Almuñecar is an attractive coastal resort town on the Costa Tropical and is popular with both foreign residents and Spanish holiday makers. It has a large promenade, divided into sections by numerous small coves and headlands.
The Phoenicians were the first settlers in the area in around 800 B.C., followed by the Romans, who named the town Manaba Sexi Firman. Under Muslim rule it was called Sexi Hin al-Murecab (fortress on the hill) and it became a strategically important town.
It was relinquished to the Catholic Monarchs in 1489. It was attacked, unsuccessfully, by Moors during a rebellion in 1569. It was attacked again, this time by the English, in 1812 and later by Turkish pirates. Popular place….
Statistics
Area: 83 square kilometres
Altitude: 24 mtrs above sea level
Population: +/- 22,000
Distance from Nerja: 23 km
Driving Time: +/- 25 mins
Location
Places of Interest
Almuñecar offers many attractions for both resident and visitor alike.
The Loro Sexi Ornithological Park has some 1,500 birds of 120 different species and is open from 11.00 to 14.00 and from 16.00 to 18.00.
The Parque del Majuelo is a botanical garden with Europe’s largest collection of subtropical plants, more than 400 species. In the park you will also find the ruins of the fish salting factory which was built by the Phoenicians in the 4th Century BC.
The Cueva Siete Palacios Archeological Museum is open daily from 10.30 to 13.30 and from 16.00 to 18.30.
The San Miguel Castle is open daily from 10.30 to 13.30 and from 16.00 to 18.30. From here you can get a great view of the area.
The Museo Historico is open daily from 10.30 to 13.30 and from 16.00 to 18.30.
Almuñecar Castle houses the town’s last existing pottery. The Alfareria del Castillo is open Monday to Friday from 11.30 to 14.00 and from 16.00 to 19.00 with local potter Antonio Fernandez in attendance. It still makes the famous fish and chicken shaped pots and other objects similar to those found in local archaeological excavations. Entrance is free.
The 17th century Iglesia Parroquial de la Encarnación
About four kilometres inland from the town, following the river valley, is the impressive Roman Aquaduct, which was constructed during the 1st century and was still in use until about 30 years ago.
Information and maps can be obtained from the tourist office near the Parque del Majuelo .The Office opens every day from 10.00 to 14.00 and from 16.00 to 18.00.
Photo Gallery
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Local Cuisine
Local specialities include: Arroz a la Banda (rice with fish), Zarzuela (seafood stew), Espetos de Sardinas (sardines on a stick) and for dessert, Cazuela Mohina.
Local Fiestas
Carnival
San José (March 19th) – Music, processions and fireworks.
Day of the Cross (May 3rd)
San Juan (June 24th)
Fiesta del Carmen (July 16th)
Virgen de la Antigua (August 15th)
Custard Apple Festival (October 12th)