La Azohia history

La Azohia history

La Azohia's history is pretty much linked with that of Mazarron, which developed very much as a mining town. However, La Azohia has traditionally very much thrived on its fishing trade. For this reason, 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 fishermen in La Azohia warning of approaching pirates, giving a good lookout from its 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), its 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.

Although it has been popular with holidaymakers for over a century, only in recent years has the port (Puerto de Mazarron) achieved its identity as one of Spain's most attractive holiday resorts.

The important commercial activities of fishing and agriculture still dominate the local economy, but the annual influx of families seeking a trouble free holiday in the sun is an important factor and of increasing importance in the area's development.

The coastal areas of La Azohia boast some of the best beaches in Spain, and the generally untouched nature of the coastline and countryside of the Costa Calida appeals to those who seek peace and tranquility for their holidays. This is a popular resort for Spanish families and in the peak season (July and August) the population swells to capacity. At other times of the year it's still very quiet which makes La Azohia ideal for that quiet "get away from it all" style holiday.