Garrucha

Garrucha is a beautiful fishing village, the most important for this activity throughout the east coast of Almería, located just above the centre of the east coast, in an ideal place to enjoy the excellent beaches, its tourist facilities and its excellent fish.

The first settlers in Garrucha date back to Prehistory, where we can find traces of this time in different sites. Iberians, Carthaginians and Romans also went through this town.

In the XIV century appears the first references to these lands, the town was known as Almorac, Nasrid name. In the XV century it becomes to be Christian, being its port a passage of the provisions of the army. In the XVI century is becoming one of the largest commercial and fishing ports in the Mediterranean.

In the XIX century, with the discovery of the mines, its economy takes off. Foundries are created, the port market increases, and it is discovered the fishing and touristic richness in the area. All this leads it to become Town Hall, becoming independent of Vera. The important landowners and mine owners built large mansions for the summer, considering the small San Sebastián.

This town starts the XX century with potable water, electricity and telephone central office. The reason for this advance is the importance of tourism, economy and commerce in this area, the presence of vice-consulates since the XIX century, and its three ports.

Monuments

Church of San Joaquín.

Castle of Jesús Nazareno, XVIII century. It was built during the reign of Carlos III, it preserves two towers.

Hermitage of La Virgen del Carmen.

Casa de la Marina de la Torre, XX century, Mudejar style.

Town Planning

Finca de La Marina and palace of Chávarri.

Jetty and fishing, commercial and sports ports.

Towns and mining remains.
Tower of La Fundición de San Jacinto.

Mineral wharf.

Gastronomy

Garrucha is the mecca of fish. Its red prawns and rock fishes are tasty morsels: the gallopedro (John Dory), redfish, pargo (red porgy), grouper, usually are prepared with white wine and olive oil.

Sailor's stew, made with monkfish, swordfish or mackerel with almonds, garlic and fried bread and its thin wine, show us the gastronomy of a sea tradition.

On rainy days, though few, are expected to prepare a few crumbs, which may be made of flour or bread, accompanied by sardines, bacon, roasted peppers, and for those who desire it, even fruit.

We cannot forget some dishes such as the gurullos with snails (noodles), stew with fried peppers and garlic with rabbit or ribs, chickpeas and snails.

Other delights include the rice to the garruchera, caldo en blanco, noodle dish, rise a banda (in fish broth), cuajadera (fish dish), paprika with red pepper chupaeros and cakes. The tapas are also an art in many sailor bars and restaurants.

How to get there

You have to exit Almería, continue along: N-344, then take E-15 / A-7 towards: Níjar - Murcia - N-340. Take the exit towards: Salida 471 - San José de Escobar - Tanatorio - Parque Natural Cabo de Gata - Níjar. Alleyway of Viso. Cross Campohermoso and continue straight on. Then turn right: E-15 / A-7 towards: Vera - Murcia. Follow direction: Salida 516 - Sorbas - N-324 - Guadix. Take the exit towards: Salida 520 - Los Gallardos - Turre - Mojácar - Bédar. At the roundabout, take the salida 2 and continue along: A-370 / AL-152 towards: N-340a - Los Gallardos - ALP-117 - Bédar - Garrucha - Turre - Mojácar. Alleyway of Los Gallardos and continue until you get Garrucha.

Distances