Regional guide to Almeria - Cabo de Gata to Huercal Overa


Cabo de Gata

The Natural Park of Cabo de Gata falls within the municipality of Níjar. Within the Park are a number of villages and small towns. The Níjar region has a relatively small population, but the inhabitants are spread over such a wide area 600 sq. kms that it is one of the largest municipalities in Spain. The area is well worth a visit if you are interested in wildlife but it is also a wonderful place for simply taking in the beauty of the area. Expect to see dramatic coastlines of steep cliffs or rolling dunes; secluded beaches and sleepy fishing villages and a great deal of evidence of the area’s varied past – from Moorish castles to British gold mining towns.

Garrucha

Garrucha is one of the smallest towns in Spain, covering only 7.6km. White Macael marble balustrades line the esplanade which runs for almost 2km beside a beach of soft sand and palm trees. Garrucha has three ports; a leisure marina, the fishing port and a commercial docks. Well before dawn, fishing boats leave the port and head out to sea, returning with fish and seafood that is quickly dispatched for auction at the ‘Lonja.’ It’s worth a visit to this busy market just to experience the atmosphere, as restaurant owners and fishmongers bid for the best of the catch. Garrucha prawns, which are only found on this part of the coast, are famous throughout Spain for their great flavour and about 200,000 kilos are caught each year.

Huércal-Overa

Huércal-Overa is the second-largest town of the province (after Almería city). The town is renowned for its fertile plains and its good luck in resisting bad weather, plagues and earthquakes. These days, the town is more famous for its Holy Week processions and as an agricultural centre for the cultivation of oranges, almonds, potatoes, lettuces, alfalfa and esparto. It’s also where you’ll find the nearest district hospital.