Almunecar Old Town

Almunecar Old Town

The old town of Almuñécar is crowned by the remains of its Moorish castle.

The heart of the old town is laid out with parallel streets radiating from the plateau at the top of the hill on which the city was built. Once, this hill was an island surrounded by the sea and by the two estuaries of its rivers, natural harbors of important strategic value.

Steep winding streets, still following the patterns of the Middle Ages, lead from Almuñécar's central square, the Plaza de la Constitución where the Town Hall stands, towards the castle and the highest old quarter called Barrio San Miguel.

Geranium-studded balconies and small sunlit plazas with cafes decorate the maze of narrow passageways where you'll also find the town's archaelogical museum.

The town has two principal beaches: Playa Puerta del Mar and the Playa San Cristóbal. The two beaches are broken by abrupt cliffs supporting the Arab citadel and three large rocks, or peñones, leading out to sea. The first is the biggest and called El Peñón del Santo or, simply, El Santo. Now a popular mirador for enjoying the views, it was once occupied by an ancient shrine, probably Roman, that was accessed by a bridge from the castle. Visitors will find a large cross on top now, illuminated at night.