Gateway to the East Route: Phoenicians, Romans and Al-Andalus on the Andalusian coast
This route follows the Mediterranean shore of Andalusia, tracing the footsteps of the Phoenicians and the cultures that followed them. From the Copper Age settlement of Los Millares to the great Alcazaba of Almeria, and from Phoenician tombs near Almunecar and Velez-Malaga to Roman remains and later Islamic fortresses, the coast reveals a long history of trade, settlement and cultural exchange.
Why the coast mattered
The Mediterranean coast of Andalusia was especially attractive to ancient seafaring peoples. River mouths provided natural harbours and easy access to the inland valleys controlled by local Iberian communities. Fishing, salt production, minerals and agricultural products made the region a valuable trading zone.
From the 8th century BC the Phoenicians established a string of settlements and trading posts along this shore. Over time these colonies mixed with the indigenous population, leaving a lasting cultural imprint that can still be felt in place names, archaeological sites and museum collections.
Almeria province – from prehistory to the Alcazaba
Los Millares
Near Santa Fe de Mondujar lies Los Millares, one of the most important Copper Age (c. 3250–2200 BC) settlements in Western Europe. Its complex system of walls, forts and collective tombs shows how vital the control of metal resources already was five thousand years ago. The site is often described as one of the earliest true “towns” on the Iberian Peninsula.
Visitors can explore the fortified settlement, the necropolis and a reconstructed interpretive area. Access is free and the site is open Wednesday to Sunday mornings. Ongoing excavations continue to yield significant finds.
Pechina (Bayyana) and the rise of Almeria
In the early Islamic period the nearby settlement of Bayyana (modern Pechina) became a prosperous trading republic dealing in pottery, regional products and, at times, slaves. As the river silted up, activity shifted towards the coast. In 955 AD the caliph Abd al-Rahman III granted the growing port the status of a city (medina) and ordered the construction of a powerful fortress – the Alcazaba.
The Alcazaba of Almeria
The Alcazaba is one of the largest Muslim fortresses in Spain and the most important surviving monument of Al-Andalus in the eastern part of the region. Work began in 955 under Abd al-Rahman III on the site of an earlier defensive structure. It was later enlarged by Al-Mansur and by Khayran, the first king of the independent Taifa of Almeria.
The complex contains three enclosures, cisterns, the remains of a mosque, palace areas and impressive walls overlooking the city and the sea. It remains the defining landmark of Almeria.
The Granada coast – Almunecar (ancient Sexi)
Around Almunecar the Phoenicians founded the settlement known as Sexi. Important remains include:
Puente de Noy
A Phoenician necropolis of more than 130 tombs dating from the 8th century BC. The rectangular graves were cut into the rock and contained personal objects such as jewellery and pottery.
MapCueva de los Siete Palacios
A large Roman vaulted structure (1st century AD) that now houses the Archaeological Museum of Almunecar. The site was occupied from the Bronze Age onwards and has been protected as a Site of Cultural Interest since 1931.
Map
The Archaeological Museum of Granada holds some of the finest finds from these Phoenician burials, including Egyptian alabaster vessels from the 9th century BC and Greek and Phoenician pottery from the 8th century BC. Museum location.
Malaga province – Phoenician settlements and later remains
The Phoenicians established a settlement at Malaka (modern Malaga) around the 8th century BC. Further east, the mouth of the River Velez became one of the most important Phoenician zones on the entire coast.
Toscanos, Cerro del Mar and the Jardín necropolis
Toscanos (near Almayate) was founded around 740–730 BC and grew into a substantial trading settlement with warehouses and harbour facilities. When it declined in the mid-6th century BC, activity shifted to the opposite bank of the river at Cerro del Mar (possibly the later Maenoba of classical sources).
The Necropolis of El Jardín, a short distance north of Toscanos, is one of the largest Phoenician cemeteries in south-eastern Spain and is mainly dated between the 6th and 4th centuries BC.
Other points of interest along this stretch of coast include:
- The hypogean (underground) tomb at Trayamar, built with large ashlar blocks
- Roman remains beside the lighthouse at Torrox (villa with baths, ovens and mosaics)
- The great cave system at Nerja
Suggested itinerary
The route runs westwards along the coast through the provinces of Almeria, Granada and Malaga:
- Santa Fe de Mondujar (Los Millares)
- Pechina
- Almeria (Alcazaba)
- Almunecar
- Nerja
- Torrox
- Velez-Malaga area (Toscanos, Trayamar, El Jardín)
- Malaga
- Fuengirola
- Marbella
- San Pedro de Alcantara
- Estepona
- Manilva
Exploring the Gateway to the East from Malaga
Most of the key sites lie along or near the Mediterranean coast. A car gives the greatest freedom to move between Los Millares, the Alcazaba, Almunecar and the Phoenician sites of the Axarquia at your own pace.
Car hire: the most flexible option
A hire car from Malaga Airport makes it easy to follow the full coastal route from Almeria province through the Axarquia and back to the western Costa del Sol.
Hire a car at Malaga Airport
Taxi or private transfer
If you prefer not to drive, private transfers can take you to a base such as Nerja, Velez-Malaga or Almeria so you can explore selected sites more locally.
Book a transfer from Malaga Airport*There is no need to enter credit card details or make an advance payment. We recommend booking in good time.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Gateway to the East Route?
It is a cultural itinerary along the Mediterranean coast of Andalusia that highlights Phoenician settlements, later Roman remains and major Islamic monuments such as the Alcazaba of Almeria, illustrating the region’s long role as a gateway between the eastern and western Mediterranean.
Is Los Millares worth visiting?
Yes. It is one of the most important Copper Age sites in Europe, with impressive fortifications and a large necropolis. The visit is free and includes an interpretive area with reconstructions.
Where are the main Phoenician sites in Malaga province?
The most significant concentration is around the mouth of the River Velez, near Velez-Malaga and Algarrobo: Toscanos, Cerro del Mar, the Jardín necropolis and the tomb at Trayamar.
Can I visit the Alcazaba of Almeria?
Yes. The Alcazaba is open to the public and is one of the principal monuments of the city. It offers extensive walls, gardens and panoramic views over Almeria and the sea.
