In 2005, Huércal de Almería hosted the 15th annual Mediterranean Games, a sporting event similar to the Olympics. This event helped draw huge numbers to the area, as tennis and wrestling events intrigued large numbers of residents and visitors. Those who discovered Huércal de Almería for the first time were impressed. The resulting event led to a steep increase in population.

 

In the past six years, the population of Huércal de Almería has doubled to around 12,000 residents. Close to 62% of the population are people between the ages of 21 and 64. With seven schools, one adult education centre, and three doctor’s offices, families find the city greatly suits their needs.

 

Huércal de Almería lines the border of the capital city Almería. The close proximity to the capital city allows residents and visitors to enjoy the attractions in the city while residing in a less congested area. Huércal de Almería covers approximately 21 square kilometers.

Andalusian history varies little in most areas. Few details offer the civilizations before the Moors (Arabs) entered the area. They built up the town with housing and then secured their new home.   As Huércal de Almería sat between the Mediterranean Sea and rivers, Moors had strong water boundaries to keep out invaders. From their vantage points, they could see invaders far before they were able to reach the town limits. This helped keep Moors residing in Huércal de Almería relatively safe from attack.

 

In the 1400s, much of Southern Spain became of interest to the Catholic kings. They ordered their armies to attack many areas, including Huércal de Almería, and drive the Moors out. Moors had few options; they could stay and fight or flee Spain. Those who survived the battles were captured and forced into slavery. Men, women, and children were often murdered or tortured. Driven from the only home they had ever known, surviving Moors fled to the hills or to other countries. The population of Huércal de Almería plummeted. By the early 1500s, Huércal de Almería’s population stood at less than 150 people.

 

Realizing the need to repopulate the town, wealthier citizens were offered the chance to move to Huércal de Almería. Slowly, Moors who had fled to the hills were allowed back into their town where they now shared their former home with Christians. Often this led to subdivisions where Moors would occupy one area of town and Christians would remain in another.

 

By the end of the 1600s, the population had only reached 450 residents, mostly priests and their families. The slow growth did not change much. In the late 1700s, the population had barely gained 350 residents. The once booming trade town still housed fewer than 1,000 people. Many preferred to live in the larger city of Almería.

 

Today, a strong industrial base has brought many jobs to the area of Huércal de Almería and the capital city of Almería. People are flocking to the area looking for inexpensive housing, friendly communities, and strong employment possibilities.

Take in a strong representation of the area’s religious culture by visiting Huércal de Almería’s 18th century church. The church is famous for its artistic images created by the famed 18th century artist Francisco Salzillo.

 

The area’s Archaeological Museum houses many artifacts found in and around the suburbs of Almería. Pottery, metal tools, and bakeware are on display.

 

On the outskirts of town is a small spring that was once thought to possess healing qualities. Legend has it that a crazy woman was seen wandering the area in a stupor. After combing her hair with the spring water, the legend claims she was cured of whatever troubled her.

 

The town square is rich with colorful gardens, fragrant flowering trees, and historical buildings. It is important to spend at least a day strolling the streets. A variety of boutiques and small shops make it easy to find items worth purchasing. Spending some time shopping is always fun!

Oranges and tomatoes thrive in this rich, temperate climate. Many area farms harvest these important crops. Agriculture is Huércal de Almería’s key contributor to the area economy. Jocusi, S.I. is a sugar plantation that is still in operation. Sugar cane is harvested and processed to create masses of sugar that can be sold throughout the world.

 

Metal workers are also in high demand. Mausan is a plant that specialises in creating metal items. Woodworking is another important industry. Carpentry is in high demand, especially as housing increases to fit the influx of new residents.

Andalusian cuisine relies on fragrant herbs, ripe tomatoes, heart healthy olive oil, garlic, and seafood. Huércal de Almería’s cuisine follows these guidelines. Quite often, locally harvested seafood is served pan fried or grilled with a light coating of olive oil, garlic, and lemon. The freshness of the seafood is complemented by the light flavourings.

 

Seafood stews are also popular. Often these stews blend a variety of seafood options with tomatoes, garlic, onion, potatoes, green or red peppers, and a variety of herbs. Saffron is commonly added for both flavour and colour.

 

Paella is another popular dish. With paella, rice is slowly simmered with a variety of fresh vegetables, saffron, and assortments of seafood and or chicken.

Due to the close proximity of the capital city Almería, many travellers looking for entertainment head into the city for clubs, bars, and restaurants. This is not to say that Huércal de Almería lacks these items, the suburb just does not have a varied selection.

 

One area bar, The Uroz, is open Wednesday through Monday. They close the establishment on Tuesdays so that staff can have a day with their families. The Uroz is both a bar and restaurant. The restaurant side specialises in seafood dishes. Fresh produce and seafood are brought into the restaurant every day. Meals are delicious! The bar side is perfect for a cold beer or perfectly aged glass of wine. Most wines are from local vineyards.

 

One local inn also offers delicious meals, but they tend to cater more to groups. You will need to check with the Inn of Colt Spit to find out if they can fit you in for a meal.

 

A few other small restaurants may suit your needs. Otherwise, Almería is packed with options!

Huércal de Almería’s growth, employment possibilities, and location near the capital city and near the Mediterranean Sea are turning the once empty area into a booming suburb.

 

As the population and industrial base continue to expand, it is not hard to ignore the fact that Huércal de Almería will soon become a hotbed for tourist activity.