Costa Almeria

Roquetas de Mar

This delightful fishing town on the southern coast of Spain is a magnet for holidaymakers craving a feast of fun in the sun.

It boasts several fabulous sandy beaches - including La Romanilla, Aguadulce and La Bajadilla - plus a glorious palm-fringed promenade and a myriad of wonderful shops, restaurants and tapas bars.

Other attractions in the lively resort of Roquetas de Mar, which is a short drive away from the province’s capital city Almeria, include superb nature parks, an enchanting 16th century castle and a range of thrilling water sports.

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to sensational sandy beaches, inviting bays and charming coves in Costa Almeria.

There’s something for everyone, from long sandy expanses with safe and shallow waters which are perfect for families to quiet and secluded little gems which provide the ideal setting for romantic couples to stroll hand in hand along the sand.

Aguadulce beach in the popular resort of Roquetas de Mar is a big favourite with families and features beautiful golden sands, calm waters and a palm-lined promenade which is home to bars, restaurants and shops.

Las Negras beach is a glorious family-friendly 850m sandy and pebbly stretch beside the town of Níjar in the Natural Park of Cabo de Gata, while Los Muertos beach is an unspoilt 1600m expanse which is popular with snorkelling and scuba diving enthusiasts.

If you want some lively action on the sands after dark there are several party beaches in Costa Almeria including Playa del Cantal where a plethora of bars and restaurants boast live music and dancing.

Playa Calypso is a picturesque beach with swaying palms, golden sands and an abundance of water activities including kayaking and pedal boats. Another fabulous option is Playa de los Cocedores which is located in a nature conservation area and boasts turquoise waters, quaint tapas bars and a small open-air museum.

Costa Almeria has an impressive choice of delicious traditional dishes to savour during your holiday, often prepared with mouth-watering fresh produce harvested from the sea or the land.

A popular choice in many local restaurants and cafes is ajo colorao, a scrumptious fish stew which is made with mashed potatoes, dried red peppers and cumin.

Pringa is a wonderful meat dish which is slow-cooked until it is incredibly tender - it normally comprises a mix of pork, morcillo (blood sausage), pork fat and chorizo.

Gurullos is a type of pasta which is usually served with rabbit or chick peas, while bocas de la Isla is a scrumptious dish cooked from crab meat.

You'll come across traditional tapas bars all across Costa Almeria delivering an extensive choice of tasty delights including paella, cured meats and patatas bravas.

Popular sweet treats in the province include fried dough offerings such as churros, fritters and pancakes which are often smothered in warm chocolate and sugar.

Horchata is a much-loved non-alcoholic drink made with tiger nuts which is similar in taste to almond milk, while pacharán is an aniseed-flavoured liqueur which is made with sloe berries.

Aquarium Roquetas de Mar

This attraction - the largest aquarium in Andalusia - features more than 1,000 and provides a great family day out. The chance to swim with sharks and stroke manta rays are among the exciting activities which await.

Oasys Mini Hollywood Theme Park

A feast of Wild West adventure awaits at this attraction in the Tabernas desert where many famous cowboy movies have been made. Daily shows feature gunfights and action involving horses and stagecoaches. There’s also a zoo which boasts more than 175 different species.

Cabo de Gata Natural Park

This is Spain's most significant wetland area for migrating and breeding birds and it provides a fantastic family day out. Parents and children will be impressed with the colourful wildlife on the large salt water lagoon and surrounding land including pink flamingos, reptiles and black moray fish.

Visit Europe’s only desert

Head off for a stroll in the sands of the Tabernas desert. This is the only desert in Europe and has been the setting for many classic Hollywood Western movies. It’s also home to an amusement park, aqua park and zoo.

Castle of Santa Ana

This charming 16th century castle in Roquetas de Mar was originally built to protect the area from pirates. It has now been developed into a cultural centre and offers awe-inspiring rooftop views of the sea and coastline.

Day trip to Almeria

There’s plenty to see and do during a romantic day out in Almeria, a charming capital city with cobbled streets, quaint cafes, fabulous restaurants and excellent shops. You’ll also discover a magnificent cathedral, an awe-inspiring fortress and beautiful Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

Cabo de Gata boat trip

Embark on a relaxing boat trip around a series of tranquil bays where you’ll be wowed by the crystal-clear waters, towering cliffs and enchanting caves. You’ll also visit the best beaches in the area and enjoy spellbinding views of Cabo de Gata- Nijar Nature Reserve.

The Alcazaba of Almería

This jaw-dropping fortified complex is a truly historical landmark which was built by the Arabs in the 10th century. It looms majestically over the city of Almeria and has many magnificent structures including the Justice Gate and San Juan Church.

Civil War Museum (Museo de la Guerra Civil)

This network of underground tunnels in Almeria city was built in 1936 at the start of the Spanish Civil War. Groups of up to 25 are taken down 50 steps below the city where you can take a trip back in time to when the area was bombed by the Germans. There's plenty to see including an old medical surgery room, a pantry and living quarters.

The busier beach resorts offer fantastic facilities for numerous water sports. Discover the underwater world of colourful marine life with a snorkelling or scuba diving trip. For those looking for action on top of the water jet skiing, windsurfing and sailing are popular activities on Costa Almeria holidays.

For those looking for holiday activities on drier land then trekking, mountain climbing and walking through the wonderful landscape of Costa Almeria is popular with many visitors to the region. Take in the magnificent views and absorb the culture and atmosphere of authentic Spanish villages. Stop for refreshments or lunch and enjoy the locals laid back vibe with some delicious tapas and local wine. Perhaps even visit one or two of the local vineyards for a wine tasting session.

Alternatively visit the Tavernas desert and see if you can recognise the landscape from some of your favourite films: ‘Laurence of Arabia’, ‘Fistful of Dollars’ ‘Indiana Jones and the last Crusade’ are just some of the classics filmed in this part of Costa Almeria.

For those looking for a more relaxing holiday Costa Almeria offers some of the nicest, quietest beaches in the whole of Spain, perfect for unwinding in the sun, at any time of the year.

Flights to Almeria airport take approximately 3 hours from the UK & this is the closest airport for Costa Almeria holidays. Granada airport is only 130 kilometres away so this is sometimes used by visitors on holidays to Costa Almeria but obviously there is a longer transfer time.

Direct Flights to Almeria are available from London, Birmingham, Manchester & East Midlands airports.

Segway ride in the Royal Forest Casa de Campo

Take to an electric Segway and explore one of Europe’s largest urban parks. You’ll be accompanied by a guide who will keep you informed about the attractions along the way including a riparian forest, Serpents Bridge, a magnificent lake and Spanish Civil War trenches.

Shopping in Paseo de Almeria

Indulge yourself with some retail therapy at Paseo de Almeria, a magnificent beachfront promenade in the capital city. This glorious tree-lined street has many big-name boutiques and stores, as well as many quaint restaurants, cafes and charming water features.

Transparent sea kayaking

This novel activity is a great way to have some fun on the sea and also gaze in awe at the amazing marine life below you. A transparent kayak creates the feel of sitting in your own personal glass-bottomed boat, with colourful fish and sea creatures grabbing your attention as you paddle your way around the crystal-clear waters.