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Níjar has been described as one of the most picturesque towns in the whole of Spain. It therefore comes highly recommended as a place to see and should be on any self respecting visitor's itinerary. The visit is made all the more pleasant thanks to the many reasonably priced bars and restaurants offering delicious local dishes.

A visit to Níjar guarantees the traveller a flavour of 'real' Andalusia without the need to overspend on the trip - unless of course, you are tempted to buy up all the brightly coloured rugs and blankets and the beautifully glazed traditional pottery.

As well as the famous crafts and ceramics of Níjar, there is also a strong agricultural economy. Citrus fruits and especially oranges are cultivated in abundance, adding a wonderful fragrance to the air when the orange blossom is in full bloom. Other crops are potatoes, broad beans, garlic, alfalfa, corn, tomatoes and peppers, many of which are still grown in the ancient channels and with the irrigation systems left by the Moors centuries ago. The watering systems are controlled rigorously to make best use of the precious water in this area, where severe drought conditions and not unknown. Across the surrounding countryside there are commercially grown, green house fruit and vegetables which are mostly bound for exportation. The landscape is generally one of farm houses and mills in amongst this hive of agricultural activity.

With the sea as well as the land offering a living, there is also an active fishing culture, which adds to the rich tapestry of life in and around this small town. The craft fishing industry is popular in Agua Amarga, Las Negras, La Isleta, La Fabriquilla and San Jose with its small but active leisure port.

All of the above, together with a good tourist trade, keep the population of around 15,000 busy and fruitfully employed within a buoyant economy. It is not unusual to hear the familiar clattering sound of the weaving machine making the blankets and rugs that have become so typical of the area. The people are particularly proud of their Níjar pottery, which still carries the remarkable Arabic design and colours from centuries gone by. There are five ceramic workshops in the lower part of the town and such is the fame of this time honoured tradition that many artists and craftsmen have come from many parts of the world to live and work here. This influx of outside creative talent has had the effect of inspiring local potters to experiment with new designs and colours, which is bringing even more success and popularity to this flourishing industry.

All info on internet.

Image: with those colours, I had to have it!