Almuñécar

Map of Almuñécar

Upcoming events in Almuñécar

In 9 weeks (Wednesday, Jul. 16th 2008)
Day of the Virgen Carmen/

Almuñécar is one of the larger, better known towns on the Costa Tropical, and definitely among the most popular. It has roughly 26,000 inhabitants, including a large German and English expatriate community. The town also boasts long stretches of sandy beach with several small coves where people enjoy fishing. Scuba diving, hand gliding, jet-ski rental boat trips and boat rental are also available in Almuñécar along with a thriving nightlife which you would be hard pressed to beat anywhere else on the Costa Tropical. There are numerous late night bars and clubs throughout the town, including “Los Bajos” - a row of very popular beachfront bars that stay open until around 3am, as well as several nightclubs where you can dance until the early hours of the morning. During the day Almuñécar also has plenty of shops, bars and restaurants catering to a wide range of needs and palettes

History

Although there is evidence of settlement by Paleolithic, Neolithic and Bronze Age peoples, it was not until the Phoenicians discovered Spain’s southern coast around 3,000 years ago that the seed of modern day Almuñécar was planted. Archeological finds in the Cueva de Siete Palacios close to Almuñécar ’s castle reveal a thriving trading settlement known as Ex, or Sexi, which was further developed by the Romans. Little more is known of Almuñécar until the occupation of the Arabs or Moors, when the town rose once more to a position of importance with a flourishing economy and population. During the final expulsion of Moors from Spain at the beginning of the seventeenth century, Almuñécar was the last town to fall to Catholic forces, held for as long as possible by the Sultans because of its strategic location as a stepping stone to Africa. Since then the town remained a quiet agricultural and fishing community This remained unchanged until the latter half of the twentieth century when serious commercial agriculture and tourism expanded Almuñécar once again.

Attractions

The most popular festival in the town takes place on August 15th in honour of Our Lady of the Virgin of Antigua. A statue of the saint is taken in procession through the town to Playa San Cristobal and on by boat to Playa Puerta del Mar a tradition which is now followed by fireworks and partying. A lively town with plenty to do, Almuñécar´s water park “Aqua Tropic” is especially popular, attracting old and young alike during the summer with its open air slides, pools, sunbathing areas and children activities. Also popular are the Loro Sexi Bird Park with over 120 different species of bird, the Parque del Majuelo, a botanical garden containing Europe's largest collection of subtropical plants, and the old Arab castle, el Castillo San Miguel.

Written by: Costa Tropical Internet