Situated in the northern section of the province of Almería, Oria sits more than 110 kilometers from the similarly named capital city of Almería. The area is relatively remote and extremely tranquil.

 

Most of Oria’s 235 square kilometers is situated on rock. For this reason, the danger of rockslides and erosion is higher than many other Spanish territories. Almost ninety percent of Oria’s 2,400 residents make a living by farming the surrounding fields. With the necessity for farmland and the intrusion of large rocks, construction in Oria is a major challenge.

 

Oria does not offer tourists many conveniences. The town does have a school and a library, but there are not hotels, inns, or restaurants. For meals or accommodations, you will need to stay in a neighbouring town or city.

Popular belief is that the town of Oria was settled in the Bronze Age. Artifacts found within the town prove this theory, but little is known of these original colonies.

 

The ruins of mosques prove the Moors existed in the area for many centuries. They made a solid living handcrafting cheese and keeping bees for honey. Barley thrived in the rocky soil and could be used for meals, trading, and even beverages. The Moors also met with success hunting the surrounding woodlands. In the late 1400s, the Christians conquered the area and ousted the Moors. Those who did not escape were often killed or imprisoned.

 

The Catholic kings gave Oria to Don Juan Chacón, but he died shortly after and his wife gained control. She sold the area to the first Marquess of Vélez. He built up the area and added to his collection of estates. By the 17th century, Oria was again a successful market. Success with silk and agriculture brought revenue to the area.

 

Today, cattle ranching, agriculture, a primary school, and a secondary school ensure that residents have employment and opportunities for a solid education.

Popular belief is that the town of Oria was settled in the Bronze Age. Artifacts found within the town prove this theory, but little is known of these original colonies.

 

The ruins of mosques prove the Moors existed in the area for many centuries. They made a solid living handcrafting cheese and keeping bees for honey. Barley thrived in the rocky soil and could be used for meals, trading, and even beverages. The Moors also met with success hunting the surrounding woodlands. In the late 1400s, the Christians conquered the area and ousted the Moors. Those who did not escape were often killed or imprisoned.

 

The Catholic kings gave Oria to Don Juan Chacón, but he died shortly after and his wife gained control. She sold the area to the first Marquess of Vélez. He built up the area and added to his collection of estates. By the 17th century, Oria was again a successful market. Success with silk and agriculture brought revenue to the area.

 

Today, cattle ranching, agriculture, a primary school, and a secondary school ensure that residents have employment and opportunities for a solid education.

Oria’s economy revolves around agriculture. Wheat and barley are staple crops that can be sold to neighbouring towns and cities. Almost ninety percent of Oria’s population works in the surrounding fields harvesting these important crops. Fewer than ten of every one hundred residents work in outlying towns and cities or in the town’s school or doctor’s office.

 

Lettuce, almonds, olives, tomatoes, and eggplant are also crops that thrive in the warm climate. Fresh vegetables are plentiful and are usually found in every kitchen in Oria.

Barley, lettuce, and almonds are key crops. Salads are often served alongside rich stews made of fowl, beef, or pork. Typical meals in Oria include freshly baked bread, migas (stew), and a tossed salad made with locally grown lettuce.

 

Gurullos is often added to rabbit or poultry stew. A mixture of flour, water, and salt is formed. This mixture is then shaped into small balls and added to the simmering broth. The resulting product is similar to thick pasta.

 

Blood sausage and garlic sausage are served in many homes. The locals make these sausages from scratch during the yearly butchering process. Another common dish is Salmonetes in Garlic. For this tasty supper, you take red mullet and panfry it in olive oil and garlic.

 

For dessert, almonds and oranges are utilized to complement sweet breads, cakes, and cookies. Almendrados are buttery sugar cookies that use almond flour to add depth and flavour.

Oria is a small town with no restaurants or nightclubs. There is little to do once the sun sets unless you want to sit outside, enjoy the fresh air, and catch up with the locals.

 

For bars, restaurants, and dance clubs, you will need to visit neighbouring towns and cities.

Oria is a charming town, but it does not offer the tourist much to experience. You can probably add Oria to your itinerary and take in some of the sites for part of an afternoon. You will need to move on to other towns for meals and lodging, however.