Almajalejo between Dry Landscapes, Paths and History

Almajalejo presents a landscape in which rural tradition and paths through the surrounding area are closely connected. The town’s typical dry landscapes are shaped by traditional cortijos. Wheat, barley, almonds and olives have traditionally been grown in Almajalejo, as well as in La Parata and La Perulera. This combination of cultivated areas and characteristic buildings shapes the cultural landscape around Almajalejo.

Paths around Almajalejo

The Vereda de Almajalejo is recorded as being 6 metres wide. It includes the Abrevadero de La Cimbra. In addition to livestock driving, walking, hiking, horse riding and cycle tourism are part of the stated complementary range of uses for the Vereda. Priority remains given to livestock driving; motorised vehicles are not used for this purpose.

Another specific path leads through the Paraje La Sierrecica landscape area. The main route of the Sendero Turístico de Pequeño Recorrido in the Paraje La Sierrecica is 19 kilometres long; the walking time is stated as three and a half hours. The path in the Paraje La Sierrecica is also accessible from the town of Almajalejo. For planning a stage, both the designated length and the stated walking time are therefore important reference points. Access from the town and the information on length and duration refer to the same route. For a planned stage, the starting point, route length and stated walking time can be recorded together. The approximate distance to the spring marks an additional section within the route. The spring and old washhouse form the described destination of this section.

The route through the Paraje La Sierrecica landscape area passes the Iglesia de San Antonio in Almajalejo and descends to the riverbed of the Río Almajalejo. On the route through Almajalejo, the path leads approximately one kilometre upstream to a spring and an old washhouse. The church, riverbed, spring and washhouse lie in sequence along the described course of the path.

Vía Verde and Former Railway Line

The Vía Verde also creates its own distinctive feature. It includes two large bridges with metal structures, named Almajalejo and Guzmaina. The Vía Verde de Huércal-Overa runs along the former route of the Lorca–Baza–Águilas railway line. Thus, along this route, named bridges are linked with the course of a former railway line.

Culture and History in the Town

Among the notable cultural attractions is the Fuerte de Almajalejo, a castle of Arab origin built for defence against attacks. The route through the Paraje La Sierrecica also passes the Iglesia de San Antonio, bringing together the landscape and architectural history of the town. Another historic stop is the San Isidro hermitage. It dates from 1765 and is considered the oldest hermitage in the area around Almajalejo. The feast day of San Antonio in Almajalejo is dated 13 June. Almajalejo therefore includes older buildings, religious sites and a ceremonially marked date in the annual calendar.

Further destinations: La Concepción.

To the overview of the wider trip: Huércal-Overa.