The Old Spanish Mill is situated in the foothills of the impressive Sierra de Los Filabres mountain range, the largest range in Almería measuring 50 km in length. Its highest point, the Calar Alto, is also the highest peak in the province and is home to an astronomical observatory. The range is situated on the edge of Europe’s only desert, and with the mountains criss-crossed with forest trails it makes for a spectacular landscape.
Nearby is the Sierra de Baza National Park located between two arid plains: the Llanos del Marquesado and the Hoya de Guadix. It has a rich green landscape with many types of vegetation, and from its highest point of 2271m you can (on clear days) see the Cazorla National Park. Many abandoned farms and villages such as Casas de Santa Olalla, Tablas and Tesorero can be found within the park’s location, evidence of the Sierra’s population decline.
Mount Jabalcón, which is also situated near Baza, stands at a height of 1492m and can be seen for many miles around. Unsurprisingly, the views from its peak are breathtaking: the badlands of the plateau contrasting with the mountains that reach as far as the Sierra Nevada, and Lake Negratín, one of Andalucía’s largest freshwater lakes where a variety of watersports can be enjoyed.
The general area provides a meeting of cultures: prehistoric sites, remains of Roman aqueducts, Moorish alcazabas (castles) and whitewashed villages with a profound experience of traditional Spanish culture.
Finally, something most visitors come to Spain for… the weather. Andalucía doesn’t disappoint with 333 days of sunshine a year.
Address: Molino Viejo, Jauca Baja, Hijate, 04899, Almería
Sat Nav Reference: GPS N 37 24.689 W 2 33.153
Nearest Airport: Almería (101 km – 1 hr 39)
Other Airports: Granada (141 km – 1 hr 34), Murcia (211 km – 2 hr 16), Alicante (251 km – 2 hr 42) and Málaga (258 km 2 hr 41)