Almeria couldn’t be any prettier if it tried. It’s a mass of sugar-cubed houses cradled between dramatic mountains and the shimmering sea. At the shoreline, warm clear Mediterranean waters wash beaches that glimmer like gold. It’s a tranquil corner of unspoilt Spain you’ll love.
Costa de Almeria is popular for those who are looking for uncrowded beaches and continual sunshine. It’s a great place to top up your tan. The city of Almeria has a cathedral and fortress and there’s the surrounding delights of the white town of Mijar and Granada with its world famous Alhambra palace and Sierra Nevada ski resort.
Things to do
Alhambra Palace is usually on the top of most people’s sightseeing list. Nearby Granada is also worth a visit to see its famous Renaissance architecture and ancient Arab quarter. Mojacar is a pretty village to see, set at the foot of the Sierra de Cabrera mountains. It has sugar cube houses, cobbled streets and old archways. The Santa Maria church in the heart of the village is a stunning landmark. Well worth a visit, if anything to see the panoramic views from the top.
Follow the steps of Lawrence of Arabia and check out Sierra Alhamilla just north of Almeria town. This rugged dry landscape is a perfect double for the American West and you can see exciting re-enactments of life in the old west.
In the Almeria area the Cabo de Gata Nijar National Park covers a huge area consisting of three very distinct and unique regions. There’s salt marshes patrolled by flamingoes, extinct volcanoes, caves and Europe’s only native palm, the park has fascinating flora and stunning vistas.
As well as the beautiful beaches in the Andalucia region, there is also a traditional Spain to discover. The Costa de Almeria has retained much of its original charm, and there are many towns and villages to explore.
Shopping
Overlooking Almeria is an ancient fortress, Alcazaba which is a must see and a peaceful refuge from the hustle and bustle of this busy, vibrant city that offers numerous Shopping opportunities in varied stores and markets.
Towns of the Costa de Almeria has their traditional hand crafts such as certamics, embroidery, weaving, esparto-work and wood. Almeria itself is the centre for Shopping. The Craft Centre in Mojacar is a large complex worth visiting, as it has sixteen craft workshops that make, display and sell their products.
The Vicar Village Market is a variety of street stalls in Almeria and is a great place to buy a few great souvenirs.
Nightlife
Costa de Almeria is not big on
Nightlife, but it prefers to focus more on tapas bars and numerous restaurants in the resort’s centre. It is ideal for family holidays and couples who want to relax but not necessarily want to party all night.
However, there is late night entertainment from traditional Spanish fiestas to decidedly English ‘beer and bingo’ bars. Almeria is more of a place to relax, eat and take in the atmosphere in order to charge those batteries.
Eating out
There are numerous cheap tapas bars and good restaurants offering regional cuisine. There is a strong emphasis on fresh fish dishes. The Spanish tend to eat late, sitting down for their evening meal at about 9pm-10pm at night.
There are fashionable restaurants to be found on Avenida de Frederico Garcia and for good quality, reasonably priced, local fare, head for the area of Puerta de Purchena at the end of the Paseo de Almeria. The food is wonderful and value for money.
Tapas in bars is the more favoured option than eating in restaurants on the Almeria coasts. Typical tapas includes small fish, meat, rice and salad dishes – lovely variety to feed your taste buds.