Hill-Walking
This hill stands out above the "English" settlements of Limaria and Los Higuerales, located within the municipality of Arboleas. It is an isolated hill with some prominence, and therefore, despite its modest altitude, it offers good panoramic views over the eastern part of the Almanzora Valley.
A popular little song makes reference to this mountain:
On Limaria hill there was a rabbit,
which if it hasn't been killed yet must be old...
Although other versions place the rabbit in the neighboring Oria ravine and not on the hill we are dealing with.
From Los Higuerales
Starting from the La Loma neighbourhood of Albox, we continue towards Aljambra along a narrow road that then leads to the hamlets of Limaria and Los Higuerales, a kind of newly created satellite settlement inhabited mainly by British people. About 100 meters before crossing the Rambla del Peral to enter Los Higuerales, we turn right onto a dirt track and park in a small widening (460 m).
We continued along the track towards a nearby farmhouse, which we left to our right. Shortly after, we left the path and headed straight ahead (SE) towards some small terraces, barely large enough for a single tree per terrace. We then proceeded parallel to a ravine (SW) and ascended the ridge of a small hill where a faint path became clearer as we gained altitude. To our right was an antenna situated halfway up the slope.
We are approaching the rocky buttresses that defend the northwestern sub-peak of the hill. To the right of the larger crags, a weak point is visible, and we head towards it. The terrain becomes steeper and the path fades, with occasional cairns guiding us towards a small gully which we climb without particular difficulty to the upper plateau, emerging very close to the NW summit (678 m) (0.35). We descend slightly towards the col that separates us from the main peak, trying to lose as little altitude as possible (662 m), and continue along a path (marked with hunting reserve signs) to a small platform from which the summit, marked by a geodetic vertex (705 m) (0.45), is quickly reached.
For the return, we head back towards the platform and, instead of crossing it, we take a path that descends to the right and then skirts the rocky barrier of the false summit (678 m) on the opposite (east) slope from the route described for the ascent. The path avoids other, smaller rocky areas and finally leads to the Rambla del Peral. Turning left, we follow the dry riverbed (track) to the entrance of Los Higuerales and return to the starting point via the Limaria road.
Alternative ascent route: Instead of leaving the initial track after passing the farmhouse, we can continue along it to the vicinity of the antenna mentioned earlier, which is located halfway up the slope. We approach this installation and continue towards the rocky walls of the hill. Following faint paths or going cross-country, we eventually rejoin the first route to the summit.
Access: Los Higuerales (45 min)
Cerro Limaria
is a prominent hill reaching an altitude of 705 meters located in the municipality of Arboleas, Almería, Spain. Despite its modest height, it is a key landmark in the Almanzora Valley, offering panoramic views of the surrounding desert-like landscape, the Sierra de los Filabres, and the Sierra de las Estancias.
Key Features and Activities
- Mirador de Limaria: This viewpoint is a popular "balcony" for hikers, providing a spectacular wooden walkway that overlooks the rugged terrain of the valley.
- Roman Mines: The area is home to exceptional lapis specularis (transparent gypsum) mines from the Roman era. These "crystal mines" were highly valued for creating window panes before the widespread use of glass.
- Hiking Trails:
- PR-A 361 Sendero Limaria-Arboleas: A circular route that passes through arid landscapes, olive groves, and deep ravines like the Barranco del Mijo.
- Rambla Canales: A nearby route featuring a narrow canyon (estrecho) often explored in conjunction with the hill.
- Vértice Geodésico: The summit features a geodesic pillar used for geographic surveying, which serves as a definitive mark for hikers reaching the top.
Local Tips
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- Climate: The terrain is extremely arid. It is highly recommended to avoid hiking here during summer midday hours, as heat levels can be dangerous; early mornings in spring or autumn are ideal.
- Cultural Note: The hill is immortalized in local folklore through a popular song about a "rabbit on the Cerro Limaria".
For more route details, you can explore guides on Wikiloc or official tourism info on https://www.andalucia.org/listing/mirador-de-limaria/16842102/.">Turismo de Andalucía.
Limaria, Arboleas, Almeria, Spain
Limaria is a small, quiet, and scenic residential hamlet in the Arboleas municipality of Almería, Spain, located within the Andalucía region. Situated near the foothills of Cerro Limaria, it is known for its rural charm, stunning mountain views, and, according to AllTrails reviews, a peaceful, sunny, and popular climate, with current conditions accessible via AccuWeather. The area features rural, Andalucian-style houses and villas, and is roughly a 12–15 minute drive from larger towns like Albox for amenities.
Key Aspects of Limaria:
- Location: Part of the Almanzora Valley in the province of Almería, near Arboleas, Los Higuerales, and the Albox-Limaria hiking path.
- Lifestyle: Known for peace, tranquility, and natural surroundings, ideal for hiking, cycling, and stargazing.
- Real Estate: Features detached villas and rustic houses, with properties often listed on portals like idealista.
- Nature: Dominated by the 705-meter Cerro Limaria, with a landscape of hills, wadis, and olive/almond trees.
- Tourism: Features self-catering holiday homes (e.g., Casa Limaria) that provide a base for visiting rural Almería.
Location and Accessibility
Limaria is accessed by road and offers quick access to the coastal regions and other inland towns, such as Huercal-Overa. While it is a quiet, secluded village, it serves as a central hub for those exploring the wider Almeria province.
The population of Limaria was 346 people in 2020.
