Gorge Alhama de Granada

Alhama de Granada is an ancient spa town and the centre of a traditional farming community in the province of Granada in Andalucia in southern Spain. Home to around six thousand people, it nestles one thousand metres above sea level among rolling hills surrounded by olive groves and almond trees. It is perched on the edge of a stunning gorge which was cut into the landscape over millions of years by the Rio Alhama.

This is a slideshow of images of some of the brilliant bars and restaurants in Alhama.
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The pace of life in this rural town is sedate and peaceful, the people friendly and welcoming. The numerous bars serve delicious tapas, on a terrace in the summertime or by an open fire in the winter. The town square hosts a variety of buzzing terrace restaurants serving traditional Spanish fare. Eating in the Square is an unmissable part of visiting Alhama.

 

Hot Springs

The name Alhama is derived from the Arabic for hot springs, Al Hammam. The springs flow hot from the earth and merge with the fresh cool water of the Rio Alhama. They are still much used today, for their relaxing and healing properties.

The springs and the town’s strategic location between the city of Granada and the southern coast of Spain, made Alhama de Granada a key town during both the Roman and Moorish occupations. It was the fall of Alhama which ultimately paved the way for the reconquest of Spain by Ferdinand and Isabella Reyes, the Catholic Monarchs in the late fifteenth century, and the formation of a modern Spain.

 

Moorish Architecture in the Town Square at Alhama

 

That long history is apparent, in the Roman terracing of the olive groves, the Moorish influences in the architecture, and the fifteenth century church that dominates the town’s skyline.

Alhama, its gorge, and the surrounding countryside provide excellent locations for landscape photography. It also presents superb photo opportunities among the crumbling mills and spaghetti western-esque rock formations, the cobbled streets of the Arab quarter lined with traditional whitewashed houses, and the elegant nineteenth century town houses that surround the main square.

An Alhama Church
Maroma National Park

About Alhama

Thank you for a wonderful week and for being such a great host.  Not only have I learnt to use my camera to take some stunning photographs, but I’ve enjoyed exploring Alhama and the surrounding areas.  You’ve been a fabulous teacher and I look forward to learning more from you on my return to Alhama!

Sue Li

Alhama de Granada

Alhama from the Hill

 

Moorish Doorway