El Ejido: Archaeology, Coast and Nature

Culture and History

In El Ejido, the chronological sequence of the Ciavieja Archaeological Site extends from the 5th century BC to the Roman period. It begins in the Chalcolithic, shows a strong Neolithic substrate of the so-called Almería Culture, and extends into the Bronze Age with the Argaric Culture. The Ciavieja Archaeological Site is listed in El Ejido as an archaeological zone and as an Asset of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural). It preserves evidence that the Roman city of Murgi remained inhabited until the 4th century AD.

El Daymún is an Asset of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural) in the Monument category and is considered one of the best examples of Roman funerary architecture at provincial level. The El Daymún mausoleum dates from the 3rd to 4th centuries AD and contains 19 tombs, discovered in 1987.

The Archaeological Collection of El Ejido presents local history from the first known settlement more than 5,000 years ago to the end of the Roman period. Its exhibition is divided into two rooms: one dedicated to prehistory and one to the Roman period. The objects on display include a Roman mosaic that was accidentally discovered in 1984 at the Murgi archaeological site.

The Guardias Viejas Castle was built in the 18th century and partially rebuilt in 1817 after its partial destruction during the Spanish War of Independence. The terrace of the Guardias Viejas Castle offers views of the coast, while a permanent exhibition displays historical uniforms and weapons. The Balerma Fortified Tower stands on the seafront and was built in the mid-18th century to defend the coast of the former Kingdom of Granada.

Nature and Coast

Punta Entinas-Sabinar stretches along 15 kilometres of coastline with dunes, salt pans, beaches and wetlands. This landscape provides a habitat for migratory birds such as flamingos. The Punta Entinas-Sabinar area also includes one of the best-preserved dune ecosystems in the Iberian Peninsula.

Playa Cerrillos de El Ejido is a secluded, non-urban beach in the protected Punta Entinas-Sabinar area and features Posidonia seagrass meadows. The Punta Entinas-Sabinar Interpretation Centre is located on Calle Aguamarina, at the corner with Avenida del Mar, in Almerimar, El Ejido. It presents the ecosystems, flora and fauna, cultural heritage, and Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows of the protected area.

Trails and Active Experiences

La Ruta del Agua is an easy-to-moderate, 11.5-kilometre-long and well-signposted trail in El Ejido that takes approximately four hours. The route reveals local history through water-management remains from different periods, including cisterns and aqueducts.

The “Marismas de Punta Entinas” trail runs along the northern edge of the Punta Entinas-Sabinar area and is accessible from Almerimar. Find more destinations under Las Norias De Daza and Almerimar.

Clisol Turismo Agrícola offers an interactive tour of protected agriculture in El Ejido for all age groups. Club Náutico Almerimar offers sailing courses for all age groups as well as diving courses for different skill levels. Club de Golf Almerimar has a 27-hole golf course in Almerimar, El Ejido, and includes a golf school and practice facilities.

To the higher-level travel overview: Almeria.

More Destinations

Other places under the same destination:

Láujar De Andarax, Bayárcal, Lubrín, Viator, Los Escullos, Mojácar.