Explore El Parador De Las Hortichuelas through three specific themes: the history of the colonisation village, the Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Asunción and the Parque Municipal de El Parador. When choosing your holiday rental, you can consider whether local history and architecture, a visit to the park or the fiestas should be the focus of your stay.
Colonisation history and village layout
Between 1954 and 1967, the Instituto Nacional de ColonizaciĂłn (INC) developed El Parador De Las Hortichuelas as a colonisation village. It is considered the first newly founded village built by the INC in the province of AlmerĂa. The first and most significant phase of development was organised around a square laid out at the junction of two streets. The period, institutional framework and layout of the square offer different ways to explore the village’s history: its development can be traced over more than a decade, while the square gives a spatial form to the first phase of development. Those interested in settlement history can therefore consider both the timeline and a specific element of the village layout.
The church and its distinctive bell tower
The present-day Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Asunción was built in 1965 to a design by Francisco Langle. Its nave is 23 metres high; the chancel surrounds the central space of the nave. The height and interior layout provide two specific starting points for viewing the architecture. Outside, the bell tower rises above the surrounding homes and buildings. It is regarded as a prominent landmark in the landscape and a characteristic feature of El Parador’s identity. For visitors interested in architecture, the church brings together structural details inside with a tower that also plays a recognisable role in the landscape. The year it was built, 1965, also falls within the period when the colonisation village was being developed.
Park areas for different interests
The Parque Municipal de El Parador offers a different perspective. It includes pedestrian and relaxation areas, innovative children’s play areas inspired by musical instruments, and a calisthenics area for outdoor exercise. Facilities also include a bandstand, a kiosk bar, drinking fountains and public toilets. These spaces cater to different interests: relaxing, playing and exercising. The park was opened to the public at its inauguration. The areas described offer a different emphasis from the village’s history and the church’s architecture, making the park a distinct subject to consider when planning a stay.
Fiestas and travel planning
The Fiestas del Parador de las Hortichuelas take place from 10 to 15 May in honour of San Isidro Labrador. The programme includes cultural, sporting and religious events. A municipal report from 2019 describes a traditional celebration on 15 May, with a Mass in honour of the patron saint at 20:00 and a procession with San Isidro from 20:45. If you are planning to travel specifically for the fiestas, note the dates and check the current programme before your trip.
The Roquebús route also makes it possible to visit the colonisation village of El Parador. Check whether it is currently operating before you travel. When planning your dates, it is worth keeping the two timing considerations separate: the fiestas are scheduled for 10 to 15 May, while the route’s current operation should be checked in advance. This way, the fiesta dates can shape your travel plans, while the route can be included only after you have checked its status.
More destinations
Discover more destinations: Agua Amarga, MarĂa, Beires, El Ejido, Costacabana, Las Hortichuelas, El Saltador Bajo, Arboleas.
For the broader travel overview: Almeria.
