Gorge walk at Alhama de Granada
Updated 2021
Alhama de Granada
just over 6000 inhabitants, situated in Granada Province is a pretty, ancient spa town located 53 kilometers from Granada, and the distance to the Mediterranean coast, Torre del Mar, just over 48 kilometers.
The picturesque location of Alhama balanced alarmingly at the top of a ravine from where the Rio Alham carves through the countrysides rolling hills. The towns name is originated from the thermal baths, which are called Al-Hammah in Arabic.
The altitude of Alhama de Granada is closed to 900 m. Generally, hot summers and cold winters. Alhama is surrounded by the Sierras Natural Park of Tejada, Almijara, and Alhama,
whose peaks make the natural border between the provinces of Malaga and Granada and where the high peak, Maroma (2,065 meters) offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean coast and even the coast of Africa on clear, sunny days.
Alhama a popular stopover by hikers, mountaineers, and cyclists.
Tajos gorge (Alhama Gorge) Its a more pleasant walk than demanding one. Man made wide path.
Tajos gorge walk
start in Alhama de Granada from behind the Church Nuestra Señora del Carmen, follow the Mazmorras de Alhama, stop and enjoy the view over the gorge.
Steep downhill takes you into the gorge. Pass the remains of an old flour mill. The gorge is alledegly 50m deep in places. After a while you pass a shrine, small chapel in the cliff.
“ The shrine it’s said to be built by a Christian knight who, whilst riding at night, accidentally fell with his horse around 50m to the base of the gorge. He prayed, and was spared death, building the chapel as a result”.
At the finish of the walk, a lake Presa del rio de Alhama and two great and popular restaurants, very busy over weekends. Reservation recommended.
Opposite the lake the well known establishment El Ventorro, a great place to stay overnight in their rural setting with some cave accommodation or just stop for a drink and a good meal.
Asador El Pato Loco (the Crazy Duck!) facebook page. is located next door to El Ventorro and has a swimming pool and more outside space.
Alhama de Granada
Balneario de Alhama de Granada
Just outside Alhama along the road A402 towards Granada, turn left just before the bridge, the slightly narrow road will take you to the Balneario de Alhama de Granada
The therapeutic, thermal springs at the Alhama´s Balneario nestling in a poplar grove lining down the banks of the river (also known as Merchan), here you will find the popular hot springs.
Brief history
Since the late ninth century the name Alhama, (in Arabic means "hot spring"). Already the Alhama inhabitants from the late ninth century settled down on the hillside overlooking the cliffs of the river.
During the Moorish time, Alhama experienced a significant commercial, economic era under the Kingdom of Granada.
After the Spanish Conquest, in 1482, considerable architectural changes begin to happen in Alhama.
Mosques are being replaced by churches, the ancient souks, give way to open spaces, new buildings built on the structure of older ones.
The dreadful earthquake in 1884
destroyed most of the city and a large geographical area with over 100 villages affected in Andalucia.
The total number of casualties for the 1884 earthquake is estimated at 745 dead and 1475 wounded.
Damage to buildings extended to 4399 houses totally destroyed and 6316 partially damaged.
