Mirador de Turillas

Mirador de Turillas is a viewpoint in Turrillas, a small whitewashed village in the province of Almería, Andalusia. Perched on the northern slope of Sierra Alhamilla, between that range and the Sierra de los Filabres, it has served locals and visitors for decades as a spot to take in nearly this entire stretch of inland Almería in one glance.

How do you get there?

Turrillas sits roughly 30 minutes by car from the city of Almería, inland from the Costa de Almería coastline. The drive crosses the rolling terrain of the Campo de Tabernas before winding up the slope of Sierra Alhamilla for the final stretch. Just before reaching the village, you pass the Hermitage of San Antonio, a small chapel that doubles as its own lookout over the surrounding hills. The viewpoint itself sits within the village, so no extra hike is needed — just drive in and park near the centre.

What will you see?

The mirador was built in 1976 and renovated and expanded in 2000, and today it has a proper platform with railings and seating. From the terrace, the panorama takes in four mountain ranges and a desert: Sierra de Gádor, Sierra Nevada, Sierra Alhamilla itself, and the Tabernas desert. At the foot of the village, on the mid-slope terraces, almond and olive groves stretch out below — in February and March, when the almond trees blossom, the pink-and-white carpet against the dry hills is one of the most photographed sights in the region. Further on the horizon, the Sierra de los Filabres appears, capped by the distinctive white domes of the Calar Alto astronomical observatory.

The village of Turrillas is worth a walk on its own: the Plaza Mayor next to the church, the old bullring (plaza de toros), and a path down toward the ravine that has supplied water to this part of the sierra for centuries. For more active visitors, Turrillas is a starting point for the trail up Pico Colativí, and from there, crossing through the heart of Sierra Alhamilla, you can continue on foot or by road toward Huebro and Níjar.

When should you visit?

The contrast is sharpest in winter, when snow-capped Sierra Nevada on the horizon meets the dry, brown Tabernas desert in the foreground. In spring, especially February and March, the almond blossom is the main draw. In summer, aim for early morning or late afternoon — this part of Almería gets intensely hot, and the viewpoint has no shade. On a clear day, regardless of season, the views stretch for tens of kilometres.

Frequently asked questions

Is there anywhere to eat near the viewpoint? Yes, a restaurant operates right at the site, sharing the same view as the lookout platform — a good option if you plan a longer stop.

Do you need to hike to reach it? No, the viewpoint itself is within the village and reachable by car. Hiking routes, such as the one up Pico Colativí, are an optional extra, not a requirement to visit the mirador.

How much time should you set aside? The view alone takes 15–20 minutes, but walking through the village, visiting the church, the bullring, and the ravine can easily fill an hour or two.

Is it worth combining with other attractions in the area? Yes — Turrillas is close to the Tabernas desert and the trails of Sierra Alhamilla, making it a natural stop on a day exploring inland Almería province.