Torre de La Garrofa viewpoint or how to sleep in a watchtower with views of the Almería coast
Just a month ago this Well of Cultural Interest Opened its doors for tourist accommodation and it has already become one of the most precious jewels in the city of Almería where you can enjoy a few days off. All this in a destination that delights the most adventurous visitor, the one who tries to get out of the preset and he never stops looking for options that move away from the bland, boring or traditional.
Garrofa Tower viewpoint can boast of being a emblematic, magical and peaceful place , ideal to go with family, with friends either in couple (it has capacity for up to 6 people) and thanks to its rehabilitation and interior conditioning a few months ago, it is now possible to live in it and spend the night in it.
Here the long days of sun and beach; resting rocked by the wind while listening to the sound of the sea against the rocks of the cliff in the background; and the sunrises and sunsets with the Mediterranean at our feet, promise to be the favorite pastime during our stay in this tower that once served as maritime defense.
Torre de La Garrofa viewpoint: sleeping in a watchtower with views of the Almeria coast is now possible
A WATCHTOWER WITH A LOT OF HISTORY
“The Garrofa tower is a watchtower-type military structure that It was built in the 16th century to guard the coast against possible usurpations, pirate attacks, looting and assaults. so common in these waters of the Bay of Almeria. This tower was the only one that existed on the Cañarete cliff, between the Esparto tower, the Roquetas ranch and the city of Almería”, he tells Traveler.es Francisco Linares (CEO of Expoholidays, current managers of the property).
The tower always had a connection and military purpose during the different stages that Spain lived in the centuries after its construction.
In recent decades it was used by the army and by the Civil Guard, until its later abandonment. But it was not until 2020 when Expoholidays decided to give this unique and privileged enclave the value it deserves.
Torre de La Garrofa viewpoint or how to sleep in a watchtower with views of the Almería coast
And how have they done it? “We knew the area, since we are from here and we have always been interested in seeing what the tower was like and knowing its history. One day we had the opportunity to introduce ourselves to the owner, we were able to visit the site, and our surprise was that the house that was attached to the tower, it had water, electricity and permits to be able to be tourist accommodation ”, comments Francisco Linares.
“We explained to the owner that our idea was value the tower, revitalize it and offer the possibility of turning it into a lodging . About a month ago was the opening date,” he adds. The rest of the story we already know.
Inside one of the rooms
FROM THE LOOKOUT TOWER TO TOURIST ACCOMMODATION
The adventure begins from before arriving at the Garrofa Tower viewpoint . To access it we must bring our own vehicle (essential for all guests who wish to book here). After meeting with the hosts at the Castell del Rey point, from there they will guide us along an unpaved road to the tower.
Once at our destination, we verify that the result of this commissioning of the tower as tourist accommodation has been a loft-style space with capacity for up to 6 people (two double beds and a sofa bed), with a fully equipped kitchen, a small living room and two bathrooms.
With all amenities
But the real attraction is found without a doubt in the outside of the house . First with a small patio, to later go up to the upper terrace which is the real jewel in the crown.
“As we go up we find the solarium terrace where you can rest and eat, it has a table, chairs, some wooden loungers, and some hanging swings that will make you enjoy twice the views. The solarium has a small room where you will find a barbecue and just in the other direction you can go up some stairs that take you to the tower lookout ”, indicate the managers of the complex.
With a purely defensive objective, today it will be your watchtower of peace and relaxation
Due to its location at the top of the Cañarete cliff the views of the Almeria coast and the Mediterranean Sea are unmatched . Waking up in the middle of this magical enclave in the most absolute privacy may be the best thing you do these months, especially in these times when isolation and intimacy are so highly valued. And not every day you can boast of staying in a watchtower with more than four centuries of history behind it.
“Future clients cannot miss this experience because it will bring a haven of peace to their days off, it is inexplicable what sitting on that terrace can mean when it's getting dark and you hear the breeze, and the waves of the sea and you just want to stay there frozen in time . I think it is an unparalleled experience”, says Francisco Linares enthusiastically.
A solarium with views to infinity
THE TOWER OF LA GARROFA AND ITS SURROUNDINGS
You may not want to leave the viewpoint during your stay, but if instead you want to investigate the surroundings, very close we find the cove of la Garrofa where to take a good dip on days when the heat still allows it. Just 20 minutes by car, the coastal town of Aguadulce with numerous leisure proposals welcomes us.
For those who love water sports, boat trips, diving, paddle surfing, aquatours or flyboard are more than guaranteed. Once the cold arrives, climbing or hiking become some of the favorite pastimes of the most athletic.
And if we head in the opposite direction, less than 10 minutes by car, the city of Almería awaits us with attractions such as The Alcazaba, Castle and Walls of the Cerro de San Cristóbal that they all make up the Monumental Ensemble of the Alcazaba of Almería ; the cathedral or the underground shelters from the Civil War, not so well known but which deserve our attention and -of course- a careful visit.
If we want to go further east, nothing like spending time in the wonderful enclave of the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park. What are we going to tell you about him that you don't already know?
AND WHAT COMES AFTER?
"We want to do make the space more beautiful and welcoming , for this we are going to fix the access to the tower, decorate and clean the surrounding and surrounding areas. We have already started, but our ultimate goal is to finish offer a unique, accessible area and with a view to the future make it one of the best accommodations in Almería . For this, a revitalization of the environment and enhancement as a viewpoint is necessary”, comments Francisco Linares about the future plans for the Tower.