Mining history, religious heritage, and a water-rich landscape give Bédar a range of themes to explore. When choosing accommodation for your stay, you can start by considering what you would like to discover: the Ruta de la Minería and the Ruta del Agua each have their own focus, alongside historic sites and festival traditions. This allows you to plan your trip around culture, landscape, or a particular event.
Mining history along the Ruta de la Minería
The Ruta de la Minería passes former mines, goes by smelter chimneys, and crosses landscapes connected with Bédar’s industrial mining history. It starts at the Cargadero Tres Amigos. The railway to Garrucha also used to begin there. This means two different historical associations come together at this site: today’s starting point for the route and its former role as the railway’s terminus.
One of the route’s highlights is Hoyo Júpiter, an open-pit mine. Together with the former mines and smelter chimneys, it brings the industrial character of this excursion into focus. Access to some structures may be restricted. If you are particularly interested in mining history, the route offers a practical way to explore these different traces in context.
Squares and historic traces in the town
Plaza de San Gregorio is also known as Plaza del Minero. The monument there honours Bédar’s miners and was inaugurated in 2005. The square is also a viewpoint, known as the Balcón del Levante: from here, you can see much of the Levante Almeriense. The square thus combines a tribute to the miners with a sweeping view across the region.
Further historical connections can be found at the Ermita de Serena and Castillo El Castillico. The Ermita was originally built as a mosque and repurposed as a chapel for Christian worship after Bédar was conquered by Christians. Castillo El Castillico is associated with medieval Arab military activity. The two sites offer different perspectives on Bédar’s history without needing to be combined into a single historical narrative.
Water landscapes and local history
The Ruta del Agua de Bédar passes through the town’s irrigated Vega. It is described as a short, family-friendly trail. Water basins and irrigation channels sustain the lush vegetation of this landscape. This gives the route a very different focus from the mining history: here, the irrigation system and the Vega it has shaped take centre stage. Including both trails in your trip lets you discover two different sides of the surrounding area.
The history of water also includes Fuente Temprana, next to the historic washhouse. For many years, the spring served as a water supply point and meeting place. If you are relying on its water today, check the situation on site. Its historical significance is a separate matter: it reflects the site’s former role in water supply and social life.
Festivals and local traditions
The Fiesta de la Virgen de la Cabeza honours the municipality’s patron saint. The festival includes a reenactment of the battle between Moors and Christians; there is music over the festival weekend, and residents wear traditional costumes. Check the dates before your trip if you would like to plan your stay around the festival. This ensures your plans are based on the actual festival dates.
Another tradition is associated with San Gregorio in May: traditional roscos are blessed and distributed during the celebrations. This is a different festive highlight from the Fiesta de la Virgen de la Cabeza. La Ruta de los Sentidos is also held regularly, usually on the second weekend of August. Guided groups visit several stops, and the surprise performances change each year. Check the dates for the relevant year if this event is important to your travel plans.
Discover more destinations: Las Hortichuelas, Líjar, Fondón, Abrucena, Taberno, Los Escullos, Las Norias, Carboneras.
For the broader travel overview: Almeria.
