Other local villages

Nijar

Famous for its artisan ceramics, some of Andalucia’s most attractive and original glazed pottery. Also made here are colourful striped cotton rugs known as jarapas. There is also a barrio alfarero (potters’ area), where you can see the craftsmen at work.

Laujar de Andarax

This pleasant main town of the Almeria Alpujarras is where Boabdil, the last emir of Granada, settled briefly after losing Granada. It was the headquarters of Aben Humeya, the first leader of the 1568-70 Morocco uprising, until he was assassinated by his cousin Aben Aboo. It is also where the best Almerian wine is produced known as Laujar.

Tabernas

North of Benahadux, Almeria’s desertified landscape takes on an Arizona-esque look. In the 1960s and 70s, it was considered as the mecca of cinema. The memory lives on of the spaghetti Westerns in the decaying Wild West film sets.

Rodalquilar

A village on the way from Fernan Perez towards Las Negras where the old castle San Ramón is situated. The tower Los Alumbres (XVI) close to the sea gave protection against invasions from inland, hunting for its well-known lead and gold mines.

Cuevas del Karst in Yesos de Sorbas

Where the desert landscape and caves have much interest for geology and caving groups.

La Isleta del Moro

A simple little fishing village between Rodalquilar and Los Escullos. It has a great place to eat which hangs out over the sea and you can drive straight through the village to the water’s edge. There’s also a little beach which is perfect for a swim before lunch.

And there is far more for you to discover … to help you, the Cabo de Gata – Nijar map and book, found in most local shops, is the best guide for the area.