Almanzora Valley

On the northwest border with the province of Granada, near Baza is Almanzora, between the areas of Los Vélez and the Sierra de los Filabres.
The inland area provides an ideal setting for the development of rural tourism. Sierras such as those of Lucar, Oria, El Madroño and the Sierra de las Estancias, surround the Almanzora valley which takes its name from the river crossing the area and crates some of the most beautiful and charming scenery in the whole of the province. The Almanzora area is perfect for thos who love quiet environments and peacefulness of nature.

Almanzora is easily accessible from other nearby provinces. Thus, connecting with the A-92, the A-334 road down from Granada (Baza), crosses the area from east to west and links it with the eastern side of the province.

From Murcia, taking the N-340 road, we can reach the easternmost side of Almanzora via the A-334 as it passes Huercal-Overa.

From the north we can also reach the area if we take the A-92, and then the A-399 from Chirivel.

Zurgena lies in the lower basin of the Rio Almanzora; the river divides the village with the old village standing on a hill. The Mudejar style church stands majestically tall above the village houses. Nearby are the Cueva del Llano de las Eras. Further up the valley in spurs of the Sierra de los Filabres Mountains lies Arboleas in a much drier landscape contrasting with the fertile land at the riverside. This valley has an abundance of citrus and fruit trees populating the area the surrounding area that make Currently the pueblo is undergoing a change where the production of olive oil is being developed.

 The Sierra de las Estancias and the Sierra de los Filabres mountain ranges amidst stunning countryside of olive groves, orchards of citrus trees and dramatic hills and valleys, flank the small town of Albox. Several rivers and streams flow close to the town, including the Rios Almanzora and Albanchez that contribute to the area's rich agricultural heritage. Albox is a typical whitewashed village with narrow streets interspersed with small plazas; it has an air of wealth and prosperity, as it has been a local commercial centre since the 19th Century. Cantoria is a town that relies on the production of marble, as is its main resource, although it stands on a fertile plain producing agricultural goods. The town is more uniform with straight streets than its neighbours. Also in the marble zone lies Olula Del Rio, as with Cantoria this valuable asset is its main resource. There are several archaeological remains, the Verde Olula and caves, Cueva de Humosa. As a sign of its main resource, the church is completely decorated in marble. Purchena is the municipality of the Province; it lies at the foot of the Sierra de los Filabres surrounded by woods. There is a statue of an arquero (archer) in marble at the entrance of the village. Purchena is famous for its Juegos Moriscos, these games, with the same values as the Olympics have been recognised by the International Olympic Committee. Purchena has a wealth of history and its tranquil atmosphere belies its past. The legacy of it past is left with the ruins of the Torre del Agua (water tower), the Alcazaba (castle) and the 16th Century Iglesia Parroquial de San Gines (Parish church). Tijola is known as the Pearl of Almanzora or Little Granada. It stands on a beautiful fertile plain in a valley formed by the Sierra de las Estancias and the Sierra de los Filabres. It has a Mudejar style church, the Iglesia Parroquial de Santa María with a separate chancel. Also several archaeological remains. Seron lies in a magnificent landscape of vines and citrus trees, the whitewashed houses nestle on the hillside with a 13th Century castle standing sentry over the houses. The parish church, Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Senora de la Anunciacion is 15th Century. Seron is rich with heritage and has been settled since prehistoric times. The final village in the province of Almanzora is Alcontar whose economy is based on agriculture and whose boundary lies with the province of Granada. The source of the Rio Almanzora lies within its boundaries and walking is popular in this area

Fuente: www.dipalme.org