Mirador del cinturón verde

Mirador del Cinturón Verde is a viewpoint in Huércal de Almería, a small town right next to the Andalusian capital of Almería. It sits on the hill that closes off the eastern edge of the Cinturón Verde ("Green Belt"), a roughly 25-hectare recreational area at the foot of the Sierra de Gádor, built around the old Pozo Marilena well. For years this green belt has served as the town's main space for outdoor rest and physical activity, and the viewpoint marks its natural high point.

How do you get there?

Access starts from the La Peinada neighborhood, where a long, tree-lined walkway climbs from the central part of the recreational area toward the hilltop. The path is bordered by wooden log railings and rows of trees on either side, making for a gentle, non-technical ascent suitable for most visitors. The viewpoint sits between newer developments on the western edge of La Peinada and the Cinturón Verde itself, acting as a natural transition between the built-up town and the green space.

Drivers will find it easiest to park near the entrance of the recreational area and cover the rest of the route on foot. It's worth timing a visit for the cooler parts of the day — morning or late afternoon — since part of the walk crosses exposed, sun-facing slopes.

What will you see?

The viewpoint itself is marked by a simple wooden pergola that sits at the highest point of the walk. From here you get one of the best panoramas in the area: the upper part of the Huércal de Almería municipality, the Sierra Alhamilla range to the east, the eastern slope of the Sierra de Gádor, and a stretch of the Bay of Almería. On clear days the view combines mountain backdrops with the town spread out in the valley below.

The spot is designed for quiet landscape appreciation rather than heavy recreation — locally it's associated with what's described as "landscape interpretation," essentially a calm lookout rather than an activity hub. The pergola area holds around twenty people at a time, giving the mirador an intimate, neighborhood feel; it's visited more by locals out for a walk than by large tourist groups.

The wider Cinturón Verde that the viewpoint overlooks also includes outdoor exercise stations (parallel bars and similar gym equipment) and three separate barbecue areas — an upper zone, a middle one shaded by eucalyptus trees, and a lower one. In recent years the town council has carried out restoration work on the green belt, connecting it with the surroundings of Pozo Marilena and adding a circuit for running and cycling.

When should you visit?

Clear days give the best views, and spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, since summer temperatures in Almería province run high. In summer, morning hours are the better choice, before the sun heats up the exposed section of the climb. There are no fixed opening hours here — it's an open municipal space, freely accessible during daylight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entrance fee for the viewpoint? No, it's a free, publicly accessible viewpoint within the Cinturón Verde recreational area.

Is the walk suitable for children or older visitors? The climb is gentle and follows a comfortable, tree-lined path, so it works for most visitors, though bringing water is a good idea on hot days.

What can you see from the viewpoint besides the town itself? The panorama takes in the Sierra Alhamilla, the eastern slope of the Sierra de Gádor, and part of the Bay of Almería, in addition to the upper part of Huércal itself.

Are there other things to do nearby? Yes, the viewpoint is part of the larger Cinturón Verde complex, which includes exercise stations, barbecue areas, and the nearby Pozo Marilena grounds.