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Almuñecar is the tourism capital of the Costa Tropical, a relatively unknown stretch of the southern coastline of Spain that is part of the province of Granada, in Andalucia. Costa Tropical is situated between the more populous Costa del Sol to the west, with Malaga, Marbella and Puerto Banus, and the coast of Almería to the east.
Due to continental drift, the African plate is slowly pushing under the European plate. This has caused Costa Tropical's geography to be hilly and rugged, and the climate to be favorable for most of the year.
Rocky structures thrust up steeply from the sea floor. Seasonal torrents, fed by melting snows, cut deep ravines into the stunning landscape. Once lush with forrests, the hillsides now provide a foothold for almond, olive and the hardy carob trees. Small villages and farming communities have developed in the more sheltered valleys, or on the hillsides and around the coast.
Overlooking everything is the impressive Sierra Nevada. These mountains are among the highest peaks in mainland Spain They form a natural weather break which protects the Costa Tropical coastline from the worst of the European winters. Because of this weather protection, the area has a subtropical micro-climate, which reflects the variety of products that are grown here, and can be found in most local markets, especially the wide range of fruits and vegetables.
Almuñécar's Moorish castle is located on a small hill between the mouths of two rivers, the smaller Río Seco (Dry River) and the larger Río Verde (Green River). The latter runs through the valley of Almuñécar, a fertile area of subtropical orchards that line the valley floor and climb up to the terraced hillsides. To the west of Almuñécar is the, Punta de la Mona, a forest of pines on a headland that shelters the Marina del Este marina port, which also supports a number of luxury urbanisations. Beyond Almuñécar and the horseshoe shaped bay called La Herradura, is and interesting ruin called Cerro Gordo, 200 meters above the sea, which marks the end of the municipality and province.
Almuñécar was founded almost 3000 years ago by the Phoenicians and has since been occupied by a succession of Mediterranean cultures including, most notably, the Romans and the Moors. Attracted by the rich trade of local products, the town of Almuñécar was one of the most important ports on Spain's Mediterranean coast. Evidence of the area's historical importance can still be seen today in the numerous monuments and ruins that are dotted around the landscape, most notably the old Roman fish factory and aqueduct.
Along the 19 km of Almuñécar coastline, visitors can choose from a large variety of Almunecar beaches and small coves, ranging from a fine quality sand to shingle. Watersports are very popular and there are numerous organizations that offer different types of equipment for hire. Divers will discover some of the best underwater courses here, or anywhere along the southern coast of Spain.
Development of Almuñécar has mostly been restricted to the coast and the adjacent hillsides, this is due to the rugged landscape in the area. However, in recent years there has been a shift towards the, sun and sea mentality, and because of this many farmhouses and plots of land have been bought up in the surrounding hills. Rural tourism, although slow to begin is now very much on the increase.
Almuñécar was originally based on agriculture and fishing, but now the local economy is based almost entirely on tourism and in recent years Almuñécar has seen a huge surge in its infrastructure. Hotels and apartments are being constructed to accommodate the increasing number of visitors, and shops and services are being opened to keep pace. Cheap flights and the great weather have attracted many people from northern Europe to buy second homes here, and with improved infrastucture and telecommunications, it has become possible for many professionals to work, "away from home", but still be in touch, via the Internet, with their office.
Tourism has been traditionally confined to the summer season, especially in August, when the town is is at full capacity. Visitors are now coming to Almuñécar in Spring and Autumn, when the weather is cooler and the town is not so busy. During winter, except Christmas and New Year, Almuñécar is relatively quiet. Important fiestas such as Easter and Christmas are very busy.
While they stay, most visitors rent chalets or apartments in Almunecar, but many foreign residents from France, Germany, Belgium, Scandinavia and England have bought property and now happily live here. |
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