Zurgena, La Alfoquia and Surrounding Area

The Real Andalucia

The pretty inland village of Zurgena is a municipality of Almería province, in the autonomous community of Andalucia, Spain.
It's a traditional Spanish village where the general hussle and bussle of village life is centered around the village square and it's 4 bars which all serve food and tapas long into the evening.
Other facilities include supermarkets, pharmacy, banks, stores, kiddies' play park and a sports barn.
Zurgena's large open air municipal swimming pool and a bowling green are just a short drive or stroll away and the surrounding landscape creates a cyclists and walkers paradise.
Zurgena hosts one of the best festivals in the area and for one week in August the village comes alive with the arrival of international entertainers and a fun fair with rides for all ages. Many other events also take place throughout the year including moto cross and car rallying.
Market day in Zurgena is Friday where you will find several interesting items including fresh fish, meat and vegetables as well as clothing and other stalls.
During the 15th century Zurgena and it's close neighbour La Alfoquia were fought over by the Moors and Christians on several occasions before the armies of the Christian Kings won the day. Unfortunately a lot of Zurgena history was lost when the Survey and Population books were misplaced some years ago.
The Parish Church of San Ramon Nonato is one of the most notable places to visit. Built in 1558 to 1570, the fabulous Mudejar woodwork still survives. Other highlights include the clock tower built in 1882 and used as a checkpoint during the civil war, the restored old railway station area originally constructed in 1892 and Ermita Del Calvario, a chapel dating back to the 19th century and built on a mound where according to tradition, the Virgin appeared to a shepherd.
The village is located in the Almanzora valley close to the towns of Albox and Huercal-Overa. It's a 35 minute drive to the white washed hillside village of Mojacar Pueblo and Playa and a 30 minute drive to the tourist and beach resorts of Vera Playa and Garrucha. It's also a 1 hour 15 minute drive to Almeria City.
The beautiful city of Granada with its breathtaking Alhambra Palace and the winter skiing resorts of the Sierra Nevada are also within easy reach.
Being also situated very close to the E15 motorway allows easy and safe access to the Spanish airports of Almeria, Region De Murcia (Corvera), Alicante and Granada.
The golf courses of Dessert Springs, Valle del Este golf, Aguilon golf and Marina golf are all nearby.
If you are looking for a taste of real Spanish living that is only a short drive from more familiar holiday destinations then Zurgena's friendly and tranquil atmosphere perfectly fits the bill.

La Alfoquia

The Almanzora River separates Zurgena from the neighboring village of La Alfoquia which lies on the other side of a road bridge just over one kilometre away. If you want to extend your shopping trip, La Alfoquia has more shops for you to browse and in addition to the usual banks and businesses it also has bakeries, butchers, a tobacconist and a petrol station. In addition to the municipal swimming pool and bowling green La Alfoquia also has a number of bars and restaurants where you can find great typically local cuisine, an Indian restaurant and even an English run fish and chip shop where traditional fish and chips can be eaten in or taken away.
A small number of Brits have settled in the area which is served by an English-speaking pharmacy and doctors.
La Alfoquia festival take place in June and this is also a lively affair with celebrations continuing throughout the night.