Discover El Ejido: Hotels and Historic Sites

Explore El Ejido through its archaeological heritage and varied coastal landscape. If you are looking for a hotel in El Ejido, you can plan your trip around the themes that interest you most: the region’s long history, the dunes and wetlands of Punta Entinas-Sabinar, or activities in Almerimar. The following places and activities each offer a different focus.

Archaeology and Roman history

The Yacimiento Arqueológico de Ciavieja is listed as an archaeological zone and an Asset of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural). This designation was established by an Andalusian decree in 2017. The archaeological sequence spans from the 5th century BC to the Roman period. It begins in the Chalcolithic, includes a substantial Neolithic substratum associated with the so-called Almería culture, and continues through the Argar culture to the Bronze Age. Evidence of the Roman city of Murgi also shows that it remained inhabited until the 4th century AD.

The Colección Arqueológica de El Ejido presents local history from the earliest known settlement, more than 5,000 years ago, to the end of the Roman period. The collection is arranged in two rooms covering prehistory and Roman times. Its exhibits include a Roman mosaic discovered by chance in 1984 at the archaeological site of Murgi. The collection thus combines a broad overview of the past with a specific find from the town’s history.

El Daymún is another testament to Roman times: the mausoleum dates from the 3rd to 4th century AD and contains 19 tombs discovered in 1987. It is designated an Asset of Cultural Interest in the Monument category and is considered one of the province’s finest examples of Roman funerary architecture. To put these historic sites in context, you can consider this structure alongside Ciavieja and the archaeological collection; each has a distinct focus, from a long sequence of settlement to a specific funerary building.

Buildings and coastal history

Castillo de Guardias Viejas was built in the 18th century. After being partially destroyed during the Spanish War of Independence, it was partly rebuilt in 1817. Its terrace offers a view of the coast. The castle also houses a permanent exhibition of historical uniforms and weapons. The site brings together architectural history, coastal views and the exhibition.

Torre Fortificada de Balerma also tells the story of coastal defence: it stands on the seafront promenade and was built in the mid-18th century to protect the former Kingdom of Granada. Its historical role differs from that of Castillo de Guardias Viejas, whose recorded history also includes its reconstruction in 1817. Visitors interested in military architecture will find two distinct historical contexts here.

Dunes, wetlands and trails

Punta Entinas-Sabinar stretches along 15 kilometres of coastline. The area includes dunes, salt flats, beaches and wetlands that provide a habitat for migratory birds such as flamingos. It contains one of the best-preserved dune ecosystems on the Iberian Peninsula. Playa Cerrillos de El Ejido is a secluded, undeveloped beach within the protected area, where seagrass meadows of the genus Posidonia can be found.

The Centro de Interpretación de Punta Entinas-Sabinar is located in Almerimar, on Calle Aguamarina at the corner with Avenida del Mar. It presents the area’s ecosystems, flora and fauna, cultural heritage, and Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows. Visiting the interpretation centre and exploring the landscape offer different experiences: the centre focuses on explaining these topics, while outdoors the coastal and wetland landscape takes centre stage.

The “Marismas de Punta Entinas” trail runs along the northern edge of the area and can be accessed from Almerimar. La Ruta del Agua offers another way to explore the surroundings: this well-marked trail is 11.5 kilometres long, rated as easy, and takes approximately four hours. Along the way, it explores the local history of water management through remnants from different periods, including cisterns and aqueducts. Allow about four hours for this route and check current trail conditions before setting out.

Activities and trip planning

In Almerimar, Club Náutico offers sailing courses for all ages and diving courses for different skill levels. Clisol Turismo Agrícola runs an interactive tour about protected agriculture in El Ejido, also for all ages. Club de Golf Almerimar has a 27-hole golf course, a golf school and practice facilities. As golf offerings may change, it is a good idea to check their current status before visiting.

The options vary considerably in subject and time commitment: La Ruta del Agua is described in specific terms as an 11.5-kilometre route taking approximately four hours, while the coastal trails, archaeological sites and activities in Almerimar offer different focuses. If you are looking for a hotel in El Ejido, first consider which of these interests you want to shape your trip.

Discover more destinations: Almerimar, Las Norias De Daza, Guazamara, Viator, El Campillo De Rodalquilar, Fuente Victoria, Suflí, Lubrín.

For the main travel overview: Almeria.