Adra, Almeria, Spain
Adra is the most westerly coastal town in Almeria and is known as the port/gateway of the Alpujarra. Founded by the phoenicians in the 8th century BC it is the oldest municipality in Almeria. Although it was once a fortified city only fragments of the town walls remain. There are several historical buildings and sights in the area worth a visit including the Museum of Adra which gives an insight into Adra's history; the Molino del Lugar which is a restored mill beside the museum; the Hermitage de San Sebastian and the Parish Church of the Immaculate Conception.
The port, beaches and nearby Nature Reserve are also interesting. Take a stroll down the Calle Natalio Rivas and see the grand buildings which have been converted into shops in this bustling commercial area. If eating out why not try one of the many excellent fish restaurants.
Aguadulce, Almeria, Spain
Aguadulce is the perfect place for a traditional sun, sea and sand holiday. Over the last 75 years it has grown from a tiny fishing village to a popular tourist resort. The sports marina caters for a wide variety of water sports. There is a shopping centre at the marina as well as several fish restaurants.
Aguadulce has a wide selection of shops, bars and restaurants. Stroll along the promenade in the evening or why not sample the varied nightlife.
Almunecar, Almeria, Spain
Almunecar is built on a promontory between the two river estuaries of the Rio Verde and Rio Seco. Over the years the river deltas silted up and the shorefront now comprises the two main beaches of Playa Puerta del Mar and the Playa San Cristobal.
The two beaches are broken by abrupt cliffs that support the Arab citadel and three large rocks leading out to sea called Penones. The largest El Penon del Santo was once an ancient shrine and today it is home to a huge cross that is illuminated in the evening.
Almunecar is a warren of steep winding streets that lead from the central square called the Plaza de La Constitucion towards the castle which is the highest and old quarter of town called the Barrio San Miguel.
Worth a visit is the Museo Arqueologico which is home to many Roman and Phoenician artefacts. Just on the outskirts of the old town remains of a Roman and Phoenician cemetary can be found where over 200 tombs have been excavated.
There are many fine restaurants situated around the Plaza de la Constitucion with a variety to suit all tastes.
Almunecar has good bus links to Nerja, Malaga and Almeria with a daily service to Jaen, Sevilla and Granada
La Herradura, Almeria, Spain
La Herradura is a little fishing resort town located in between Nerja and Almunecar.
The name Herradura derives from the beautiful horseshoe shaped bay that is popular with paragliders and water sport enthusiasts, often described as one of the most picturesque beaches in Southern Spain. It is a 2km long sandy beach nestled in between two natural promontories.
The little village of Herradura is typical of many in this area of spain with whitewashed buildings climbing upwards away from the beach.
The village has a variety of restaurants ranging from local chiringuitos or beach bars, tapas bars and seafood restaurants.
Shopping is limited although a range of shops, bars and restaurants can be found at the easten end of the village at the foot of the Punta de La Mona.
Mojacar, Almeria, Spain
Mojacar is located 60 miles East from Almeria airport. The majority of visitors head for the beach resort, where you will find a wide choice of accomodation.
It is perhaps not so overcrowded as some of the neighbouring resorts on the Costa del Sol and still has a relaxed feel for the many tourists that return year after year.
The resort is flanked by hills and the mountains beyond.
Mojacar beach resort boasts more than 10 miles of course sandy beaches which shelve gently into the sea. The most popular beach is the Palmer Rumina Beach which has recently won the European Blue Flag. A variety of water sports can be enjoyed in the area although care must be taken as the waves can be strong.
Shopping in the resort is varied from souvenir shops to local ceramics and handicrafts. The "Indalo" ancient charm features prominently on many of the goods sold. There are weekly markets held on a Wednesday morning and the Flea market on Sunday morning.
Eating out is varied and the choice is good from traditional Spanish cuisine to a wide choice of International themed restaurants. You can also find seafood restaurants to sample the local catch.
Daytime activities are varied with a good choice of sports including golf, minigolf, go-karting fishing, tennis to name a few.
The village of Mojacar which is located approx 1.75 miles uphill from the beach resort is a delight to visit with narrow cobbled streets and the typical whitewashed Moorish houses of the region. It is home to the famous "Indalo" which is an ancient good luck symbol in the shape of a human figure. The panoramic views and the close proximity to the sea have made it popular recently with clients moving to the area. Worth a visit is the Moorish fortress of El Torreon and the Arch of Luciana. There are a number of local restaurants and tapas bars in the village to sample authentic cuisine.
Mojacar is a resort that will appeal to old and young alike and is a particular favourite with the family market.
Roquetas de Mar, Almeria, Spain
Roquetas de Mar is located just 17 miles to the West of Almeria airport and is perhaps one of the most well known resorts in the region.
The resort was built some 20 years ago and is relatively new compared to some of the older more established resorts in the Costa del Sol.
The resort is ideally suited to couples, families and our more mature holidaymakers as it combines a quiet beach based holiday with a fair mix of restaurants and activities to suit all tastes.
The beach is wide and shelves gently although care must be taken as the waves can be strong in this area. You have a choice of available watersports including windsurfing and jet-skiing.
Shopping within the resort is limited to souvenir, local handicrafts and footwear although you can always pay a visit to Almeria for the more ardent shoppers.
Eating out is varied and with a reasonable choice of local and international cuisine.
Regular bus services operate from Roquetas to both Almeria and Aguadulce. Within the resort a tourist train gives those weary feet a rest.
There are various excursions possible from Roquetas including Granada to visit the famous Alhambra Palace or the Wild West village in the Tabernas desert where many famous westerns have been filmed.
Daytime entertainment is centred around the varies sports and water sports including the many golf courses in the area. Nightlife is a relaxed mix of open air cafes and bars ideal for people watching or for the more energetic there are a few nightclubs. Many of the hotels offer their own evening entertainment programme.
Salobrena, Almeria, Spain
Salobrena is located just 4 kms west of Motril on the 60kms of coastal area known as the Costa Tropical.
Salobrena has a pretty whitewashed hillside village and the popular beach resort development.
The town has an interesting history and was founded in the 8th century by the Phoenicians as a trading post.
With the arrival of the Moors it became an important agricultural area and a popular summer destination for royality.
Worth visting is the Castillo Arabe castle which dates back originally to the 10th century and is a spectacular sight at night when floodlit. Also just below the castle is the 16th century Iglesia de Nuestra Senora del Rosario with a striking arched doorway.
The beach in Salobrena is dark sand and is divided by a large landmark rock. The beach is relatively quiet except in the busy July and August months.
Eating out is varied and you will find a range from tapas bars to fresh seafood.
Salobrena has markets on Tuesday and Friday's ideal for souvenir shopping. There is a good bus service serving the major resorts of Malaga and Granada plus daily services to Cordoba, Sevilla,Jaen and Madrid
Vera, Almeria, Spain
The town of Vera is located some 9kms inland from the coast and is regarded as one of the most important centres in the area.
The main square the Plaza Mayor is well worth a visit and is home to many interesting buildings including the Church de la Encarnation built in 1520.
Shopping here is a delight and you can find many local handicrafts and every Saturday you will find a large street market to browse through.
There are a variety of restaurants to chose from and something to cater for everyone from simple tapas bars to good quality restaurants.
Down in the beach area you will find the Parque Acuatico which will keep the children amused with its array of water flumes and pools.
On the outskirts of town you will find the famous Valle de Este Golf course ideal for a round of golf.
The beach area of Vera is home to one of the largest naturist developments in southern spain.
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