Almanzora Valley, Almeria, Andalucia, Spain

The Almanzora Valley An open valley of vines and fruit trees, with whitewahsed towns overlooking it, climbs from Arboleas, Zurgena and Albox through the mining towns of Fines and Olula del Rio into the foothills of the Sierra de los Filabres where Purchena, Tijola and Seron enjoy greener scenery, towards the plains of Granada province and the town of Baza beyond.

Zurgena lies in the lower basin of the Rio Almanzora; the river divides the village with the old village standing on a hill. The Mudejar style church stands majestically tall above the village houses. Nearby are the Cueva del Llano de las Eras. Further up the valley in spurs of the Sierra de los Filabres Mountains lies Arboleas in a much drier landscape contrasting with the fertile land at the riverside. This valley has an abundance of citrus and fruit trees populating the area. Currently the pueblo is undergoing a change where the production of olive oil is being developed

The Sierra de las Estancias and the Sierra de los Filabres mountain ranges amidst stunning countryside of olive groves, orchards of citrus trees and dramatic hills and valleys, flank the small but quickly growing town of Albox. Several rivers and streams flow close to the town, including the Rios Almanzora and Albanchez that contribute to the area's rich agricultural heritage.

Albox is a typical whitewashed village with narrow streets interspersed with small plazas; it has an air of wealth and prosperity, as it has been a local commercial centre since the 19th Century. Cantoria is a town that relies on the production of marble, as is its main resource, although it stands on a fertile plain producing agricultural goods. The town is more uniform with straight streets than its neighbours. Also in the marble zone lies Olula Del Rio, as with Cantoria this valuable asset is its main resource. There are several archaeological remains, the Verde Olula and caves, Cueva de Humosa. As a sign of its main resource, the church is completely decorated in marble.

Purchena lies at the foot of the Sierra de los Filabres surrounded by woods. Purchena has a wealth of history and its tranquil atmosphere belies its past. The legacy of it past is left with the ruins of the Torre del Agua (water tower), the Alcazaba (castle) and the 16th Century Iglesia Parroquial de San Gines (Parish church).

Tijola is known as the Pearl of Almanzora or Little Granada. It stands on a beautiful fertile plain in a valley formed by the Sierra de las Estancias and the Sierra de los Filabres. It has a Mudejar style church, the Iglesia Parroquial de Santa Maria with a separate chancel. Also several archaeological remains.

Seron lies in a magnificent landscape of vines and citrus trees, the whitewashed houses nestle on the hillside with a 13th Century castle standing sentry over the houses. Seron is rich with heritage and has been settled since prehistoric times. Alcontar whose economy is based on agriculture, borders the province of Granada. The source of the Rio Almanzora lies within its boundaries and walking is popular in this area