Bayarcal is one of the most recognizable towns in the province of Almeria thanks to its beautiful natural landscapes, with lush pine forests and holm oaks, all within the beautiful region of the
Alpujarra of Almeria. It is located at an altitude of 1,258 meters, which makes it the highest town in the province of Almeria.
Bayarcal is recognizable for its houses built on terraces of land, often in a staggered manner, with the typical Alpujarra chimneys and terraces (flat roofs waterproofed with clay and with a wooden structure, of Moorish origin), frequently accessible from the house itself.
The Monuments of Bayarcal
The municipality of Bayarcal is known mainly for its natural landscapes. Tourists who visit it will also be able to enjoy some monuments, these being the most visited tourist sites during vacation times.
Saint Francis Xavier Church
This is the most important monument in Bayarcal. Its Mudejar tower preserves mosaics and tiles from the Moorish period in the arches of the bells, as well as the signs of the arquebus shots received during the War of the Alpujarras.
Inside the church, we can find an altarpiece from the 16th century and some baroque carvings from the Alonso Cano school, dating from the 15th and 16th centuries.
One of them is that of Saint Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Bayarcal.
This carving is painted with beautiful colours and also has gold details.
The Jimenez Fountain
This is located in the old medieval slum, with the presence of this spring being the cause of the creation of the current settlement. It is formed by the grouping of four nearby springs, which were excavated by creating small galleries and vaulted with stone, giving rise to the channelling of the underground flows that pour into this source.
Ynizar Castle
The Ynizar Castle is a thousand-year-old fortification whose function was to control movements in the port of La Ragua during the Middle Ages. Next to this castle are remains of an old temple and of the old village, destroyed by order of Phillip II, in 1572. The Ynizar Castle was listed as protected heritage within the framework of protection of architectural interest in Andalusia.
Bayarcal Zip Line
The Bayarcal zip line is one of the most visited places in holiday seasons. It is the longest in Andalusia and runs 620 meters in length over the “Arroyo del Palancón”, with heights of up to 104 meters. The view is known as the "Way of Heaven" and is ideal for those who do not suffer from vertigo.
The design of the zip line allows anyone to use it. They can be launched sitting or horizontally and its braking at the end of the route is very quiet, although the height of more than 100 meters can generate an adrenaline rush when one looks down.
Bayarcal Gastronomy
In the traditional cuisine of Bayarcal, we find dishes that are typical of the Alpujarra area. The most typical are: