Almanzora area is located in the northeast of the province between the areas of Los Vélez and the Sierra de los Fibrales. Is made up of 27 municipalities and it has a Mediterranean climate, the average temperature is 15 Cº. The area has cold winters with average minimum temperatures of 2ºC in the coldest months and maximum average temperatures of 13ºC.

Macael is famous for its marble quarries, from which 80% of all Spanish marble is extracted today. Substantial monuments such as the El Escorial Monastery, the Mezquita of Córdoba and the Alhambra in Granada have been constructed with this marble, but the material is also used for local projects, with marble statues lining the streets and squares of the town, which has around 5,400 inhabitants.

Arboleas is home to many archaeological sites which show that man was present here during prehistoric times. Today, the town has around 4500 inhabitants. Archaeological remains indicate that settled populations inhabited the site of Arboleas as far back as the Neololithic and Bronze ages. Beyond this, we also find Argaric, Phoenician, Carthaginian and Roman remains. However, as with so many parts of Andalucia.

Albox is set amidst a stunning landscape of arid hills with olive groves, citrus fruit orchards and almond trees, and dramatic hills and valleys. Situated in the basin of the Almanzora River, Albox is bisected by one of the Almanzora’s tributaries, a mostly dry riverbed known as the Rambla, which is crossed by three bridges. The town has around 12,500 inhabitants.

The area surrounding Huércal Overa is a haven for lovers of hiking. Visitors should especially look out for the walking program organized every year by the Town Hall. The town has around 18,800 inhabitants. It is said the origin of Huércal-Overa can be pinpointed to the Moorish period, with two castles forming, together with other fortresses.

Zurgena is divided in two by the Almanzora River. On one side is La Alfoquía or Barrio de la Estación, and on the other, on a hill, sits the old town. The town is also home to the Cueva del Llano de las Eras, an archaeological site where remains from the Argaric era have been discovered.

Urrácal still preserves much of the typical character of the old Arab settlements, particularly in its steep, narrow streets. It is found to the south of the Sierra de las Estancias, half-hidden by a ravine, so provides ideal surroundings for lovers of rural tourism. It has around 350 inhabitants.

Tíjola is also known as the Perla de Almanzora (Pearl of the Almanzora) and offers visitors both a beautiful village centre and an amazing mountain landscape of ravines and pine forests. One of the best times to visit is on Día de la Virgen de Fátima, when the streets are covered with coloured carpets ready for the grand procession.

Taberno is situated at the foot of the El Madroño mountain range, in the north east of the Almeria province. It has around 1,000 inhabitants, of whom three quarters live in the village itself; the rest reside in its six outlying hamlets, the largest being Santopétar.

Suflí is famous for its fritá, made using tomatoes and peppers which are roasted in the traditional way before being bottled in a local factory and sold. This products is the basis of the Suflí economy. The village has around 200 inhabitants. Sfloy, Sofli and Suflí are all toponyms of Arabic origin that mean “those below”.

Somontín forms a natural balcony, known as the Balcón del Almanzora (Balcony of the Almanzora), overlooking the whole Almanzora Valley, a corner of Almería from which visitors can enjoy the beauty of the area. It has around 450 inhabitants.

Sierro sits in a small corner of the Almerian mountain range. The traces of previous ages are captured in its well-preserved streets, which are so narrow that cars cannot pass. This means that the village is entirely pedestrianised, with breathable air free from pollution. It has around 380 inhabitants.

Serón is situated on the northern slopes of the Sierra de los Filabres. At an altitude of just over 800m, it is one of the few Almerian towns that provide a perfect balance of rural tourism and the chance to be immersed in local culture. The town has around 2,000 inhabitants. Since prehistory, Serón has been settled by numerous cultures.

Purchena is known by many as the “Pearl of the Almanzora” for its fascinating cultural tourism. It has around 1,600 inhabitants. Copper Age settlements known as Churuletes and various Roman villas have been found in the Onegas area. Purchena was the capital of the Almanzora River during the Al-Andalus period and was founded, according to the chronicles, by the last Emir of Córdoba, Abdalah.

Partaloa stands out due to its surroundings; the abrupt, mountainous and rocky landscape of the Almanzora Valley give way to this town where the tranquility, whitewashed houses and fruitful vegetation are the main attractions. It has around 1,100 inhabitants. Partaloa has been settled by numerous cultures throughout history, all of which have left their footprint.

Oria is home to numerous archaeological remains, the vestiges of its turbulent past, which accompany a varied landscape of green areas and rock forms at the edge of the Sierra de las Estancias. From here, there are unrivalled, spectacular views of the province of Almería. The town has around 2,250 inhabitants. Archaeological remains have been found in the well-known area of El Picacho.

Olula del Río is the only town in the world where the pavements and street signs are all made from marble. This characteristic element of the town represents the role of Olula del Río as a major marble producer in Spain. It has around 6,200 inhabitants. The earliest traces of settlements found in Olula del Río are from the Neolithic and Copper Ages.

One of Lúcar’s most interesting features is the Balsa de Cela, a natural pool used by the Romans, with waters that stay at around 23 degrees Celsius all year round. The village has around 760 inhabitants. Lúcar’s name is thought to be of Latin origin, deriving from the word Lucus, which means sacred forest or jungle. According to the Book of Apeo and Population of 1571, the settlement was dedicated to foresting activities.

Líjar is stepped in history, from its old town, which is completely untouched by modern architecture, to the ancient petroglyphs that have been discovered in the area, including the Stone of Herradura. The town is made up of many small urbanizations, such as the residential area of Huertecita Alta, which collectively house around 390 inhabitants.

Laroya is filled with beautiful, traditional architecture that has remained unaffected by modern construction over the years. It has around 170 inhabitants. It is thought that the name of Laroya comes from an Arabic term meaning “casserole” or “pot”, due to the town’s situation nestled between mountains. Its history dates back to the Al-Andalus period.