Gualchos - Castell de Ferro

The village of Gualchos lies at the foot of the Sierra de Lújar, just 6 km from the coast and enjoys a subtropical climate. The southern end of the township is open to the coast, and enjoys the southern Mediterranean essences: a calm sea, blue skies and bright and warm weather with gentle breezes that give Mediterranean character and the name, Costa Tropical, to this unique region, here you can find Castell de Ferro, one of the pioneer towns in tourism along the Costa Granadina or Costa Tropical.

The first historical references found tell of Phoenician settlements. The presence of the Phoenicians in these lands has left many important archaeological sites, among which are fish-salting factories and burial grounds. Later, the Visigoths and the Romans also settled in parts of the region.

During the Arab domination, the population of Gualchos was divided into two separate communities, which little by little came together to eventually form a single village, under the jurisdiction of Motril, in the eighteenth century. During these centuries, agriculture began to emerge as a base of the economy.

After the conquest by the Catholic Monarchs and the subsequent expulsion of the Moors, Gualchos lost most of its population, leaving the fields abandoned, leading to a period of serious decline. Attacks by the Barbary pirates had almost destroyed the entire coast.

After centuries of wars, invasions and poverty, in the late nineteenth century there began a period of boom, boosting agriculture again, which again became the main source of income. In the mid-twentieth century tourism became more popular, tourists being attracted by the unique situation, a rich heritage, good beaches and the Mediterranean climate.

Monuments

Iglesia de San Miguel (Church of San Miguel, Gualchos)
Antiguo Ayuntimiento (Old City Hall) - Casa de Cultura (Gualchos)
Fuente de la Mina (Gualchos)
Peñon - Cueva de la Virgen
Cueva de las Campanas and Cueva de los Murcielagos (caves)
Castill de Castle de Ferro (Castell de Ferro)
Iglesia Parroquial de Castell (Parish Church of Castell, Castell de Ferro)
Torres Vigias (Watchtowers, Castell de Ferro)

Gastronomy

Sardines are an important part of the cuisine here, as well as pork, pulses and vegetables, and stews as the fish is cooked slowly over a longer period, without losing any of its authentic flavour.

Directions

Exit towards Granada Armilla. Leave Armilla and continue towards Ogíjares Pass Puntal.. Continue towards Maracena and Bailen - Motril. Pass Cuesta de la Valdesa and Dúrcal. Continue along: E-902 / A-44. Pass La Gorgoracha and Motril and follow signs to Gualchos.

Distances