Almeria province

Almeria is situated in the south eastern corner of Spain and is probably one of the least known areas of Spain but is one of the most unspoilt and beautiful spots on the Mediterranean Coast. The coast line is varied with volcanic rocky outcrops, cliffs, unspoilt, secluded coves and beaches offering the visitor crystal clear water. There is the bustling City of Almeria and then again in complete contrast small traditional fishing villages and holiday resorts like Mojacar. The name Almeria comes from Arabic origins and means ‘the mirror of the sea’. The area is full of history and Spanish traditions.

The City of Almeria has many interesting historic buildings, The Alcazaba being very prominent on the hill overlooking the busy port area. Inland from the city the landscape is desert-like with a lunar landscape appearance where the wind has blown the sandstone and the riverbeds are dried up. This area around Tabernas is where many Spaghetti westerns and Lawrence of Arabia were filmed. Further on into the next province is Granada famous for the Alhambra Palace and the near by ski slopes of the Sierra Nevada and the beautiful white villages nestling in the valleys of the Alpujarras. It is possible to be on the coast in the morning and sking on the slopes in the afternoon.

The Costa de Almeria is sub-tropical Mediterranean with very warm summers, warm winters, and boasting the most sunlight hours in the whole of Europe, some 3,200 in a year, with a mean average temperature of 19 deg.C. Visitors come all year round; not only to enjoy the beaches but also the excellent golf courses, the walking, both on the coastal area and also inland , the skiing, the horse riding, the Scuba diving and much more. To the west of Almeria City are the holiday resorts of Roquetas de Mar and Aquadulce and a large marina at Almerimar. These are all quite developed areas in comparison with Mojacar which is a tourist destination to the north of Almeria still retaining it’s charm and ‘magic’. It has an ancient Moorish village on the hillside, home to many writers and artists and also the pristine sandy beach area on the coast. Near-by Vera offers another very ‘Spanish’ town with ancient bull ring and other historic buildings and also a vast stretch of sandy beach and also a water park.

Although the area has developed considerably and in such a relatively short time it retains its charm and has not been spoilt, as is the case with some of the other Costa areas of Spain. It is not only attracting the foreign visitor but also the Spanish from the inland Cities who flock to enjoy this coast and holiday there. There are good hotel facilities and also good villa and apartment rentals available. Almeria has a newly refurbished and extended airport, just 45 minutes to Mojacar. Murcia Airport with it’s newly completed motorway to the Mojacar area and Alicante Airport also on a good road ; both just under 2 hours away.