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ALMERÍA
Almeria is often referred to as the "land of contrasts" .
Covering 8774 km2,
 the province is situated in the south eastern corner
of the iberian peninsular, offering the visitor the contrast of the cold mountains of the sierra Nevada to the heat of its 219 km of coastline; the lushness of its pine forests to the dryness of its
desert in Tabernas.The attraction of its touristic towns such as Vera, Roquetas de mar and El Ejido contrast to the wild beauty of the
Natural Park of Cabo de Gata and the spectacular sight of the "plastic sea" of hundreds of km of greenhouses and the enormous quarries of
Macael. There really is something for everybody.
In Almeria you can ski in t he mountains , and within the hour, be
water skiing on the sea. It is said that Almeria is "where the sun spends the winter", maybe this is what has attracted tourists from
northern europe for a number of years. Inde the moderate climate and the warm waters of the mediterranean are perhaps the main attraction to
the province that in 2005 will host the mediterranean games.In Almeria you're never a stranger, especially after Almeria 2005.
THE COSTA DE LEVANTE
This stretch of coast covers a wide strip of land between the limits of the CABO DE GATA- NIJAR NATURAL PARK and the provincial border with
Murcia.
Carboneras with its 16th century CASTLE OF SAN ANDRÉS, is a typical Mediterranean town, clean and tidy, and which is experiencing a growth of tourism. The arquitecture of the new developments by the sea recalls once more the area´s Arab past,with dazzlingly-white cube-shaped buildings finished off with half- spheres, all set against the intense blue of the Mediterranean.This whole area reflects the indalica culture. Close by the town, on the beach at el Algarrobico, the locals still recall the Arab village built by David Lean to represent Aquaba, Jordan, for the filming of Lawrence of Arabia. Yet again, the magical light of ALMERIA worked its effect, and for a few days this land was home to great stars of the screen, such as Peter O´Toole, Omar
Shariff.
From this point onwards, and moving out of the Níjar area, the road rises among the cliffs, to then drop down to Sopalmo and Agua del Medio. Soon, the charming image of Alec Guinness and Anthony
Quinn. The Castle of Macenas appears before our eyes as a prelude to the wide beach populated with tourist developments, some which stretch up into the Sierra Cabrera. This is Mojácar- Playa, a tourist explosion where everything is possible, from the least imaginable watersport to dining on exquisite fish dishes, from the most outrageous dances in one the fashionable discos to the simple peace and quiet of relaxing among the fine golden sands of the beach. Overlooking all this from its watchtower or atalaya, the village of Mojácar is situated in the foothills of the Sierra Cabrera. It is actually quite difficult to find two streets at the same level in this beautiful, ancient town, with its clear Arab past. A past which stretches back to before the times of Al- Andalus, and even the Spain of the Romans and Iberians. This was one of the points of entry for the first settlers of southeast Andalusia. Mojácar should be visited without hurrying, to fill our senses with its strong personality; a personality which has caused such a deep impression on many foreign visitors, specially the English, many of whom came here, became attracted, and stayed.
The end of the Sierra Cabrera opens out on to a fertile valley which is home to villages such as Cortijo Grande, with its golf course, Cabrera (set up high upon a mountain), Bedar, and Turre (with a very special centre and archaeological remains close by), and further inland, the magical landscapes of the Karst and Yesos de Sorbas Natural Site.
This valley, known as the Valle del Bajo Almanzora, has a clearly defined personality, very different from the neighbouring area of Campos de Níjar.
Up to the southern limits with Murcia, a number of villages with tourist developments can be found. Garrucha thanks to its ancient mines and related industries, was transformed into an elegant summer resort at the end of the 19th century. Nowadays, the attractive promenade, with its elegant marble balustrade looks out over a clean sea, where, every evening at sundown a collection of small fishing vessels make their back to the shelter of the port. A good place to try fish dishes.
Vera, with Roman and Arabic heritage, maintains some of its past through the churches of la Encarnación and San Agustín, as well as in the interesting Museo Arqueológico. Meanwhile, its coastline offers yet again a wide range of touristic activities, with the especial attraction of Europe`s first nudist hotel, located in the area´s best known complex, “Puerto Rey”.
Antas, cradle of the prehistoric Argar civilization, Pulpi, with its Charles V- era castle, San Juan de los Terreros and its cave-houses, along with fishing villages such as Palomares and Villaricos complete our itinerary along the attractive east Almerian coast line.
Bahia Magica: to the east of Almería is a bay, unique for its light, its climate, and its both rural and urban ambience. When you cross the Despeñaderos and you see the light and you get that feeling in your stomach, you know it’s got to be your destination, because Mojàcar and Vera can’t be left unvisited.
This delightful area, protected from the inclement winds, and still free from urban masification is heaven on earth. You can mix peace with fun, both with plenty of sun and sea.
