Pulpí’s friendly population of 7,600 adds a special quality to the already charming town. Covering a vast area of inland fields, mountains, and the sandy shores of the Mediterranean, Pulpí is an area that has been overlooked by many. Tourism is slowly starting to increase.

 

By train, Pulpí is an hour away from both the capital city of Almería and Granada. Its low prices and easy access to the larger towns make it a perfect destination.

Though Pulpí’s history has not been studied in great detail, a few artifacts offer evidence that the town was established as early as the Neolithic time. A large cavern establishment’s remains were discovered by the Siret brothers. These crumbled remains offer proof of seaside existence many centuries earlier.

 

Shards of pottery and knives offer proof of the Argaríca culture’s hand in shaping the area. The Romans seem to be the next group to establish Pulpí as their home.

 

In the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, it seems that the value of marble was discovered. The area’s hills and rock slopes were stripped of this valuable stone and apparently used for trade or sales. Pulpí’s location in the middle of no-man’s land kept it from being a major battle area between the Christians and the Moors during that lengthy battle zone. While Pulpí was a seaside town, the distance from the town to the sea made it unappealing to either culture. For this reason, Pulpí remained largely unoccupied for centuries longer than other area towns and cities.

 

In the latter portion of the 1700s, interest in Pulpí as a farming community grew. Many farmers moved to the area to raise cattle and grow grass crops. There was not a lot of money to be made in harvesting grass, but the crop thrived in the area. With cattle as an additional market, Pulpí began to prosper.

 

By the 20th century, the discovery that tomatoes would flourish helped heighten the area as an agricultural wonder. The well systems that kept the fields well irrigated were purchased by another country and serious restrictions were put on the well’s usage because the water the farmers relied on was now being piped to other areas. In hopes of putting the company out of business, the farmers held a major revolution. They went as far as to destroy the pipes leading out of the town. The matter was handed to the court system and the farmers lost their battle.

Every February, the streets come to life during the yearly carnival. Street dancers display their impressive talents to any interested viewer, while parades always draw a huge crowd. The event is packed with merriment, delightful cuisine, and performances suitable to all ages.

 

The best way to get to know Pulpí is by strolling the old railway line, “The Eagle,” that used to be a heavily travelled Spanish Railway Company track. Today, The Eagle is accessible to those who wish to meander down the train tracks and view sections of Pulpí that others may miss.

 

Built in the late 1700s, the Temple of San Miguel is an amazing church structure with a small garden housing an elaborate fountain.

 

In 1764, the Castle of San Juan was erected. Unfortunately, the castle is in a state of ruins, but the remaining slabs can be viewed from the streets below. Battery of San Juan of the Piles is still standing. This impressive building covers part of the old castle’s remains. There is ample parking for those interested in seeing some of the old castle up close.

 

The Arab-styled House of the English impresses many tourists. Rich architectural details, including the floor tiles, are worth seeing.

Much of Pulpí’s economy is based on agriculture. The small beachside town does pull in a few tourists on a yearly basis, but agriculture, especially the exportation of lettuce, remains the key contributor to the area’s economy. Those tourists who have discovered Pulpí’s charm spend plenty of time on the Beach of the Piles, a gorgeous sandy strip that matches stunning sea vistas with cooling seawater.

 

One thing that makes Pulpí unique is the high number of conservatories found within the town. These nature conservatories offer residents and tourists plenty to experience.

Migas with tropezones is one of the town’s most popular dishes. Cubes of bread are pan fried in olive oil with chunks of pork or beef and plenty of garlic. It is both filling and satisfying with bursts of garlicky flavour in every bite. Another garlicky dish, Garlic Colorao, is a rich dish full of local produce that is cooked with masses of garlic.

 

Rice with Kidney Beans is a dish similar to Red Beans and Rice. Steaming mounds of rice are mixed with a tomato sauce filled with aromatic herbs, kidney beans, and garlic. Chicharrones are portions of pig skin that have been deep fried to a crispy state.

 

For dessert, Arm of the Gypsy is very common. This rolled up sponge cake is filled with almond cream or some type of jelly and then sprinkled with honey or sugar for a glaze. The cake is sliced up before serving and can be served with fresh fruit or whipped cream.

After a day of sun and fun, most people want to wind down with a little drinking and a little dancing. Pulpí does offer a few establishments that suit a few needs. Pulpí lacks a busy nightclub with live music and huge dance floors, but the area bars are equally charming. Locals frequent many establishments and love to talk about their culture and town. This can be more entertaining than a loud, boisterous club can.

 

There are also a handful of restaurants that offer fresh, tasty cuisine. Enjoy your night out by trying the local fare and enjoying a bottle of Spanish wine.

Pulpí offers a temperate climate. Rain tends to fall mostly in the spring and fall. Summer months are hot with bursts of the cooler sea breeze from time to time. Winter is cooler, but still tolerable.

 

With such splendid weather, gorgeous scenery, and fascinating activities, it is surprising that more people have not discovered Pulpí’s charm. If you want a fascinating coastal town that isn’t quite as busy as other areas, Pulpí is not to be missed.