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Outings in Mazarron - La Azohia and it's Tower |
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Outings in Mazarron - La Azohia and it's Tower |
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DIFFICULTY:- BY CAR OR BICYCLE FROM MAZARRON THIS OUTING IS VERY EASY ALTHOUGH REALLY TOO FAR TO CONTEMPLATE ON FOOT. THE ASCENT TO THE TOWER IS BEST TACKLED ON FOOT ALTHOUGH THE TRACK IS GOOD ENOUGH FOR A CAR IF DRIVEN CAREFULLY. |
The village of La Azohia lies to the east of Mazarrón - take the Cartagena road and follow the signs. The drive is a pleasant experience with many scenic bays and sea views; those who try it on bicycle will not find too many steep hills.
On arriving at La Azohia take a look at these anchors which are normally by the quay. They are not placed here simply to be a tourist attraction but are regularly used by the local fishermen to anchor their massive tuna nets.
The ascent to the tower is via the lane opposite the fishing quay. Keep
to the widest part and you'll find the way. The ascent is very easy and
takes about 15 minutes providing you with a good view of the bay as you
reach the tower at the top.
The Tower of St Elena was built in the final years of the 16th century during the reign of Philip ll and was constructed to give the local fishermen warning of approaching pirates, giving a good lookout from it's height of 70 metres. It was renovated in approximately 1987 and is a very popular place with tourists and weekend visitors.
Below the tower are remains of another military installation - a searchlight station built after the Spanish Civil War (1936 - 1939), it's purpose being to provide illumination for nightime engagements by the nearby gun batteries of Cabo Tiñoso. The installation is now totally abandoned and becoming derelict.
Mazarron.com
