Discover El Hijate

El Hijate lies on the left bank of the Almanzora River, in the border area between the provinces of Almería and Granada. The Sierra de los Filabres is nearby. Heritage, history, cycling and hiking routes, festivals, and food offer a range of starting points for planning your trip. It is worth distinguishing between the history of the town and that of the valley: the town dates back to the late 19th century, while the area in the Almanzora Valley had already been inhabited since the 16th century.

Heritage and history

Hijate’s heritage includes the Church of San Antonio de Padua and the Ermita de la Virgen de la Inmaculada Concepción. Together, these two religious buildings offer tangible points of interest for the cultural side of a stay. The Torre del Ramil represents a different historical function: it was built during the Nasrid period as part of a defensive signal system and is classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural. The tower thus links a clearly identified period of construction with its heritage designation. The exterior of the Torre del Ramil can currently be visited; check local visiting conditions before your trip.

Cycling near El Hijate

For cycling, the Camino Natural Vía Verde Guadix-Almendricos offers a specific point of reference. The route starts 400 meters from the former Hijate railway station. The section near El Hijate is also suitable for less experienced cyclists. From the starting point at El Hijate, there are views of the Sierra de los Filabres; there are also cycling routes in the surrounding area. Trip planning can therefore draw on both a specifically named route and the general cycling opportunities nearby.

Hiking between Hijate and Alcóntar

A linear hiking trail has Hijate and Alcóntar as its start and end points. It is 17.7 kilometers long, moderately difficult, and open year-round. The route follows the border between the provinces of Almería and Granada and the northern slope of the Sierra de los Filabres. Its length and difficulty provide a concrete framework for planning a hike. Compared with the cycling section near El Hijate, the points of reference are different here: the hike has a stated distance and moderate difficulty level, while the cycling section is described as suitable even for less experienced riders. This lets you weigh the different activities according to your interests.

Festivals and culinary traditions

Hijate’s patron saint festival takes place on June 13 in honor of San Antonio de Padua. If you would like to plan your trip around this date, check the latest program in advance. Culinary traditions also offer specific local points of reference: sausages made in Hijate include chorizo, longaniza, blanquillo, and salchichón. Gastronomic traditions in Alcóntar and Hijate also include migas, fritá de conejo, gurullos, fried roscos, roscos de vino, and aguardiente. The sausages are specific to Hijate; the listed dishes and drinks are traditions shared by both places.

Discover more destinations: Huércal-Overa, Bedar, Aguadulce, Fondón, Los Gallardos, Lubrín, Cóbdar, Suflí

For the broader travel overview: Almeria.