Beires combines access to the Sulayr Trail with local history that can be read in its church, bridge and castle. The landscape and historic sites give your stay different focal points.

Hiking the Sulayr Trail

From Beires, the AL-4402 road heads towards Ohanes. After 3.3 km, an uphill dirt track branches off towards the Sierra; after another 13.4 km, it joins the Sulayr Trail at Collado de los Huertecillos. Check road and trail conditions before setting out.

The Sulayr Trail is a 300 km circular hiking route around the entire Sierra Nevada massif. The section accessible from Beires offers views from the peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the sea on the horizon, and passes through areas of pine and holm oak woodland. This section therefore features both sweeping long-distance views and forest scenery.

The ravine, neighbourhoods and views

The Barranco del Nacimiento is a key landmark in the town: it separates Zambrón, to the east, from Beires, to the west. Shrubs, fruit trees, poplars and laurel trees grow mainly along the ravine. From the church square on the western edge of town, the panoramic view stretches from the Sierra de Gádor to Cabo de Gata.

These views and the vegetation along the ravine reveal two distinct aspects of the landscape around Beires. Those interested in local history will also find buildings associated with clearly defined historical periods; the church, stone bridge and castle each tell a different part of the story.

Church, bridge and castle

Between 1676 and 1679, Beires Church was built under the direction of Pedro de Cerezuela, replacing the earlier church. The stone bridge in the Barranco del Nacimiento was built later, between 1682 and 1715. This sequence links two buildings to the townscape without conflating their different functions.

Only the remains of Beires Castle survive. It was protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural in the Monument category and received special recognition from the Junta de Andalucía in 1993. The castle site is on a south-facing, plateau-like hill; from there, the view extends across the nearby Alquerías of Beires, Almócita and Padules.

The castle once guarded the historic route linking the Middle Alpujarra, Alto Andarax and Valle del Nacimiento. As a natural route between Almería and Granada, it passed through Laujar, Beires, Ohanes, Tices, Puerto de Santillana and Abla. In harsh winters, it was the only passable route. The castle therefore evokes not only local history, but also an earlier route through the region.

Recreation areas and local traditions

Before reaching Beires, a track branches off to the right towards the Fuente de Nacimiento recreation area. It is considered a place to cool off or rest; check local conditions before you arrive. La Pileta developed from a water basin that initially collected water for some of the town's irrigators into a recreation area. The basin is fed by water flowing out of a small mine tunnel. If you plan to swim at La Pileta, check the conditions locally.

The festivals also offer a glimpse of local traditions: the popular festivities in honour of the patron saint San Roque are celebrated on the weekend closest to 16 August. Confirm the dates for your travel year. The XII. Velada Minera commemorates Beires's intensive mining past and conveys the associated historical and cultural heritage.

Discover more destinations: Velefique, Albox, El Cortijo Grande, Pulpí, Tabernas, Vélez-Rubio, Laroya, Sorbas

Return to the regional travel overview: Almeria.