Genuine Culture At Albatera Village
Albatera village lies in the region of Vega Baja in the province of Alicante. Its small population of 9,000 speaks mainly Spanish with a little bit of Catalan. This medium-sized historical site can be reached easily via the Murcia and Alicante airports. Albatera visitors will enjoy the beautiful sights of the River Segura just below the spectacular Sierra de Crevillent peaks. A moderate Mediterranean climate with very little rainfall makes this idyllic village a tourist haven most of the year.
When Albatera aligned with Alicante province in 1833, it flourished with its agriculture because the River Segura provided the needed irrigation waters for its crops. Then, pig farming contributed heavily to this village’s economy; now, commerce and industry have overshadowed these traditional activities. Nevertheless, many canals and irrigation channels have been built which form an intricate network around the village’s agricultural space. Lemons, dates and vegetables abound in this area.
Historical discoveries
There have been many artifacts discovered in Albatera which have confirmed pre-historic settlements as far back as the 3rd century BC when the Romans set up the first irrigation channels. In the 5th century, the Arabs took control of Albatera until Alfonso X re-conquered the village in 1266. Then, in1296, the King of Aragon formed his kingdom with Albatera, Cox and Crevillente.
Modern Albatera
Today, Albatera is beautifully covered with lush palm trees lining its wide streets along the famed whitewashed homes. A 1729 parochial church lies at the center of the plaza as a dedication to the famous apostle, Santiago, with an elaborately decorated baroque doorway carved in stone. There is an old casino and town hall in the plaza area as well.
You can behold the great beauty of nature all around Albatera. There are many wetlands, plains and mountains with the municipal park – Park of Orchards comprising 30,000 square meters of beautiful flora, a fountain and a lake with numerous well-marked walking routes. For those who would like a game of golf, Albatera offers a top quality par course at its Golf and Country Club resort where one can also try their hand at tennis, riding or shooting activities.
Albatera caters to its residents with good Spanish schools to educate its children. It is renowned as a real Spanish town that is steep in traditions, inculcating good Spanish values to all who live there.
Festivals
Some of the more popular and exciting festivals which are celebrated in Albatera are the St. James festival in July. A Moorish and a Christian festival, the St. James festival is a week-long celebration during which novice bull fighters try their hand at the activity with young bulls. A visitor will enjoy the serenity found in Albatera with sufficient activities and sights to keep occupied.