Ítrabo

Ítrabo is a municipality in the province of Granada, Spain. As of 2010, it has a population of 1152 inhabitants.

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A small village just a few kilometres from Salobreña, Ítrabo has a population of around 1500 many of whom are employed in agriculture in the area, in particular the cultivation of Tomatoes, Avocados, Almonds, Grapes, Nispero (Loquats) and Chiramoya (custard apples). The town itself has as an unmistakably north-African feel with its flat roofed, white washed houses that huddle tightly onto the hillside.

History Although a small in size Ítrabo has a long history starting with the arrival of the Phoenicians who settled in the area due its fertile soil, fresh water and the proximity of the sea. A sea faring nation the Phoenicians established a trade network that spanned much of the Mediterranean and it was during this expansion that Ítrabo was born. A small farming settlement continued until the arrival of the Moors in the 12th Century. With their superior knowledge of irrigation the Arabs improved the primitive irrigation systems and created an extensive canal network which fed orchards and crops throughout the region. In Ítrabo in particular the Moors brought new varieties of vine enabling the production of more diverse wines. After a period of instability and war during the 15th Century, the Catholic Kings declared their conquest of the Moors and expelled them from the region. This expulsion marked the depopulation of Ítrabo, along with other villages in the area, which was further exacerbated by repeated attacks by pirates. Today Ítrabo remains secondary to its coastal neighbours, Salobreña and Molvizar, although the cultivation of tropical fruits, such as mangos, nisbros, chiramoyas (Custard Apples) and avocados, and the influx of few tourists and foreign workers have swelled the village's numbers a little.

Attractions In addition to festivals during August and February, Ítrabo also celebrates Culture week each April; an event that includes a wine festival in which local wines and foods are enjoyed. Without doubt the most important historical site in Ítrabo is the main church, la iglesia de 'Nuestra Señora del Carmen' and the Hermitage of the 'Virgen de la Salud'. Built in the 17th Century, the church and hermitage house the image of the saint which is paraded through the village during festivals. Also of note is the town's pretty square and public wash place which is still used as a meeting place by many residents.

The local pool opens in the month of August and is open to non-residents also. The hills around Itrabo provide fabulous walking opportunities alongancient mule tracks with distant views over the surrounding hills and villages, and views to the sea. The Picacho trail provides a walk out of the village to the very top of Sierra de Itrabo with views the otherside to the Sierra Nevada mountains, which retain there snowy peaks sometimes up until late May. Picacho is the local name given to the hills above Itrabo, as there shape collectively resemble that of a sleeping giant, a giant called Picacho.

A short drive from Itrabo is a natural oasis of waterfalls and natural pools along the rio verde. There are some lovely walks along the river and the crystal clear blue pools provide a refreshing swim along the route. Continuing past the pool along the old Granada road you continue up with spectacular scenery across mountainous countryside with the sea as a stunning back-drop.

Services There are two grocery stores in Itrabo open from 9-2pm and then 6pm-8pm. The bread van (Panaderia), visits daily at around 12pm and will honk his horn outside the houses. The fish van visits 2-3 times a week and will call out his fish around the village. There is an egg lady who calls in the streets once a week and a vegetable man. The knife sharpener will call with an unusual sounding siren from his moped once every two months. The weekly market in Itrabo sells dried fruits, clothes and household products on a Monday morning. Larger supermarkets can be found in Motril, Salobrena and Almunecar, all 15 mins drive away approx. The Caja Rural bank has a 24 hour ATM and the bank itself is open from 8.30-2pm.