Best attractions and places to see around Somontín, a village nestled in the Sierra de las Estancias in Almería province, Spain, offers a blend of historical charm, cultural sites, and natural landscapes. Known as the "Balcony of the Almanzora," it provides expansive views over the Almanzora Valley. The region features preserved historical landmarks and natural areas ideal for rural tourism and walking routes.
Last updated: May 21, 2026
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The shortest beautiful gorge in the world
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The towns of Fines and Olula del Río are an encounter with the culture of marble; figures and pieces of marble with inscriptions and inspiring phrases appear on the old railroad track. In Olula there is the famous giant head of a woman, on the other side of the road, you have to be careful not to pass it by. And nearby is the town of Macael for those interested in visiting the “white gold” quarries of the Almanzora Valley. Purchena is far from the road, it is a town with an Andalusian feel, with narrow streets with whitewashed facades at the foot of the remains of an old Muslim fortress from the Nasrid era. The railway continues to trace the slopes of the valley and cross seasonal boulevards over imposing stone bridges to the Tíjola station, which preserves a train engine from the glorious era of the mining railway and the railway buildings. The station is a bar with food service and a terrace on one of the platforms. In Los Canos there are remains of the old iron ore loading dock. The carts arrived loaded with material by aerial cables from the mining sites and by simple gravity they filled the train cars that were in the tunnels located under the loading dock.
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One of the places that most impresses those who take a walk through the Almanzora Valley in the north of Almería, is El Estrecho located in the municipality of Urrácal. This narrow gorge is located on the Salada Rambla at the foot of the El Castillico hill. For decades it has not been possible to pass due to the large amount of vegetation that was on the boulevard. In the past, with the flooding of the riverbed, it was cleaned naturally, but the construction of dams to prevent large avenues and floods has caused, over the years, a large number of oleanders, tamarisks, blackberries and false reeds to appear. They prevented access. Thanks to the cleaning work that has been carried out, today we can enjoy a walk that surprises us with its particular geological formations of great beauty. The passage of water, which will accompany us along the route of this gorge, and the action of the wind, have shaped these spectacular geological formations for years, and its walls reach several meters high. It consists of two separate formations whose length reaches around half a kilometer where our senses will begin to enjoy the spectacle that this environment offers. A natural wonder worth exploring! 🌿🏞️
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Lúcar is a Spanish town and municipality located in the northwestern part of the Valle del Almanzora region, in the province of Almería. It borders with the Almeria municipalities of Tíjola, Armuña de Almanzora, Purchena, Somontín and Oria, and with the Granada municipality of Cúllar. The municipality is located at an altitude of 912 meters. The name Lúcar comes from the Latin “lucus”, which means jungle1. 🌿🏞️
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The old Tíjola train station is now disused, and the train track layout is now part of the Almanzor Valley greenway. You can still see one of the diesel locomotives that passed through this station, now converted into a bar and restaurant.
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The complex has interesting artifacts still in place. The station is a restaurant.
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Lúcar is a town in the Sierra de la Almanzora. Walking through its streets you will find a beautiful Mudejar church with baroque additions and a marble column known as "La Santa". On the outskirts of town there is a viewpoint from which you have a great view of the entire town.
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It is a pity that this station, which was once one of the most important on the line, has not been maintained and restored. Even so, pedaling through here evokes the importance that the railway once had in the entire area.
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Somontín is rich in history. You can visit the 16th-century Iglesia de Santa María, which houses valuable images that survived the Spanish Civil War. The Lavadero Público offers a glimpse into past social life, and the Plaza de la Constitución features arcades from the Moorish period. Don't miss the 18th-century shield of the Holy Inquisition on a house façade on Church Street, or the Roman-era archaeological remains at Cortijo de Carrillo.
For magnificent panoramic views, head to the Balcón del Almanzora, also known as Pretil. This viewpoint offers expansive vistas across the entire Almanzora Valley, stretching from Cantoria to Lúcar, showcasing various villages, marble quarries, and fertile landscapes.
Yes, the Fuente de San Sebastián is a unique mountain water fountain known for its peculiar phenomenon: its water is cold in summer and warm in winter. It highlights the historical importance of water sources in the region. Additionally, the nearby El Estrecho de Urrácal is a narrow gorge with spectacular geological formations shaped by water and wind.
The Sierra de las Estancias, where Somontín is located, is ideal for rural tourism and hiking. You can find various tranquil walks and more challenging routes. For specific outdoor activities, you can explore running trails, road cycling routes, and MTB trails in the surrounding area.
While specific seasonal advice isn't provided, the region's natural environment in the Sierra de las Estancias suggests that spring and autumn would be ideal for hiking and outdoor activities, offering pleasant temperatures for exploration.
Yes, the Old Tíjola train Station is considered family-friendly. It's now part of the Almanzora Valley greenway, and one of the old diesel locomotives has been converted into a bar and restaurant, offering an interesting stop for all ages. The Aqueduct near Purchena is also a family-friendly historical site along the Vía Verde.
The Old Tíjola train Station is a historical site where the disused train tracks are now part of the Almanzora Valley greenway. You can see one of the old diesel locomotives, which has been converted into a bar and restaurant, and explore the complex with its interesting artifacts still in place.
The Aqueduct near Purchena is a man-made monument and historical site. It marks the approach to the old Purchena station along the Vía Verde, offering a glimpse into the region's railway history and serving as a notable landmark for those traveling the greenway.
Lúcar Village is a charming settlement in the Sierra de la Almanzora. Walking through its streets, you'll discover a beautiful Mudejar church with baroque additions and a marble column known as "La Santa." There's also a viewpoint on the outskirts offering great views of the entire town.
Beyond the Old Tíjola train Station, you can also visit the Fines-Olula Station. Although not maintained, this former important railway station evokes the historical significance of the railway in the entire Almanzora Valley area.
In the broader Almanzora Valley region, you can find the Museo Casa Ibanez in Olula del Río. The town of Macael is known for its marble industry, featuring The World's Largest Mortar, the Fuente de los Leones, and a Marble Interpretation Center.
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical sites, natural beauty, and charming settlements. The area offers a variety of attractions to explore, from ancient landmarks like the Roman-era remains at Cortijo de Carrillo to scenic viewpoints like the Balcón del Almanzora, and unique natural features such as the Fuente de San Sebastián.


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