Picture a sentinel in an old stone watchtower, perched high up on the cliffs of Punta de la Mona. He can see for miles out to sea and along the coastline, with mountainous lands jetting right into the sea. He is there protecting the castles and the nearby villages. There’s nothing but the rocky cliffs with the sea crashing below. He has means to communicate with the neighboring watchtowers along the coast, via light signals. This was the life of a watchman back in the 1700’s.
What better way to experience a bit of local culture than to visit a historic Roman Aqueduct and also enjoy a wine tasting. Spend the afternoon at a local bodega with wine tasting, olive oil tasting and tapas, with a walk to the historic Roman Aqueduct!
Step back in time, thousands of years ago along Costa Tropical. The waves from the beautiful blue sea were lapping on the shore, people were living here and making ceramics and crafts. They were protected and surrounded by the lush Granada mountains and hills and life was good. When people passed away, their burial grounds were placed up on the hills, the Phoenician Necropolis. People were buried in their tombs with goods and belongings, all right here on the Granada coast!
This is a good 1/2 day activity from Almuñécar and you are in for a sweet treat. Just a little to the east within Costa Tropical, you can experience the sugarcane past of Motril. You will experience an old Spanish sugar mill, take a tour of a rum distillery and taste some Spanish rum. Let’s talk sugar (Azucar).
Duration: ~3 hours
Route:
Your day will begin with a step back in time at Motril’s pre-industrial sugar museum, followed by a tour of the Ron Montero Rum Distillery with rum tasting.
Distance: 20km from Almuñécar
Departure: Recommended departure from Almuñécar 10:30 – 11:00 am
.Peñones del Santo is a natural monument with the addition of a man-made cross. You may climb to the top of Peñones del Santo for vast views of Almuñécar and the beautiful cost of Granada beaches. There is a large plaza at the top with a very large cross at the highest point. The surrounding metal railings have become a location for people to leave behind their locks of love.
The Archaeological Museum Cueva de Siete Palacios, also known as the Cave of 7 Palaces, is surprisingly not located within a cave. Instead it represents the largest section of the former Roman Palace. The museum is located in what was once the basement of this Roman Palace. Inside, there are remains of the historic past of Almuñécar. Including remains found at the necropolis of Puente de Noy, Laurita, and the fish salting factory of El Majuelo.
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.Continue reading
San Miguel Castle (St. Michael’s Castle) is perched high upon the hill above the Old Town of Almuñécar. It is surrounded by the whitewashed houses in the barrio of San Miguel. This occupies the land once used by Phoenicians and Romans. It was also used in the Nasrid period for the dungeon. While not a huge castle, it is in very good condition. Inside there is a small museum with a scale model of what the area once was.
As you meander the pedestrian streets of old town Almuñécar, you are bound to happen upon the Calle Real Fountain. This fountain was originally built in 1559, with remnants of the Roman aqueduct encased in glass beside the fountain. It 1994, the Calle Real Fountain was restored to its current state.
The Roman Aqueduct runs from Almuñécar to the north of Torrecuevas, between the Rio Verde and Rio Seco. It is believed to have been built in the first century AD, coinciding with the construction of the main Roman monuments in the city.
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