Taking a trip to Almería and not getting to know the town of Nijar could be considered a sin. This population appears in all the lists of places that you cannot miss for any reason. It's a corner sheltered by the Sierra Alhamilla, where you will enjoy the tranquillity and rural tourism.
Níjar is part of the list of the Beautiful Towns of Spain since its contrast with the nature that surrounds it, plus the clarity of its houses only adorned with flowers, make this corner a jewel that deserves to be discovered. It is next to the Natural Park of Cabo de Gata-Níjar.
Once we step into Níjar, we become aware of a marked and conscious Moorish past that is still present in elements such as the distribution of its network or part of its economic activity.
Among its activities most linked to this Arab past, we undoubtedly highlight the artisan factories of its colourful jarapas. They are mixed leftover fabrics that result in rugs or blankets, among other elements and which you can see first-hand in any of its stores. In addition, if you travel to Nijar, you can take some ceramic objects as a souvenir, taking advantage of the sandy terrain provided by the surroundings, which are painted in very cheerful tones, making pottery another attraction for tourists.
Did you know that Níjar is one of the largest towns in the country? Its people and visitors are witnesses of its vast cultural heritage in which some corners are distributed, such as the castles of Huebro or San Pedro, the Torre de Los Lobos or the Aljibe Bermejo among many others, without forgetting the Noria and the Lavadero del Pozo de Los Frailes.
Focusing on the Villa de Níjar and taking a walk through those original alleys, we discover the Mudejar church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación and, we realize that silence and tranquillity are two of its pillars. An ideal place for those looking to disconnect. In addition, the good weather that you find most of the year make it a tourist attraction despite not having a beach.
Not listening to the sea waves is not a negative point since it has many unique places. Do you want to know them?
In the first place, we mention the Butterfly Garden of Níjar. We assume that butterflies abound in this area due to its natural condition. In the Butterfly Park, you'll be able to see very closely around 300 butterflies that are divided into three different species.
Another singularity of Níjar is the Cáctus Níjar Nursery, an authentic natural amusement park where you will discover in a pleasant walk, many plants of this species, typical of desert landscapes like the one in this town.
But you will not be a Najarian until you know and taste its gastronomy, in which you will find many times, reminiscences of its Muslim past. The gurullos have inherited a pasta that is dried and is accompanied by a broth, made with red peppers and meats. You can also taste the rags, talvinas and crumbs.
Meat is the main plate in their kitchen, as is fish, accompanied by paprika or collard greens, which are local products. And for those with a sweet tooth, wine and anise doughnuts and fried milk will be the perfect culmination of your trip to Nijar.
