Villaricos brings together archaeological remains, coastal scenery and traces of its mining past. This mix is a useful starting point when choosing a holiday apartment: you can focus on the history of the ancient city of Baria, compare the different beaches, or explore the harbour and the industrial past. Each theme offers a different way to discover the town, without requiring you to follow a set itinerary.

Baria and the Castillo de Villaricos

The Enclave Arqueológico de Villaricos in Cuevas del Almanzora (Almería) preserves the remains of the ancient Phoenician city of Baria. The necropolis is the main focus of the area open to visitors: it includes monumental hypogeum tombs from the Phoenician-Punic period. Anyone interested in early settlement history and burial practices will find a specific archaeological focus here.

The restored Castillo de Villaricos offers a different way to explore the past. It has been transformed into a museum space with updated content, interactive reconstructions and immersive visual displays. The interpretation centre also explains the development of coastal fortifications. Today, the Castillo also serves as a viewpoint, with information panels and digital resources. Check which facilities are currently open to visitors before your visit.

Beaches and activities by the water

Playa de Villaricos stretches to the mouth of the Almanzora River and includes Cala de la Esperanza, Cala Verde and Villaricos, also known as Cala de la Luz Eléctrica. For a comparison, it is worth looking at the descriptions of each beach: Cala Verde is a small beach within the town, with dark pebbles and calm water, sheltered by natural rocks and reefs. There are opportunities for snorkelling there.

Cala de las Conchas has a different character: this natural refuge is described as having crystal-clear water and fine sand, and is surrounded by the striking cliffs of the Sierra Almagrera. Snorkelling and diving are also possible here. If you are choosing between the two coves, their features can help guide you: Cala Verde is known for its dark pebbles and calm water, while Cala de las Conchas also offers fine sand and a backdrop of cliffs. Both are mentioned for snorkelling; diving is also listed for Cala de las Conchas.

Harbour and traces of mining

Puerto de Villaricos has 70 berths for boats between 5 and 12 metres long. Boat hire is available. Check the information before taking part in boating activities, and confirm the availability of rentals before your trip.

The Las Herrerías–Villaricos mining railway operated from April 1897 to 1958. It transported ore from the mining areas to the loading point on Villaricos beach. This period shows that the railway belongs to the town’s past; it is not a form of transport today. Other traces of industrial history include the Fundiciones de la Costa de Villaricos: their ruins include former coastal foundries with ore-washing facilities. They are associated with the smelting of ore from the Sierra Almagrera. The railway and the foundries offer different starting points for exploring the extraction, transport and processing of ore.

Your options for a stay therefore range from the archaeological necropolis and coastal fortifications to the beach and harbour. Which of these themes you prioritise can guide your choice of accommodation and how you spend your time in Villaricos.

Discover more destinations: El Pilar, Alcolea, Suflí, Beires, Canjáyar, El Ejido, Láujar De Andarax, Terque.

For the broader travel overview: Almeria.