Parque de las Almadrabillas

## Introduction

Located at the intersection of Almería’s historic city centre and its working port, Parque de las Almadrabillas is a testament to the city’s industrial heritage and its Mediterranean identity. The park occupies the site of a former tuna fishing ground—the *almadrabilla*—but today it serves as an expansive open-air museum and recreational space. Its skyline is dominated by the Cable Inglés, a colossal iron ore loader that speaks to the British influence on Almería’s mining boom at the turn of the 20th century. This site appeals to those interested in industrial archaeology, as well as families looking for space to walk by the sea. It acts as a transitional space, connecting the palm-lined Ribera de las Almadrabillas with the modern harbour, offering a perspective on Almería that moves beyond its Moorish roots into its 19th-century commercial peak.

## What to See & Do

### El Cable Inglés The most striking feature of the park is the Cable Inglés, or the English Pier. Completed in 1904 by the Alquife Mines and Railway Company, this iron behemoth allowed trains to deposit iron ore directly into the holds of ships. It is a masterpiece of British engineering, influenced by the school of Gustave Eiffel. Following a meticulous restoration, the upper level has been converted into a wooden-planked walkway. Walking along this elevated path provides a vantage point over the Mediterranean and the city’s rooftops. Look closely at the riveted ironwork and the railway sleepers to understand the sheer scale of the mining operations that once drove the local economy.

### Monument to the Victims of Mauthausen In a quiet corner of the park stands a poignant memorial dedicated to the 142 Almerians who perished in the Mauthausen-Gusen concentration camp during the Second World War. The monument consists of 142 stone pillars arranged in a grid, creating a forest of grey columns that invite somber reflection. It is one of the most significant memorials of its kind in Spain, highlighting a dark chapter of history that affected many local families. The stark, minimalist design contrasts sharply with the nearby industrial structures, providing a space for contemplation away from the activity of the nearby port.

### Leisure and Seafront Views The park is designed with wide, paved promenades and large open plazas that are popular with local skaters and cyclists. It is a prime spot for observing the daily rhythms of Almería’s port, from the arrival of large ferries from North Africa to the smaller fishing vessels. The "Ballena" (The Whale) sculpture nearby serves as a tribute to the local environment, and the park’s proximity to the San Miguel beach makes it a natural starting point for a coastal walk. The layout allows for unobstructed views of the lighthouse and the Alcazaba fortress on the hill, making it one of the best locations in the city to appreciate the scale of Almería's defensive and maritime history simultaneously.

## Practical Information

### Getting There Parque de las Almadrabillas is easily accessible on foot from Almería city centre. It sits at the southern end of the Federico García Lorca avenue and the Paseo de Almería. If you are arriving by car, there is a large underground car park (Parking Oliveros) just a three-minute walk away. Several local bus lines, including the L1, L7, and L18, have stops at the nearby "Residencia" or "Puerto" stations. The park is also a short ten-minute walk from the main Intermodal Station (trains and buses).

### Opening Times & Tickets The park itself is a public space and remains open 24 hours a day with no entry fee. However, access to the elevated walkway of the Cable Inglés is managed by the Port Authority. It generally opens during daylight hours, but visitors often need to reserve a free time slot online via the Almería Port Authority website to manage capacity. Check the official website for current opening times and booking requirements for the Cable Inglés.

### How Long to Spend A thorough visit to the park, including a walk along the Cable Inglés and time at the Mauthausen memorial, takes approximately one to one and a half hours. If you intend to use the park as a base for a longer walk along the Paseo Marítimo towards the Zapillo beach, allow for half a day.

### Best Time to Visit To see the ironwork of the Cable Inglés at its best, visit during the "golden hour" just before sunset. The low sun casts long shadows through the industrial lattice and turns the oxidised iron a deep orange. Summers in Almería are exceptionally hot; visiting in the early morning or late evening is advisable to avoid the intense heat, as there is limited shade in the centre of the park.

## Tips for Your Visit If you plan to walk the Cable Inglés, wear flat, comfortable shoes; the wooden slats and metal gratings can be uneven. Combine your visit with the nearby Almería Civil War Shelters (Refugios de la Guerra Civil), which are a 15-minute walk away, to get a comprehensive view of the city’s 20th-century history. Always carry water, as the sea breeze can be deceivingly drying in the Almerian sun.