The population of Antas has increased by 21% in the past year alone. Though Antas is a quiet town with a couple schools, a few shops, a doctor’s office, and many farms, its popularity is growing.

 

Located in the northeastern portion of the province of Almería, Antas sits approximately 90 kilometers from the capital city, 12 kilometers to the Mediterranean, and 80 kilometers from the nearest airport. Its location makes it accessible to travellers, but it remains relatively remote. For this reason, life in Antas is soothing and tranquil.

The birth of Antas is linked to three different cultures: The Argar, the Gárcel, and the Gerundia. Each town was researched in the late 19th century.  The Gárcel and the Gerundia were towns established in the Neolithic Age. The Gárcel sat on the right bank of the River Antas. While none of the original buildings remain, a number of pottery shards and other artifacts have been unearthed. The Gerundia sat on the left bank of the River Antas. A number of stone and metal artifacts were unearthed, but again no buildings remain intact.

 

The Argar dates back to the Bronze Age. A number of burial sites, ballot boxes, ceramics, pieces of jewellery, and cooking utensils survived the centuries. Sitting above the Antas River, the town seems to have had a better location strategically. In times of battle, the men could view attackers from miles away, so they had time to prepare the troops and protect their town.

 

After the Argar were driven out by the Romans and the Romans faded away, the Moors settled in the area. They lasted quite a spell before the Christian rulers decided they wanted Antas for themselves. By 1501, battles between the Moors and the Christian armies and continual attacks by pirates left Antas in a state of ruins. The area became a wasteland with no settlers to call its own.

 

Over time, especially after the War of Granada in the late 1500s, the population slowly began to rise. By the 1700s, the town was flourishing, but droughts and the plague killed off many from the area’s increased population. Therefore, it is only in the past century or so that the population has steadily increased. If this circumstance continues, Antas will become a thriving city in no time.

In early September, Antas holds its yearly town celebration. During this time, residents and visitors all unite for a three-day weekend that includes theatrical performances, music, races, fireworks, culinary delicacies, parades, and much more. The Celebration of Antas is a popular event, so you will not want to miss the merriment.

 

Built during the 17th century, the Parochial Church is one of the area highlights. Other important churches are the Hermitage of the Cabezo Maria, the Hermitage of the Era, and the Hermitage of the Miraculous One. These churches do not date back quite as far as the Parochial Church, but they are still attractive buildings.

 

The Aqueduct of the Real One is another town highlight. Built centuries ago, the aqueduct offers an intriguing glimpse into past cultures.

 

While in Antas, make sure you view some of the Neolithic and Bronze Age artifacts. They are available for viewing most days.

This agricultural town relies heavily on the orange and almond groves, barley, and lettuce as key crops. The produce is sold locally and shipped to other countries. Three major produce warehouses - MercoAntas, Aloa, and Gebeco are located within the town.

 

Antas is in the driest area of Almería’s province. Rain falls only 20 to 30 days per year. The remainder of the days offers warm, sunny weather that keeps the earth dry and dusty. To grow the ample crops, irrigation systems are necessary and tap into the River Antas as a main water source.

 

The population growth has occurred due to the town’s recent industrial growth. Companies such as Yedesa (plaster), Sibelca (clothing), and Electroantas (electricity) have come into the town and hired many local workers. With more jobs coming to the area, Antas may soon be a large name on the map!

Meals in Antas would not be right without a glass or two of Andalusia’s locally made wines. Most meals start with a bottle shared among those at the table.

 

Gurullos is an intriguing stew often made with rabbit. The stew takes the chosen meat, tomatoes, peppers, onion, garlic, a blend of herbs called Sazonador (oregano, pepper, salt, thyme, and paprika usually), and then Gurullos paste (flour, water, and oil) which thickens the stew, and simmers it slowly for hours.

 

Gachas are very common and come in a number of varieties. Typically, Gachas are flour and water or milk dumplings cooked with a variety of ingredients. Sweet Gachas, served for dessert, take the sweetened Gachas dough and panfry them in olive oil before coating them with sugar or honey.

 

Many entrees use pimentón as a key ingredient. Pimentón is the roasted skin of a certain type of red pepper. Known in other countries as “pimentos,” the pimentón can be preserved in jars or dried and ground up into paprika.

Antas may be a small town, but they still offer a delightful restaurant where travellers can enjoy some splendid home cooking. The restaurant offers tourists and residents a nice meal with friendly service. While it may not appeal to those looking for large discos and trendy bars, it does offer people with a chance to sit down and relax.

 

If you need more than a night out dining in the company of those whom you love, you will want to journey to the area’s larger towns and cities.

Antas is an intriguing town that is growing rapidly. This once sleeping village is turning into a thriving industrial centre. In no time at all, Antas will lead the pack as an excellent place to visit or perhaps to settle down and start a family.

 

With many things to see, gorgeous mountain scenery, and solid job growth, Antas is a town to add to your list of vacation or relocation destinations.