Salobreña

Salobreña is perched on an imposing rock and still retains the medieval structure of its Arab past. Its network of alleyways and labyrinthine streets, and its whitewashed houses decorated with colourful flowers are set in beautiful surroundings. The town has many secret corners, doors, little windows, passages and vaults. The names of the town’s neighbourhoods such as La Loma, La Fuente, El Brocal and El Albaicín take us back to past centuries.

This town has a fantastic tropical climate, with an average minimum temperature of 14 degrees and a maximum of 32, so you can enjoy its beaches throughout most of the year. It is situated in the heart of the Costa Tropical and is very close to many other tourist attractions in the area.

Salobreña’s historical heritage is one of its attractions. Of particular interest are its Moorish Castle, the Iglesia del Rosario, the Medina, the Parque de la Fuente and the Parque y Mirador de Gambullón. The Tourist Office organises interesting guided walks in these and other places, such as the verdant plain that extends to the foot of castle, surrounded by sugarcane plantations and tropical fruit trees.

Due to its fantastic location, this area has been used by settlers of numerous civilizations. The first settlements date back to the Neolithic and Phoenician periods, but the Romans and Arabs have also left their mark here. During the Neolithic period, semi-nomadic shepherds frequented the area and left traces of their culture, such as the Cueva del Capitán in the Cercanías de Lobres. In the 8^th century BC Phoenicians landed here and set up a salted fish factory. The town was conquered by the Carthaginians in the 6^th century BC and under Roman rule it became part of the province of Hispania Baetica. During this period Salobreña was on the road that connected Castulo with Malaka.

Muslim rule began in 713 AD when Abdelaziz, son of Muza, occupied these territories and it lasted eight centuries. The town reached its height in the Nasrid period, during which it was renamed Salubania. It was conquered by the Christians led by Francisco Ramírez de Madrid in 1489. The captain was named governor of Salobreña by the Catholic Kings for his success in conquering the town besieged by the Nasrid king Boabdil. Between 1810 and 1812 the French occupied this area. In the second half of the 19^th century the local sugar industry began to boom, and it was in this period that the town grew.

The local cuisine is varied and very good, and it has been considerably influenced by the many peoples who have populated the area over the centuries. Local seafood dishes are excellent, such as the pickled blue fish, dried octopus, sardines and seafood casseroles.

The climate ensures that many vegetables and fruits grow in the area, including tropical fruits such as custard apples, mangos and avocados. Homemade casseroles and local sausages are also worth trying.