At first glance Almería is a desert, although a very hospitable one. Then you appreciate that nature has given us a dream landscape. Its up to us to look after it and , in return, it will give us dream holidays and days to remember.
BAHIA MAGICA
To the east of Almería is a bay, unique for its light, its climate, and its both rural and urban ambience. When you cross the Despeñaderos and you see the light and you get that feeling in your stomach, you know it’s got to be your destination, because Mojàcar and Vera can’t be left unvisited.
This delightful area, protected from the inclement winds, and still free from urban masification is heaven on earth. You can mix peace with fun, both with plenty of sun and sea.
At first glance Almería is a desert, although a very hospitable one. Then you appreciate that nature has given us a dream landscape. Its up to us to look after it and , in return, it will give us dream holidays and days to remember.
ALBOX
 The town of Albox, situated in the Almanzora river basin has a
municipality that covers 165km2, with a population of 10,000 inhabitants. It borders with Arboleas, Cantoria, Partaloa, Oria and
Taberno.
Albox has been considered the commercial centre of the area since 19th century, its important economic activities based on lomms and the pottery industry.
Also it is considered one of the biggest of livestock markets.
Its cattle-raising festival in November and sacred
festiv al in autumm, have been well known since decades.
It has a rich heritage, for example the Neolithic deposits extending from Oria`s watercourse and Aljambra´s spring and 13th century tower.
Lovers of nature will not feel disappointed if they walk the Laroya Mine path.
THE SANCTUARY OUR LADY OF SALIENTE
Is a 18th century baroque construction, built above an old hermitage and declared Historical Artistic Monument.
It is at the summit of the “Sierra de las Estancias”.
The path from Albox to the summit is tined by cultivated land and a water channel. The landscape is similar to the colour of the rocky mountains that surround it.
It is a great pilgrimage centre, a feeling which comes to life during September, when is celebrated “Romeria”, and pilgrims walk up the Roel´s hill to the sanctuary. Since 1727 there is evidence of this annual pilgrimage and festivity.
SERVICES
EDUCATIONAL
There is a high level of education in Albox,has:
- Two institutes high schools education with different specialities.
- Four schools of primary education.
- A municipal school of music and dances.
- A municipal football school.
BANK
There are a lot of bank branches.
CIVIL REGISTRY
PUBLIC HEALTH
Centre which has several specialities and also, Albox is situated 25km to Regional Hospital, which is considered one of the most important in Almería.
CENTRE FOR OLDAGE PEOPLE.
GASTRONOMY
In Albox there are a lot of bars in which it is possible to taste authentic local dishes, including the popular “migas”, “gachas”, the wheat pot, the rabbit fried, face downwards potatoes, the “hormigos” and “andrajos”.
Also, the pork products among the ham, are fundamental.
The processed cold meat with a wine´s glass to way of “tapa” are very important for home-made food.
Chess in Albox
The legend goes that chess was invented at the beginning of the
fifth century by a wise Brahman named Sissa, to educate his young king, a sovereign corrupted by his subjects. He gave him a game (chess) where
the king, despite being the most important piece on the board, couldn't attack or defend himself without the help of his lesser subjects, and
the even the most insignificant, the pawn, could decide the game. The king learnt the lesson.
Since thenmany people have benefitted from the miraculous powers of
chess.The benefits of the game are well known; visual and spacial skills, powers of concentration, logic, self confidence and decision
taking. It is reccomended for youngsters and students as a great hobby, helping them both socially and with school results.There a several
programmes to encourage chess amongst children by the education authorities and Andalucia is a pioneer in this with a "chess and
school" programme.
Albox is having a good run at the moment as far as chess is
concerned. Years of hard workby everybody is paying off. The municipal chess school, along with Juan Pedro Lopez, is doing a fantastic job
collaborating with the schools and colleges. Albox is winning matches both in the province and in Andalucia. The Vicente Bonil chess club
opens its doors every day. The town hall, the tennis club and others have organised chess tournaments. Thr Reverte Albox team has reached
third place in the national division, admirable work by Juan Martinez. In the international open, "Vicente Bonil" was among the three best in Spain in the semi -rapid matches. This tournament has among its winners the great masters of chess such as: Illescas, Rivas,
ZenonFranco, David Kolmjenovic, (Croacia), Aleksa Strikovik (Yugoslavia) , and the last winner, Oleg Komeiev ( Russia).The success of the tournament and its progressive improvement and
increased prizes depends directly on on the people who organise it.
Albox and tennis
In the second half of september, the Almanzora region is the place for tennis.
The thirteenth summer open tennis chempionship takes place at Albox tennis club.
It’s one of the best tournaments in Almería, not only for the quality of the players taking part, but also for the prizes to be won.
It is one of the longest running tournaments and attracts good players from all over the province.
The mayor of Albox is proud that the town hosts such a tournament which shows the town’s interest in sport and culture.
Such events give Albox prestige, and put it on the map.
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