Adra, an ancient seafaring town, is one of the spots on the Almeria coast where seagulls still enthusiastically announce the arrival of the fishermen in the now one hundred-year-old port. It was a key municipality for the modernisation of the Poniente region and proudly exercises its role as a seaport and as a gateway to La Alpujarra.
Founded in the eighth century BC by the Phoenicians, the economy of Abdera (as it was then called) was linked to fishing and the maritime world, making it an exceptional trading post. With the arrival of the Romans, Adra became a stop-off point for the transport of salted fish and garum sauce to various Mediterranean cities, as these were highly appreciated ingredients in Roman cuisine.
From the second half of the sixteenth century, Adra played a key role in the region's economy, exporting and importing products through its port. But it was sugarcane that ultimately powered the local economy until the mid-twentieth century.
The sugar industry has been vital for Adra's history. Various mills and factories operated in strategic points across the town. In 1909, the famous 'Azucarera de Adra' company was created, but the gradual change in the farming industry and a drop in sugarcane prices triggered a decrease in sugar production.
What's more, lead production also played a vital role in Adra's recent history. The Rein y Cia factory, nicknamed the 'Big Foundry', was built in 1822 and featured the first British smelting furnaces, which gave great results. In addition, a steam-powered engine was installed in 1827, making this foundry the first ever in Spain to use this type of technology.
The so-called agriculture under plastic now takes centre stage in this municipality, forming one of the economic cornerstones not just of Adra but also the province as a whole. Together with this industry and in stark contrast, Adra is renowned both nationally and internationally for its great ecological wealth and environmental quality thanks to its native flora and fauna.
For example, the environmental importance of Las Albuferas is reflected by the large number of water birds that have found a habitat here. The white-headed duck, the great crested grebe, the mallard and many other species stop off in La Albufera on their migration between Europe and Africa, while the area is also a popular nesting and breeding spot for numerous species.