Situated
in the province of Almeria and easily accessible from an excellent
motorway network, Garrucha is a delightful traditional Spanish
fishing town. Justifiably famous for its fabulous sea food restaurants
and in particular the quantity and quality of its large red prawns.
Every evening you can watch the boats come in and barter alongside
the restaurant owners in the atmospheric quayside market for the
catch of the day.
The
wonderful golden sandy beaches that stretch into the distance
as far as the eye can see, offer a picture perfect spot to sunbathe,
enjoy a range of water sports or take a leisurely walk. Indeed
the beach opposite the town centre is the only blue flag town
beach in Europe. For the sailing enthusiasts Garrucha boasts a
220 berth yacht marina.
Garrucha
was founded in the 16th Century by a group of fishermen, who banded
together and fearing attack from pirates constructed a tower the
Torre de la Garrucha, as a means of warning and protection. Other
buildings of interest include the parish church of San Joaquin
and the hermitage de la virgin Carmen, the patron saint of Garrucha.
Evenings
and Sundays see the local residents taking the air along the beautiful
landscaped promenade, a peaceful oasis that is dotted with childrens
play areas and benches under the palm trees to relax and watch
the world stroll by. It runs the length of the town for some 2km
and takes in all three of Garrucha ports, the sports port, fishing
and commercial ports.
Every
Friday sees Garrucha come alive with vibrant noise and colour
as large sections of the town centre are taken over by the weekly
market. Garrucha also has numerous captivating fiestas and holidays
, la Noche de San Juan on the 23rd of June where the Spanish wait
on the beaches until midnight before they take the first swim
of the year at the stroke of twelve. Or the Three Kings on the
6th of January where the Three Wise Men arrive by boat to great
crowds of cheering children and lead a wonderful procession through
the streets.
The
charm of Garrucha lies in its atmosphere of having been unspoilt
by tourism. This is a largely Spanish speaking town, a fact in
its self unusual these days along the Spanish coast. With its
strong fishing traditions and natural beauty Garrucha presents
an opportunity for those wishing to re locate and experience a
more traditional Spanish culture.
