The history of
Almuñécar is the 5th oldest City in Spain and there is no shortage of culture and history. The Phoenicians first established a colony in Almuñécar in about 800 BC and this developed for six hundred years into an important port and town with the name of Sexi and with a large fish salting and curing industry that was a major supplier of Greece and Rome.
The Romans came to southern Spain at the time of the Second Punic War between Rome and Carthage in 218 BC as part of their campaign to subdue the Phoenician settlements along the coast. During 700 years of Roman colonial rule the town and its industry prospered, and in 49 BC the municipality (one of 20 cities in Spain honoured at that time) was given the title Firmium Julium Sexi in recognition of the town’s loyalty to Rome.
In 755 Umayyad Abd ar-Rahman I of Damascus, the founder of the Emirate of Cordoba, arrived from North Africa to establish his kingdom. The castle remained the stronghold of the city and the seat of government and its walls were strengthened. Extensive dungeons were built for those out of favour with local rulers, but also baths for the use of the social elite during the al-Andalus centuries.
The cross on Peñon del Santo, the rock at the old harbour entrance, marks the defeat of the Arabs, their surrender at Almuñécar, and the annexation to the Kingdom of Castille in 1489. The Arabic name المُنَكَّب (al-Munakkab, surrounded by mountains) gave origin to present-day Almuñécar.
Located on San Miguel Hill and crowning the town of Almuñécar, this Arab fortress occupies the space previously occupied by the Phoenicians and Romans, as evidenced by various sources and the structures of Roman buildings.
The castle’s structures undoubtedly date back to the Muslim period, as it was once a holiday home for the Nasrid dynasty in the 13th century. At the end of the reign of the Catholic King Ferdinand in the 16th century, the moat, the drawbridge, and the imposing entrance façade with its four circular towers were built.
During the Peninsular War against the French, it was bombarded by English troops, leaving it in a state of ruin. It would be used as a Christian cemetery until the mid-20th century. Of special note is a neoclassical-style pavilion, with no apparent connection to the castle structure, which may have been built in the 18th century and has become the headquarters of the City Museum.
In Almuñecar, the aqueduct and Roman baths bear witness to a majestic work that, in olden times, captured water and brought it into the city. Nowadays, we can still see several sections of the Aqueduct in Torrecuevas. The first is the longest, with 17 arches with normal light and another two with reduced light that flank a normal one.
The fish salting factory at Almuñécar was built by the Phoenicians to salt fish for export and was later expanded by the Romans. It is at the foot of the hill where Castillo de San Miguel is located and is located in El Majuelo park. The ancient factory was discovered during an archaeological excavation in 1970.
If you like to find a good bargain, then the Almuñécar Sunday Market is the place to be! Every Sunday you can socialize, browse and purchase the most unusual things. This is a flea market dedicated to antiques and second-hand items! Located in the fairgrounds near the Blas Infante Arches, it has now grown to take up the entire lot on both sides.
Almuñécar’s old town is a charming, historic area characterized by its narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and hidden plazas. It’s a quintessential Andalusian village, with a lively atmosphere, local shops, and cafes, offering a glimpse into the town’s rich history and culture.
Several ferias and fiestas are held in Almuñécar each year including Carnival de Almuñécar, Semana Santa, Fiestas Virgen del Carmen, and Patron Saint Virgen de Antigua.
Playa San Cristobal (4 minute walk) is a popular sand and rock beach in Almuñécar. It is located along a wide boulevard lined with palm trees and has plenty of facilities and services, including restaurants and bars. From the beach it is sometimes possible to see dolphins play in the distance.
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