab Castle. The land around this area is very dry and baron. Many films such as A fistful of Dollars, and Lawrence of Arabia were filmed here. Several of the old film sets - including Mini Hollywood in the Alhamilla natural park - have been developed into complete wild west towns, where you can enjoy dramatic western-style spectacles.

MAP	TO MINI HOLLYWOOD WEB SITE

CASTLE AT TABERNAS

SORBAS

SORBAS
The houses of this village look suspended on the top of a ravine. It's an important centre for pottery and the production of gypsum.

SORBAS PLAZZA

ALCAZABA

ALMERIA

ALMERIA
There was a big earthquake in 1552 which forced all the rivers underground. With only an average of 15 days rain a year, the Costa de Almeria is very dry and quite barren. About 40 years ago a Dutch scientist located the underground rivers and found a way to pump up the water to irrigate crops. This province is now the largest producers of tomatoes, strawberries, olives, oranges, lemons and almonds for Europe.

Almeria itself is the capital city of the region. It has a powerful Mediterranean, and in parts African feel to it. The 10th Century Alcazaba (fortress) is the biggest in Spain, and shouldn't be missed. It's fortress like cathedral has a beautiful renaissance interior.

Indalo - thought to be a god holding a rainbow, is a drawing in a cave (Los letreros in Velez blanco), thought to date back to the Bronze age (2500BC).

Although not sure what the drawing means, the locals have taken it on as the symbol of Almeria. They say it protects from evil, lightening, storms and bad luck.

The City of Almeria is approximately one and half hours drive from Albanchez.

ANDALUCIA
This region which was initially inhabited by thriving kings, mentioned in the bible, was later invaded by a flow of races who found themselves immersed in its character. One by one these people made Andalucia part of their people and their world.

Andalucia is one of the seventeen regions of the Spanish state, and is also one of the biggest with eight provences:Almeria, Granada, Cordova, Malaga, Huelva, Jaen, Cadiz and Seville.

Granada is only a few hours drive from Albanchez, and is worth the effort. On the top of a steep hill overlooking the city is the Alhambra. This stunning Palace with it's gardens and fortress will take your breath away. It takes at least 3 hours to view the Alhambra fully. The number of admissions per day is limited in order to protect this monument. It's therefore important to book your ticket in advance where possible, especially during high season.

FOR MORE ALHAMBRA PHOTOGRAPHS CLICK HERE.

FOR AN ALHAMBRA WEB SITE WITH TICKET INFORMATION CLICK HERE.