Garrucha

Marina at Garrucha © Michelle Chaplow
Marina at Garrucha

GARRUCHA

Garrucha has a rich history spanning fishing traditions and industrial mechanization, all of which can be observed throughout the town. It has around 8,800 inhabitants.

One of the more famous coastal towns on the Costa Almería, Garrucha is well-known as being the residence of many economically and socially high-standing people in Spain. It is also known for its… More →

Tourist Office in Garrucha is located at Centro Cultural Paseo del Malecón, 424630 Garrucha Almería.

Festivals in Garrucha: Cabalgata Reyes Magos, Carnavales, Día de la Vieja, Semana Santa, Romería, Cruces de Mayo, Noche de San Juan, Fiesta en Honor a la Virgen del Carmen and Feria de San Joaquín… More →

According to a 1327 Castilian chronicle about raiding troops in the Kingdom of Granada, there was a small village on the Almeria coast called Almoraic, close to Mojácar and Vera. This is perhaps… More →

HISTORY

The earliest reference to a settlement in Garrucha dates to 1327. The spot was fought over by nearby Vera and Mojácar until royal intervention offered the diplomatic solution of a tax on its port activities to be paid to the competing neighbouring towns. In the nineteenth century, the port of Garrucha was instrumental in the ore mining fever which had taken over inland communities, providing them with a trading outlet and making Garrucha a wealthy hotspot. This was supported by innovative mechanization, until these processes were halted in the 1970s. More>

THINGS TO SEE

Castillo de Jesús Nazareno
The castle was built in 1769 by the architect Francisco Ruiz Garrido. The fortress consists of a semicircular artillery battery facing the sea and two circular towers that defended the shores from attack by pirates. In the mid-nineteenth century, it was occupied by the police, who maintained an independent barracks. Subsequently, it became the barracks of the Civil Guard. It currently houses the NAUTARUM fishing interpretation centre and is used as an exhibition hall and setting for celebrations such as weddings, book presentations, concerts, etc. It is located on Calle Salcillo.

Opening Times:
Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00-14:00hrs
Price: 1 euro
Tel: 950 13 95 54

Ayuntamiento
The Town Hall was built around 1875 on the site of a former alfolí (salt warehouse) and was renovated in 1991. Today, it is one of the most emblematic buildings in the town, with a unique façade and surroundings. It can be found on Paseo del Malecón.

Paseo del Malecón
This is undoubtedly one of the most unique seaside promenades along this stretch of coast. The paseo runs approximately 1km in length, is walled by a magnificent white marble railing of Macael, and is paved in red and white slabs which have been laid to form a peculiar design. It is the ideal place to take a walk and admire the wonderful views offered by the fishing port and sea. The promenade also hosts various restaurants, ice cream parlours, bars and terraces to enjoy.

Monolito del Poeta Antonio Cano Cervantes
This monument stands in memory of the poet Antonio Cano Cervantes, and was unveiled on August 27, 2000. The bronze sculpture, which represents the well-known blind poet of Garrucha and features an engraving of his best-known serenade, is located on Plaza de Pedro Gea.

Plaza de Pedro Gea
This emblematic square was remodeled and opened in 2011 with modern architecture, benches and a central sculpture composed of a half marble block wrapped in two diagonal steel plates with a triangular fountain in the center and a wooden platform, simulating ships. The square still houses the original anchor that stood in it before its restauration.

Ermita del Carmen
This chapel, blessed in 1951, is decorated with paintings representing the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus, as well as a painting of the Virgen del Rocío. It is located on Plaza de Pedro Gea.

Iglesia de San Joaquín
This church was inaugurated in 1861, although its construction lasted a few years. It has a very peculiar façade, so can be easily identified on Plaza Ambrosio López.

Antigua Chimenea
Popularly known as Calvario, the chimney was built in the highest part of Garrucha at the end of the nineteenth century, and measures 72ft in height. It was designed to channel the fumes of the old mineral smelters in the municipality. Today, it has a viewpoint which offers amazing views. The tower can be visited on Calle Subida del Calvario.

PORT AND MARINA

The fish market located in the fishing port was built in 1995 with an avant-garde design, replacing the original building from the fifties. It hosts auctions of fish and fresh seafood caught by local boats – visitors to the town should not miss this important local event. The market’s huge interior is decorated with two impressive mosaics, one of the Virgen del Carmen and another of the venerated Virgen de los Dolores.

The port is the second most substantial in the province of Almería, with a mouth of 170m in width and 14m in depth. It has 221 berths between 5 and 12m in length, of which 25% are for rent. It offers services such as general and meteorological information, showers, water, electricity, parking, cranes, workshops and first aid, and a dry dock and sailing club.

BEACHES

The main beach, Las Escobetas, is fully equipped with facilities. Vera Playa has a hotel and camping site, and even a naturist zone.

GASTRONOMY

It comes as no surprise that fish is one of the most essential ingredients of the local gastronomy of Garrucha. Among the many varieties of fish are the gamba roja (red prawn), caballa (mackerel), chirlas (baby clams), gallopedro (sole) and mero (red snapper), among others. With these, locals make exquisite seafood stews, casseroles and paellas. Other delicious dishes are gurullos con caracoles (chickpeas with snails) or cazuela de fideos (noodle stew).

FESITVALS

As well as national religious festivals like Holy Week and the Three Kings procession, since Garrucha is a fishing town, it celebrates the Virgen del Carmen festival with particular pomp and ceremony, with the icon of the Virgin making a trip out to sea to bless the fishing boats. This is just one of numerous celebrations visitors can join in with throughout the year. More>

NEARBY PLACES

The neighbouring villages to Garrucha are Villaricos, Vera and Mojácar.

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