Almuñécar

Almuñécar is considered one of the main attractions along the Andalusian coast. This coastline is known as the Costa Tropical, thanks to its long beaches, warm climate and lush tropical and subtropical vegetation. It is a unique area in Spain and, indeed, in Europe.

Located on the Costa Tropical, near the province of Malaga, Almuñécar has 19 kilometres of coastline divided into 26 beaches.  Here, temperatures do not drop below 16 degrees in winter or rise above 35 degrees in summer. You will find many visitor services here, as well as remote solitary coves and nudist beaches. The range of water activities and water sports is extensive and includes diving courses, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, jet skiing, day trips and marine charters. It also has a marina where you can rent or moor boats.

For nature lovers Almuñécar also has a number of attractions. It is located on a natural plateau, 1100 metres in altitude, from where you can see the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, the landscape of La Alpujarra, and the tropical valley and the Peña Escrita. In this area the municipality’s nature reserve is located, where you can take part in a host of outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking or paragliding.

The traditional festivals of Almuñécar are colourful and varied, such as carnival, during which there is the traditional burial of the sardine. Among the many festivals the celebration in honour of the Virgen de la Antigua is worth mentioning. On this occasion locals commemorate the victory of Lope de Valenzuela over the Moor Aben Aboo in 1569, giving thanks for the miraculous intervention of their patron saint. The procession takes place at night by the sea and finishes at the beach of Puerta del Mar. Many decked-out boats accompany the Virgin along the route. The festivities are finished off with fireworks in the Peñones del Santo.

Next to the calm and clear sea sits the ancient town of Almuñécar, the old Phoenician-Roman colony of Sexi. The Phoenicians left behind a well-structured city with a thriving economy based on salted fish. The Romans developed the town from an architectural, economic and fishing point of view.

In 775 Abderrahman I landed here. He founded the Caliphate of Cordoba and renamed the city Hisn-al-munecab. In this period Almuñécar was already a strong town along the coast, although it only really became a city in the 11^th century. Fruit farming and fishing were the most economically important industries. The city had port, a number of different neighbourhoods, markets and a great mosque. It was conquered by the Catholic Kings several centuries later. It was frequently attacked over the years, and it was a frequent target of the Turkish pirates.

In recent years this town has experienced a spectacular economic and urban growth through tourism.

Almuñécar’s cuisine is based largely on its Arab origins. Seafood and local fruit and vegetables are used in typical local dishes. Seafood is often barbecued and is a main element in traditional soups and rice dishes. Typical dishes include: Migas con Melón, Calabaza con Longaniza, Zarzuela de Pescado. Puddings include Mousse de Chirimoya and mango tarts.

The exceptional weather means that delicious tropical fruit can be grown here such as cherimoya (which has its own Designation of Origin), mango and avocado