Nacimiento literally translates to “Birth.” Some areas still refer to this town as Birth. With a population of a little more than 450 people, Nacimiento is one of Spain’s smaller towns. The town is rather compact with many historical sites. As people seek better technology, they are forgoing smaller towns and moving to cities. Nacimiento is suffering from this issue, as the population slowly declines year after year.

 

Located approximately fifty kilometers from Almería, Nacimiento is reasonably close to the larger city’s amenities, yet located east of the Sierra Nevada so the views are amazing. For those seeking a quiet lifestyle with good access to city attractions, Nacimiento is an affordable option.

During the Arab occupation, Nacimiento was a thriving town that prospered in the silk trade. Sadly, the Romans entered the area and the economy faltered. By the time the Roman period ended, the town’s economy needed reshaping.

 

Today the town is seeing little growth. Agriculture does well, but industry has seemingly forgotten this little town. Buildings sit vacant, and many former residents have moved on to larger towns and cities in search of work.

The architecture in Nacimiento is typical of a white town. The houses are built from clay and then are painted white to keep the hot sun from heating the home’s interior. Thick walls and small windows help to insulate the inside of the house from the hot summer days. Rows of houses create fabulous images for those with an eye for photography.

 

There is one historic church in the town. Church of San Miguel was built in the eighteenth century. The small church offers many historical features that are of the Mudéjar style.

 

A short drive from the town of Nacimiento, there are many trails that appeal to both active and beginning hikers. View the scenery as you stroll through the Spanish mountain ranges.

Agriculture is a mainstay of Nacimiento’s livelihood. The land is extremely fertile and covered in almond and olive groves. Additionally, vast fields of grape vines, tomatoes, garlic, red peppers, green peppers, and potatoes grow well.

 

Local crops are both sold to the locals and exported to other countries. The olive harvests are pressed for their heart healthy oil. Olive oil is then bottled and sold throughout the world. Almonds are also extremely heart healthy crops. They can be pressed for their oil or sold whole.

 

Wine is an important Spanish export. Nacimiento has a few vineyards that provide delicious wines either used locally or exported.

Nacimiento offers typical Andalusian cuisine. Dishes are enhanced with garlic, tomatoes, green peppers, and red peppers. Typical dishes include poultry, pork, beef, rabbit and wild fowl in addition to an array of vegetables. Many dishes are stewed. An example of their succulent dishes include stewed rabbit in a rich tomato and garlic sauce that offers potatoes, red peppers, and onions mixed with chunks of rabbit meat. 

 

Mantecados are delightful buttery sugar cookies laced with a hearty dose of cinnamon. Platters of these rich butter cookies fill a room with delicious scents. Do not expect a platter of mantecados to last long!

Nacimiento’s population has slowly declined over the years. For this reason, many former restaurants and bars sit empty. If you need an active nightlife, you will need to travel to neighbouring towns and cities. Heading to Almería will bring you to many dance clubs, bars, and theatres.

 

If you do not mind small, smoke filled bars, two miniscule bars within Nacimiento carry a few different beers and wines. The staff in these establishments generally speaks Spanish,

Nacimiento is full of small town charm and possesses an extremely quiet atmosphere. There may not be a lot to do, but Almería is relatively close. As long as you have a car, there is no reason for you to avoid living a laid-back existence in this temperate Andalusian town.