Do you want to enjoy the most traditional part of Almería? If the answer is yes, the hamlet of Pozo de los Frailes could be a magical spot in which to spend a peaceful holiday, and very close to the main points of interest in the Andalusian province.
It belongs to the municipality of Níjar. Its small population makes it a perfect holiday destination for those who want to enjoy the silence and good views, taking advantage of its proximity to the coast.
But why is it called Pozo de los Frailes? The origin of the hamlet lies in an area where a community of Dominican friars (“frailes”) from Almería settled, who built a well (“pozo”) in the centre of the village for their own water supply.
This well was the starting point of one of the historical economic engines for the area: agriculture and livestock, as well as the collection of palm and esparto grass. Although nowadays these activities have been declining, the development of tourism is now one of the basic pillars for Pozo de los Frailes, which has less than 500 inhabitants during most of the year, multiplying in the summer season thanks to the arrival of thousands of tourists and second homeowners. This has led to the development of numerous tourist and holiday accommodations.
The town is extended over both sides of the Rambla de los Frailes, with the area on the right being the oldest, where you can see the typical Mediterranean architecture and where you can find the church and the square, a meeting place for the locals.
Also on this right-hand side is one of the hamlet’s emblems: the waterwheel of Pozo de los Frailes, also known as the “Noria de Sangre”. A visit not to be missed, it dates back to the beginning of the 19th century and was in operation until 1983. Next to the waterwheel, you can also visit the old washing place.
On the other side of the Rambla is the more modern part, where you will find the largest number of rural houses and accommodation where you can relax and recharge your batteries after a day's sightseeing in Pozo de los Frailes.
Despite its small population and size, Pozo de los Frailes has managed to preserve its traditions, with its deep-rooted festivities.
Its main festival is held in June in honour of the Virgen del Carmen, a three-day event where all the locals and tourists come together to enjoy performances, processions and typical gastronomy. Other important festivities are those celebrated at Christmas, with an eye-catching living nativity scene in which the inhabitants also take part, and the Cruces de Mayo (May Crosses), whose epicentre is the church square where a popular meal of sardines, a pasta dish named gurullos and migas (fried breadcrumbs) is held.
As you can see, to visit the hamlet of Pozo de los Frailes is to discover one of the treasures of the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park.
