Thirty percent of Fondón’s 900 residents are from other countries. This small municipality lacks a school, so children are sent to other communities for a basic education. Fondón does have a small library and school that provides the opportunity for adults to continue their education.

 

Sitting in the Andarax Valley, Fondón is a good distance northwest of the capital Almería. In the shadows of the Gádor Mountains, Fondón’s beauty sits in front of a breathtaking panorama of slate coloured mountains and green forests.

The Moors and Christians shared importance in the development of Fondón. The Moors came into the area first. By redirecting some of the flowing waters from the Andarax River, the Moors were able to grow prolific crops. While farmers kept busy tending their farms, other skilled workers completed many of the homes, the buildings, and the area church. By carving stones from the mountainsides or using the dry soil with crushed stone to create bricks, the Moors proved their talents as skilled builders.

 

In the late 1400s, the Christian armies attacked the area in hopes of driving the Moors out. Unfortunately, this had the negative affect of sharply decreasing the town’s population. Christians worked hard to repopulate the town, and Moors worked hard to remain in the only home they’d ever known.

 

As centuries passed, the Christians and the Moors came to live and work together. By the 1700s, the rich lead deposits in the mountains brought mining to the forefront. This newer industry proved to bring in much needed revenue to the small town. For the next two centuries, mining would keep townspeople working while offering revenue for the upkeep of the town’s buildings and roads.

Rock climbers will find Crags Cacín to be an intriguing challenge. The rock cliff offers a vertical height of up to 60 metres. The limestone cliff is perfect for climbing from spring to fall.

 

While strolling down the streets, be sure to pass through the Arc of the Market. This arch leads into the main area of the town. It is simplistic, yet beautiful in its construction. Also in the town centre is the Source of Carlos IV. This monument tributes the late king and features an impressive shield of arms.

 

The Parochial Church is in surprisingly good condition given its age. Erected by the Moors, the church has seen repairs over the years, but the building remains as beautiful today as it was then. A towering spire is a key element of beauty.

 

Other important buildings to view include the Palace of King Chico, The 16th century farmhouse that was home to King Boabdil, and the City Hall that is in the old pósito.

Agriculture has a firm hold on Fondón’s economy. Fields full of Haba (similar to broad beans), olive groves, and almond groves are found throughout the area. Tucked next to the Gádor Mountains and located near enough the Andarax River, irrigation systems in Fondón help keep crops from drying up in the hot summer.

 

Originally, mining shaped much of the small municipalities industry. For centuries, lead was mined and melted down in a small factory within Fondón. Unfortunately, the stores of lead ran dry and the mining industry ended in the late 1800s.

The town’s historical base brings a number of tourists into the area every year. Between agriculture and tourism, Fondón’s revenue base is solid.

When dining within Fondón, one cannot leave the area without sampling the salty locally made Embutidos (sausages.) Garlic sausage, blood sausage, and chorizo are all popular.

 

Adventurous visitors can sample Choto al ajo Cabañil. This dish offers slowly simmered goat meat in a mixture of garlic and olive oil. Cocina Mareá is a hearty stew of pumpkin, broad beans, green beans, onions, potatoes, garlic, tomatoes, green pepper, and saffron.

 

Another dish fitting for a vegetarian is Tabirnas Colorás. This stew includes potatoes, green peppers, tomatoes, olive oil, and garlic.

 

For dessert, try Roquillos de Vino. These cookies are flavored with white wine and aniseed. They are unique and tasty!

Fondón offers little to do at night. A couple of local restaurants offer delicious home-cooked regional cuisine. This is a nice way for locals and visitors to enjoy a meal without having to clean up dishes afterwards.

 

After a cosy meal, one can head to the area’s small bar for a cold beer or tasty glass of wine. Wines tend to be regional, so you know they are fresh and contain the best local grapes.

One may feel that Fondón does not offer enough activity for the busy tourist. This is a sad assumption. Where does it state that tourists must be entertained very hour of a day?

Instead of hurrying from one destination to the next, why not stop and take in the amazing scenery found in and around Fondón? Gorgeous manor homes, Mudéjar style buildings, and mountainous views offer plenty for the tourist to take in. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the fresh air, warm sunshine, and glorious views that only Fondón offers.