Almeria province has resigned itself to being known as a clichéd arid land. However, some of the towns and villages in the province seriously call this into question. This is certainly the case for Huebro, a pretty village that is also a haven of peace and quiet, set to the soundtrack of constant running water.
Huebro, in Almeria province, is five kilometres from Níjar and 40 kilometres from the city of Almeria, very close to Cabo de Gata. A lovely village of whitewashed houses, it is surrounded by a fertile valley dotted with orchards. Here you can relive the village’s Arab past by means of its irrigation ditches, which were home to up to 28 grain windmills overlooking the Mediterranean.
Strolling around the old town and the area around Huebro is well worthwhile, since they are replete with a host of beautiful places and paths, where you are sure to come across abundant water. One of the most unique is known as the Manantial de la Zanja (the Spring of the Ditch), since water from it was used to irrigate the orchards across the whole valley.
Incidentally, in the mid-twentieth century Huebro’s population grew rapidly due to mining in the area. Today, however, it only has 27 registered inhabitants, one of the reasons for the area’s peace and quiet and solitude.
Huebro old town
Huebro is a district of Níjar and a highly attractive destination for a holiday in the province of Almeria. The urban centre is structured around a series of narrow alleyways, simple whitewashed houses and a Mudejar-style church dating from 1690 with the sound of water always taking centre stage. Over the years Huebro old town has taken on the legacy and culture of the people who once inhabited it. Therefore, a good walk through its streets is essential to soak up its peace and harmony.
What’s more, the views of the surrounding area from Huebro are very special. From the village you can make out the fields of Níjar, to which the Cervantes Prize-winning author Juan Goytisolo paid homage; the Huebro valley and even Cabo de Gata and the Mediterranean Sea. Be sure to visit the village square, where the church is located, and head to the viewing point and the Huebro pool, where locals take a dip on the hottest summer days. You can even visit the ruins of the old castle in the area surrounding the village.
Huebro valley
The Huebro valley is a highly recommended experience. Not only does it allow you to understand the past of this delightful town in Almeria, but it offers you the chance to explore its old windmills where grains were milled and the ditches that irrigated the surroundings orchards. The area is part of the so-called Water Route, which is dotted with lemon, orange, almond and olive trees. As you walk, enjoy listening to the soothing sound of the water flowing through the irrigation channels.
Hiking routes through Huebro
If you like walking through idyllic natural areas, you will no doubt enjoy hiking along the Water Route, an easy circular trail that is approximately nine kilometres long, starting in Níjar. The route is a great option if you want to unwind from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in nature.
Where to eat in Huebro
In addition to history and scenery, Huebro, in Almeria province, offers a wealth of possibilities for foodies. The Níjar area and Cabo de Gata are famous for their delicious “peasant food” made using local produce. Examples include gurullos, a dish of Arab heritage made with rabbit or partridge meat; andrajos, which consists of breadcrumbs in a dark broth and talvinas.
The restaurant Casa Enriqueta, in Huebro, comes highly recommended for its simplicity and charm. Make sure you book in advance at this rural establishment with no menu as it is very small and you may not be able to find a table. When booking, take the opportunity to choose your meal, as options include garlic rabbit, beef and tomato stew, migas, a traditional dish made from fried breadcrumbs, or cold cuts made by the Enriqueta family. Another option is Bistró La Plaza, where you can enjoy a delicious pizza or a simple dish.
