Los Gallardos sits in the Levante of Almeria, around 80 kilometres from the provincial capital and only a short drive from the beaches of Garrucha, Mojacar and Vera. It is a quiet inland village that combines the unhurried rhythm of Andalusian rural life with attractive natural surroundings and traces of its Roman and Moorish past.
What makes the place special is precisely this location: far enough from the bustle of the front-line beaches, yet close enough to reach the sea in a matter of minutes. Here you will find walking trails in the Sierra Cabrera, the course of the Rio Aguas and an authentic village atmosphere – ideal for anyone seeking rest, nature and a touch of history without giving up the coast.
If you are coming from Malaga or the Costa del Sol, Los Gallardos makes an excellent choice for a day trip or as a peaceful base from which to explore the Levante of Almeria.
*We recommend checking the condition of walking trails and access roads, especially after wildfires or heavy rain.
The area around Los Gallardos has been inhabited since the Bronze Age. Remains of Roman settlements have been found, as well as traces of Moorish water systems and fortifications. The name of the municipality is linked to the surname Gallardo, documented in the region since the 16th century and associated with a captain who took part in the suppression of the Morisco uprising.
For centuries Los Gallardos was a hamlet of Bedar. Its growth came with the mining boom in the Sierra Almagrera at the beginning of the 19th century. The ore was transported to the port of Garrucha and the village developed as a support centre for that activity. In 1924 it was separated from Bedar and became an independent municipality.
After the decline of mining, the economy shifted to agriculture, particularly tomato growing from the 1970s onwards. Today Los Gallardos retains its rural character, has a little over 3,100 inhabitants and benefits from its proximity to the coast and the A-7 motorway.
Los Gallardos is not a destination of grand monuments, but of small discoveries and direct contact with the landscape and local history. These are the main points of interest:
The parish church is the most distinctive building in the village centre. It was consecrated in 1929 and stands out for its wooden coffered ceiling. The church plays a central role in the village’s main festivals and has been restored on several occasions.
The Banos de Alfaix were a popular spa between 1914 and 1950 until a flood caused serious damage. In the area around Alfaix and along the Rio Aguas you will find remains of old mills and attractive riverside scenery. It is a pleasant place to walk and to understand the importance of water in this region.
The Sierra Cabrera rises close to the village and offers a landscape of pine and holm oak woodland that is unusual for the Almeria coast. There are several walking routes, opportunities for horse riding and quiet spots to rest. The sierra is the greatest natural attraction of Los Gallardos and the main reason many visitors come seeking fresh air without straying far from the coast.
Further information is available on the town hall website: www.losgallardos.es
Los Gallardos maintains several popular festivals that are well worth experiencing if your visit coincides with them:
Los Gallardos is approximately 275 kilometres from Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport. The drive via the Autovia del Mediterraneo (A-7) takes around 2 hours 50 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes depending on traffic. It is a straightforward route that brings you into the heart of the Levante of Almeria, only a few minutes from the beaches of Garrucha and Mojacar.
Collecting a hire car at Malaga Airport allows you to reach Los Gallardos without complications and then explore the Sierra Cabrera, Bedar, Turre or the nearby beaches at your own pace.
Hire a car at Malaga Airport
If you prefer not to drive, you can book a private transfer from Malaga Airport or from your accommodation on the Costa del Sol to Los Gallardos. Ideal for families or when travelling with luggage.
Transfer from Malaga Airport*No credit card details or advance payment are required. We recommend booking in good time.
There is no convenient direct bus service from Malaga. The usual route involves changing in Almeria or Vera and takes more than four and a half hours in total. For this reason a hire car or private transfer is clearly the more practical choice.
By car via the A-7 the distance is approximately 275 kilometres and the journey takes around 2 hours 50 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes depending on traffic. This is the quickest and most convenient way to arrive.
It is a quiet inland village with the nature of the Sierra Cabrera and only a few minutes from the beaches of Garrucha and Mojacar. Ideal for anyone seeking calm and countryside without leaving the coast behind.
Yes. The beaches of Garrucha, Mojacar and Vera are around 10 to 20 minutes away by car. Many visitors use Los Gallardos as a base to combine village and beach.
Yes. The Sierra Cabrera offers several routes of moderate difficulty. There are also pleasant paths along the Rio Aguas. Nature is one of the main attractions of the village.
Yes, it is the most practical option. Public transport from Malaga involves several changes and takes considerably longer. With a car you arrive directly and can explore the surrounding area freely.
Spring and autumn are ideal for walking and for mild temperatures. In May the San Isidro festival takes place, and in July the celebrations for the Virgen del Carmen. Summer is hotter but makes combining the village with the beach very easy.
Credit cards accepted
