GARRUCHA

garrucha, a seaport of south-eastern spain, in the province of almeria; on the mediterranean sea and on the right bank of the river antas. pop. (1900) 4461. the harbour of garrucha, which is defended by an ancient castle, affords shelter to large ships, and is the natural outlet for the commerce of a thriving agricultural and mining district. despite its small size and the want of railway communication, garrucha has thus a considerable trade in lead, silver, copper, iron, esparto grass, fruit, &c. besides sea-going ships, many small coasters enter in ballast, and clear with valuable cargoes. in 1902, 135 vessels of 390,000 tons entered the harbour, the majority being british or spanish; and in the same year the value of the exports reached l478,000, and that of the imports l128,000. both imports and exports trebled their value in the ten years 1892-1902.