Turre is a village in the eastern part of Almeria province, around 85 kilometres from the provincial capital and just 4 to 10 kilometres from the Mediterranean coast. It sits at the foot of the Sierra Cabrera, at about 50 metres above sea level, and offers an appealing combination of authentic village life, historical remains and excellent proximity to the beaches of Mojacar – without the bustle of the main tourist centre.
It makes an ideal quiet base from which to explore the Levante coast, walk in the Sierra Cabrera or simply enjoy the unhurried rhythm of an Andalusian village.
If you are travelling from Malaga or the Costa del Sol, Turre is an excellent choice for combining beach, nature and history in a single trip.
The area around Turre has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Finds from the Upper Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods, together with Roman remains in the surroundings, point to a long human presence. The place name is thought to derive from the Latin turris (tower), referring to a former watchtower.
During the Moorish period the settlement was consolidated and fortified. The Christians conquered the area at the end of the 15th century. In the 16th century the present village core was established and the first church was built over a former mosque. The 19th century brought strong growth thanks to lead and silver mining in the Sierra Almagrera and surrounding areas, although the later decline of the mining industry led to emigration that continued well into the 20th century.
Today Turre is a living village of just over 4,300 inhabitants that combines its rural character with the influence of nearby coastal tourism.
Although the main draw of the area is the proximity to the beaches, the village itself and its immediate surroundings have several points of interest.
This is the most prominent building in the village centre. The present church, in an eclectic style with neo-Gothic and Mudejar elements, was built at the end of the 19th century on the site of a 16th-century temple that had itself been erected over a former mosque. The tower is particularly striking, as are the unusual stained-glass windows inside, which are dedicated to the figure of the Virgin and to life.
One of the most interesting historical features of the village. This fountain of Moorish origin has been documented since the late 15th century and was carefully restored in 2015. Today it forms the centrepiece of a pleasant public square in the heart of Turre and is a fine example of the Andalusian water heritage of the region.
In the Sierra Cabrera, only a few kilometres from the village centre, lie the remains of the medieval settlements of Teresa and Cabrera. Of particular interest are the ruins of the church of Teresa (built over a mosque), remnants of an aqueduct and a mill. The site has strong historical and landscape appeal and is well suited to a short walk.
Turre is an excellent gateway to the Sierra Cabrera. Several walking routes of moderate difficulty offer views of the sea, the mountains and the inland Levante. Walking is one of the best ways to experience the natural surroundings of the municipality.
Turre itself has no beach, but it lies only a short distance from some of the best beaches on the Levante coast:
Many visitors choose Turre precisely because they can spend the day on the beach and return to a quieter village in the evening.
Turre maintains several popular celebrations:
Exact dates can vary slightly from year to year. Check the website of the Turre Town Hall (www.turre.es) for the current programme.
The local cuisine reflects Almerian tradition and the proximity of the sea. Typical dishes include:
Turre lies approximately 280 kilometres from Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport. By car the journey along the Autovia del Mediterraneo (A-7) takes around three hours, depending on traffic. The route is direct and straightforward and brings you into the heart of the Almeria Levante, only a few minutes from Mojacar and the Sierra Cabrera.
Collecting a car at Malaga Airport allows you to reach Turre without difficulty and then move freely between Mojacar, Garrucha, the Sierra Cabrera and the nearby beaches.
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 Turre. Ideal for families or when travelling with luggage.
Book a 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. Most combinations involve changes in Almeria or Vera and take more than four to five hours in total. A hire car or private transfer is clearly the better choice.
The recommended route from Malaga Airport to Turre is shown on the map below:
It is a quiet village at the foot of the Sierra Cabrera and only a few minutes from the beaches of Mojacar. Ideal as a base for combining beach, nature and history without the bustle of the main tourist resort.
By car along the A-7 the journey is about 280 kilometres and takes around three hours, depending on traffic. The route is direct and straightforward.
Yes. The beaches of Mojacar (including Playa de Macenas) are only 6–10 minutes away by car. Garrucha and Vera are also within easy reach.
Remains of a medieval settlement in the Sierra Cabrera, including the church (built over a mosque), an aqueduct and a mill. The site has both historical and landscape interest.
The main village festival in honour of Saint Francis (San Francisco) takes place in early October. There are also other traditional dates throughout the year (Dia de la Vieja, San Isidro, etc.).
Yes. A hire car is the most practical way to travel from Malaga and then move between Mojacar, the beaches, the Sierra Cabrera and Garrucha. Public transport requires several changes and takes considerably longer.
Credit cards accepted
