Alcontar lies on the northern side of the Sierra de los Filabres, on the border with the province of Granada. In the landscape, arid hills, mountains and dry fields sit alongside irrigated horticultural land near the Río Almanzora; the river rises within the municipality. This offers several ways to plan your trip: trails through the surrounding area, riverside scenery and the town’s history. When choosing a hiking route, it is also worth taking a closer look at its length, course and seasonal recommendation.

Hiking Routes with Different Profiles

The PR-A 12 starts at the old washhouse in Alcóntar and follows the riverbed of the Río Sauco through various rural hamlets. The 2025 regional hiking guide describes it as a 20-kilometre circular route of moderate to high difficulty and recommends it for autumn, winter and spring. From the trail, you can see the ruins of the Molino de Las Mesas; it also leads to an abandoned chapel dedicated to the Virgen del Rosario. The riverbed, hamlets, mill ruins and chapel give this route a range of scenic and historical points of interest.

The hiking trail from Alcóntar to Hijate, PR-A 72, starts at Plaza de la Constitución and leads to the houses of Los Blánquez. The 2025 regional hiking guide also describes the rest of the route: the trail reaches the Vía Verde; after leaving it shortly before a high bridge, it leads to the Torre del Ramil. The route therefore connects with a specific historical destination, while its starting point is in the centre of Alcóntar.

Another option is the PR-A 358. The 2025 regional hiking guide gives its length as 17.7 kilometres, describes it as a linear route of moderate difficulty, and estimates it will take 5.5 hours; it also says the route can be walked year-round. It runs to the provincial border between Almería and Granada. At the Paraje de Los Rincones, it offers views of the Sierra de Baza and the plains of Hijate.

The two longer routes differ in more than their distance: the PR-A 12 is a circular route of moderate to high difficulty and is recommended for three seasons. The PR-A 358 is described as a linear route with an estimated walking time; it is also said to be accessible year-round. These differences can help you choose between the routes based on route format, timeframe and seasonal suitability, without applying one route’s details to the other.

Tower, Church and Local History

The Torre de los Moros–Torre del Ramil was built during the Nasrid period as a tower for surveillance and defence, and to warn neighbouring settlements. In the municipality of Hijate, it was restored as a viewpoint. Check access before visiting. The tower’s original purpose and its restored use as a viewpoint are two distinct chapters in its history.

The parish church of Alcontar also has a specific historical connection: it was built in 1820. Inside is a particularly lifelike depiction of Christ. Its construction date and interior provide a different focus from the military tower, adding church architecture and religious art to the picture of local history.

The historical tradition of Alcontar links its settlement in the 16th century with the knights of Don Juan de Austria. It also preserves an orally transmitted poem about the capture of the town by the troops of Don Juan de Austria. Alongside its surviving buildings, local history therefore includes an oral storytelling tradition.

Culinary Traditions of Alcontar and Hijate

Hijate is also worth considering for its food: traditions in Alcontar and Hijate include Migas, Fritá de conejo, Gurullos, fried rings, wine rings and rings made with Aguardiente. Other typical local specialities include Hornazos, quince paste, fig jam and Mistela. This regional selection adds another way to experience the area alongside its hiking trails and historic sites, without limiting your stay to a single theme.

Discover more destinations: San Isidro de Níjar, Albox, Cóbdar, Cuevas Del Almanzora, Suflí, Alcolea, Velefique, Balerma

For the main travel overview: Almeria.