Bédar: Discover mining history and trails

Visitors to Bédar can explore the town through several clearly distinct themes: its industrial mining history, historic buildings, the irrigated Vega, and events throughout the year. When planning your trip, the main consideration is which of these aspects you would like to focus on; trails, viewpoints, and festival dates each offer a different perspective.

Mining history on the Ruta de la Minería

The Ruta de la Minería passes former mines, runs by smelting-furnace chimneys, and crosses landscapes associated with Bédar’s industrial mining history. Access to some structures may be limited. Hoyo Júpiter is an open-pit mine and one of the route’s highlights. Cargadero Tres Amigos is also part of this theme: it is the starting point of the Ruta de la Minería and was once the starting point of the railway toward Garrucha. The route thus brings together traces of mining and a place also connected to the former railway link.

The Vega, viewpoints, and local history

The Ruta del Agua de Bédar offers a different focus. This short, family-friendly trail passes through the irrigated Vega, whose lush vegetation is sustained by water reservoirs and irrigation channels. Unlike the Ruta de la Minería, its emphasis is on the irrigated landscape rather than the industrial past. Fuente Temprana is next to the historic washhouse. For many years, it served as a water supply point and meeting place. If the current water situation is important for your visit, ask locally.

Plaza de San Gregorio is also known as Plaza del Minero and Balcón del Levante. As a viewpoint, it offers views over large parts of the Levante Almeriense. A monument in the square commemorates Bédar’s miners; it was inaugurated in 2005. Here, a viewpoint and a reminder of mining history come together in one place.

Ermita de Serena was originally built as a mosque. After Bédar was conquered by the Christians, it was repurposed as a chapel for Christian worship. Castillo El Castillico is associated with medieval Arab military activity. The two sites point to different historical contexts: the later reuse of a religious building and military activity in the Middle Ages.

Festivals and dates throughout the year

The Fiesta de la Virgen de la Cabeza honors the municipality’s patron saint and includes a reenactment of the battle between Moors and Christians. There is music over the festival weekend, and residents wear traditional costumes. The May celebrations in honor of San Gregorio include the blessing and distribution of traditional roscos. If a festival is the reason for your trip, check the dates before you travel.

The Ruta de los Sentidos is also an annual event in Bédar. It usually takes place on the second weekend in August. The program includes guided groups, several stops, and surprise performances that change each year. The usual timing is a guide; check the dates for your travel year if you are planning to attend. The possible areas of focus are therefore quite distinct: mining history, the vegetation of the Vega, and cultural events each offer a different perspective on a stay.

Discover more destinations

Agua Amarga, Oria, San Isidro de Níjar, Adra, Llano de Los Olleres, Huesa, Turre, Carboneras

For the main travel overview: Almeria.