Almunecar Travel Guide

Almuñécar is an excellent choice for travelers who like their beach time with a generous side of history. The most important coastal resort of Granada province, the town has a long stony beach with several churrerías, which open early for breakfast.

The Phoenicians founded Almuñécar in the 8th century b.c., naming it Sexi and establishing the first garum (fermented fish paste) works near the main beach. The Romans took over in 218 b.c.e. and kept the garum business going, as Sexi’s fish paste was traded as far away as Greece and Turkey. The town became a more traditional fishing port under the Moors, who also introduced sugar cane farming. Its subtropical climate makes the Rio Verde valley a hothouse for fruits and vegetables.

Today, most visitors come for the long stony beach. An extensive complex of parks and ruins in Barrio San Miguel near the beach explains Almuñécar’s rich history. The most important coastal resort of Granada province, Almuñécar is less crowded than the other beach resorts. The Parque Botánico El Majuelo in the central city next to the ruins of the Roman fish paste factory is filled with tropical and subtropical species that flourish in the warm microclimate.