Mazarron Mines

I was wondering if you can visit the Mazarron Mines. I know you can see them from the road going in/out of Mazarron but I didn't know if they did any tours or if you can get to them by taking the dirt tracks? One dirt track I nearly took leading to them had many " not welcoming signs" but the gate is all ripped off etc.

So if anyone has any information on them at all or suggestions who to find out from, I would much appreciate it.

Yes, you can definitely visit them, we've been there about 3 times now.

Follow the signs to Mazarron town. As you come down the road you'll see a brown sign on the right hand side opposite some  orange groves. We drive past the sign and take the first on the left and park down there

Be aware though if you're going in the heat as we did and make sure you're well protected as even though we had sun tan lotion and hats we did get a bit burnt! Also take at least one bottle of water each.

The mines are stunning and there is also some roman remains there as well. Obviously, don't go too close to them as there are plenty of unprotected mine shafts there.

There is also another way, which is near the Saturday market but I wouldn't advise going there personally as a lot of people seem to be camping there and we felt a little bit intimidated walking around there, and that maybe where you were before.

Enjoy!

Lynn

Hi Jackie

We also have visited the mines 3 times (last January 2013) but have not as yet seen all of the site.

We got a map from the tourist information office in the Porto, they have detailes of the official tours at 10 euros a head.

We have a book in our appartment with the history of the mines in one chapter, You will see from the differing colours of the spoil that lots of different things were mined there. They seem to be in their second heyday (1st Roman) in the mid 1850s when some 5000 menand boys were employed. Mazarron town is described as a den of Boarding Houses and Brothels ( a B&B town). There was also a railway which ran from the town to the port which carried cargo and passengers. As the mines ceased opperation a hot spring down one of the shafts was turned into a spar for the locals.

I have seen 3 shafts with the winding towers still in place. one which has wooden beams even has the two cages jammed in the top of the shaft.(should be visited with care as with most of the site).

I hope to see more of the site on our next visit in June, I feel sure you will find it interesting. 

If you would like to talk about it please feel free to phone me on 01492 8783978 ( North Wales)

Kind Regards

Roy 1272

Wow! Great info everyone!  

Lynn I  think a trip to the tourist information is a must.  I was   

talking about Mazarron South exit off the motorway and it was just along the road on the left. lol!

So how long does it take to walk up to see anything?

Thanks love the history, seems like they're more interesting than first look. I might give you a ring see how I get on next month. 

Maybe take my painting group there for one of there locations Mmmmm.

Hi again,

I think the painting idea is really good, not only would the old buildings and winding gear be good subjects, but the colours of the spoil heaps where the rain has erroded the landscapes could be quite something, particulaly with the right light and shadows. I,m sure you will see what I mean when you visit.

Roy

Thanks Roy.

Have at a look at mazarron.co.uk website which does a good bit on the mines. There's a picture of the sign I was telling you about before as well as a map of the area. They have also quite a lot of info on other places to visit.

Lynn

Hi

Just to say I went to the Tourist information at the Port. The man there was very good he gave me a map of all that iis in and around that area.  (unfortunately all in Spanish) and told me if you go into the tourist information they would arrange a tour for a minimum of 4 people costing 10 euros each for a suitable time and date for both parties. 

I didn,t get a chance this time to go on a tour but I would imagine it would be good.  

The tourist information is well worth a visit for anything around this area.  It opens 9am - 1pm 5pm - 7pm  Mon - Fri. and 10am - 2pm Saturday and subdays.

Thanks again.