Alcontar: Hiking, History and Landscape

Alcontar lies on the northern side of the Sierra de los Filabres and on the border with Granada province. The landscape combines dry hills, mountains and dry farmland with irrigated horticultural areas near the Río Almanzora. The Río Almanzora rises within the municipality.

Hiking: Routes and Landscapes

The PR-A 12 starts at Alcontar’s old washhouse and runs along the riverbed of the Río Sauco through various rural hamlets. The 20-kilometre circular route is rated moderate to difficult and is recommended for autumn, winter and spring. From the trail, you can see the ruins of the Molino de Las Mesas; it also leads to an abandoned chapel dedicated to the Virgen del Rosario. At 17.7 kilometres, the PR-A 358 is shorter, follows a linear route and is rated moderate. It is estimated to take around 5.5 hours, and the route can be walked year-round. The two options are therefore a longer circular route with a seasonal recommendation and a shorter linear trail with an estimated walking time.

The landscape views also differ. The PR-A 358 offers views of the Sierra de Baza and the Hijate plains from the Paraje de Los Rincones, and continues to the provincial border between Almería and Granada. From the PR-A 404, the view extends to the Sierra de Castril, the Valle del Almanzora, the Sierra de Baza and Calar Alto. Large, centuries-old holm oaks stand along the upper section. The Sierra de Baza is therefore a shared landmark in the views, while the other named sights vary by route.

The hiking trail from Alcontar to Hijate (PR-A 72) starts at the Plaza de la Constitución and leads to the houses of Los Blánquez. It reaches the Vía Verde; shortly before a high bridge, it leaves the greenway, after which the path leads to the Torre del Ramil.

History and Monuments

The Torre de los Moros–Torre del Ramil was built during the Nasrid period as a tower for monitoring, defence and warning neighbouring settlements. It is located within the municipality of Hijate and has been restored as a viewpoint. If you are planning a visit, check access in advance.

The parish church of Alcontar was built in 1820; inside is a particularly lifelike statue of Christ. Historical accounts link settlement in the 16th century with the knights of Don Juan de Austria. A poem passed down orally preserves the story of the town’s capture by the troops of Don Juan de Austria. These two references illustrate different forms of local history: a dated building and an orally transmitted story.

Culinary Traditions

Culinary traditions in Alcontar and Hijate include migas, fritá de conejo, gurullos, as well as fried rings, wine rings and aguardiente rings. In the area around Alcontar and Hijate, hornazos, quince paste, fig jam and mistela are also typical specialities.

Discover more destinations: Garrucha, Huesa, El Campillo De Rodalquilar, Cóbdar, Fernán Pérez, Velefique, Vélez-Rubio, Purchena.

Go to the main travel overview: Almeria.