El Majuelo Park & Botanical Garden
El Majuelo Park and botanical garden is full of amazing plants, sculptures, and paths to meander. You will also find authentic artisan workshops where you may see the artists work and purchase goods. In addition, the view of the historic Phoenician and Roman Fish-Salting Factory and Castle are the best. The Pièce de résistance are the wide variety of botanical plants within this park. Often events are held in the botanical garden.
Tropical Plants, Artisans & Roman Ruins
El Majuelo Park (Parque Botánico El Majuelo) is located on Avenida Europa, just across from the main Tourist Information Office. The special micro climate of Mediterranean Almuñécar makes this an ideal local for subtropical botanical species. Visitors can see over 200 species of tropical plants from all parts of the world such as Central and South America, Africa, the Philippines and New Zealand, highlighting many specimens of the palms.
A walk through the park’s winding path that takes you past each of these specimens is well worth it. You will also notice many pieces of local sculpture placed throughout this lush exhibit. The numerous marble sculptures of great beauty were made and donated by Syrian artists.
It also has the added attraction of being located in the historic heart of the city, below the San Miguel Castle and next to the old Roman fish salting factory. The Majuelo Fish Salting Factory dates from the Phoenician- Punic period of the 4th Century B.C. and was expanded and revamped during the Roman period. The fish salting industry contributed enormously to the Almuñecar economy in these ancient times, where it is often cited in the classical writings.
The path also winds past many of the “Province Houses” that are located within El Majuelo Park. These houses are built in the Spanish style and each has a name representing one of the provinces in Spain. They are typically artisan workshops and inside you will find all sorts of interesting things, most contain some type of craft, and each one is different from the next. Others will have souvenirs and in a few you will even find local artists diligently working at their craft.
During the year many of the town’s festivals take place in this tropical park. The gastronomic fair is one of the most popular. There is also a bandstand / open air stage where local musicians play. During the summer months there are many performances available.
This is also an ideal location to enjoy a picnic, with a few benches to sit down and enjoy your meal and absorb your surroundings. You may pick up some fresh produce, bread and lunch meats from the nearby Municipal Farmers Market.
After all this you can continue to explore a bit of the old town pedestrian area or just pop across the street to the Tourist office. As you exit El Majuelo Park along Avenida Europa, walk to you left about 1 block. On the right side, you will see a pink colored Moorish palace, which is the tourist information center. Do take the time to stop in and see the grounds and the tourist office.
All year there are events in the park. Some of our favorites are the feria gastronomica and summer concert programming.
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