Situated in eastern Spain, Níjar covers an area of almost 600 square kilometers. Due to its immense size, it is considered one of Spain’s largest municipalities. The population of 24,000 residents has risen drastically in the past decade.

 

Níjar is situated in the region of the Sierra de Alhamilla, a wildlife reserve that covers more than 8,500 hectares. Visitors to Níjar can stay in the area’s excellent hotel options and then spend their days exploring the many hiking and recreational trails.

 

Níjar comprises three areas: Níjar, San Isidro, and Campohermoso. Campohermoso has the largest population of the three. All three regions rely on agriculture and tourism for much needed revenue. Approximately thirty kilometers from the capital city Almería and located on the shores of the Mediterranean, Níjar is a pleasant, beautiful community.

Níjar has been used by many cultures as a trade route. The seaside location offered strong defensive boundaries due to the surrounding hills and mountains.   The Romans settled into Níjar and built a few salt mills for preserving meats. They left an impermeable mark on the town.

 

The Moors followed the Romans. They built fortress walls and towers to protect those without the town’s boundaries from invaders. The invasion of Christian armies in the late 1400s led to the defeat of the Moors. The Christians wiped out much of the town’s population during the battle, so rebuilding the area was of the utmost importance.

 

As the Christian Spaniards entered the area, they still had to deal with a barrage of attacks by Moors who were upset that their homes had been stolen from them, as well as pirates and natural disasters. The plague helped wipe out a large number of the town’s population. This seemed to be a lasting blow.

 

During the 17th century, King Carlos III set up defensive posts along the sea front. This kept pirates at bay and allowed many towns to rebuild their populations with a strong measure of safety. With this new defensive barrier, churches were erected. With new churches to bring communities together, Níjar’s population skyrocketed. Eyes turned to agriculture and fishing as main occupations, and the town flourished.

Built in the 16th century, Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation is a Mudéjar building with many ornate features. One of the church’s most attractive features is the tower decorated with a large eagle. The eagle was contracted by Carlos the First and remains an important feature to the church’s history.

 

Cabo de Gata Natural Park in Níjar is Europe’s finest marine park. Shaped centuries ago by volcanic activity, the park contains many hidden coves, long sandy beaches, and reefs where aquatic life teems. You can view birds, fish, plants, and many other sea creatures in Cabo de Gata.

 

After a short drive, you can also spend your time at the Sierra de Alhamilla. This nature park/wildlife preserve is packed with hiking trails, winding paths that travel through the forests, and many other activities that will appeal to the nature lover.

 

Throughout the year, Níjar holds many festivities. The Bonfires of San Juan are celebrated during the summer. Huge bonfires are set ablaze on the beach and offer locals and tourists with a chance to mingle in the warm glow of the fire. Other celebrations include parades, musical events, theatrical performances, and more. You can find Níjar’s event calendars online for a full listing.

Sheep and cattle farming may seem old-world, but they are two of Níjar’s main sources of revenue. Agriculture is the key component to the area’s economy. Fields throughout the area grow ample quantities of grains and citrus fruits. These can be harvest for the local residents or for other countries.

 

Due to Níjar’s extensive acreage, agriculture does well in the province of Almería. Níjar’s outlying fields grow enough crops to bring in large revenue on a yearly basis, infact more than 90% of Níjar’s yearly revenue comes from agriculture. This can be troublesome, however. Recent droughts have seriously hampered the crops. As farmers find their fields drying up and the government keeps expanding the spread of many wildlife preserves, townspeople have made it clear that Níjar is going to have to form a new economic base.

 

Additionally, many locals are skilled potters. They create their ceramic goods and then sell them in the local stores or during open-air markets. During the height of tourism season, these ceramics often sell out quickly.  Perhaps it is time for the town’s government to consider boosting tourism and offer retail expansion.

Due to Níjar’s status as an agricultural town, many can tell you that agriculture brings in some money, but not a massive amount. For this reason, many families in Níjar lack wealth and often have bare cupboards. Without a huge selection of pantry and refrigerator items, meals in Níjar must be affordable.

 

Many dishes utilize Gurullos, a paste made of flour, water, and olive oil. This paste is used to thicken stews and soups. Paprika can be added to the mixture to give it a reddish hue.

 

Skate, the fish similar to a ray, is considered a poor man’s fish. One skate wing can make a hearty soup. Only a skate’s wings are edible and they are similar in taste and consistency to scallops. Mixing water, skate, salt, seasonings, potatoes, garlic, onions, and then some Gurullos as a thickening agent turns the soup into a filling and delightful fish soup.

A few bars are scattered throughout Níjar. If you want something to do after the sunsets, you can head to any of the area’s restaurants for a leisurely, satisfying meal. Follow this with a trip to one of Níjar’s friendly, casual bars. There you can have a cold beer, succulent glass of locally made wine, or something heavier.

Níjar offers tourists with a number of comfortable hotels, inns, and hostels. Prices are extremely affordable and establishments should more than meet your needs.

 

With so much to see, especially if you enjoy being outdoors and viewing nature, Níjar is a perfect tourist destination for the adventurer. Pack some comfortable shoes and enjoy this memorable city!