Local area
Almeria is the most easterly province in Andalucia. It is the least known province but one of the most beautifull spots on the mediterranean coast. Having been overlooked as a tourist destination for a long time due to its remote nature and sparse road system, it is now experiencing a boom and is the fastest growing region in Spain following the construction of a network of roads and the emergence of budget airlines. Learning from the mistakes of the other costas, Almeria has controlled development to achieve a perfect balance between modern tourisim and traditonal Spanish needs. This eastern corner of Andalucia is a privileged place thanks to one of the finest coastlines in Spain - cliffes, coves, rocky outcrops and superb beaches with crystal clear waters with national parks, a warm climate and attractive towns full of history and tradition thrown in for good measure.
Vera town
The walled renaissance town of Vera is one of the most important commercial centres in the region. A traditional Spanish town which is increasing in popularity with tourists who are attracted to its many shops, bars , tapas bars, spanish restaurants and the friendliness and hospitality of its locals. Vera is also home to a beautiful old town square, gardens and a bull ring !! A very Spanish town
(5 mins drive from apartment)
Mojacar
Mojacar consists virtually of two towns, Mojacar playa ( beach) which has great beaches sprawling for 10km, overlooked by mountains and full of great beach bars and restaurants and is one of the more lively parts of the region, despite this it still remains more low key than the other costas and has no high rise development to spoil it. In the summer months many Spanish people holiday here.
Mojacar pueblo (town) is a fairytale town of whitewashed cubed buildings clinging to the foothills of the Sierra Cabera. The old town is a delightful place to explore. You will find charming art and trinket shops, narrow, steep and cobbled winding streets lead you past smartly renovated houses decked out with potted plants and flowers and hole in the wall shops selling everything from clothing to locally made souveinirs. Public activity tends to centre around around the main square, the plaza de las flores, which is filled with street cafes,bars,restaurants,boutiques and shops and has breathtaking views to the snow capped peaks of the sierra nevada mountains. Mojacar offers fiestas in the summer and markets all year round. In the evenings both visitors and residents can be found relaxing on outdoor terraces, eating drinking and watching the stunning sunset over the mountains. You will find a varitey of bars and restaurants to suit all tastes including great spanish food and of course, tapas !!
(10 mins drive from apartment)
Mojacar pueblo
Mojacar playa
Garrucha
Garrucha is a beautiful and lively fishing town that still remains much of its origanal charm. Over the last few years it has become a popular tourist destination. Its tourist slogan is "Garrucha, sun & seafood". The town is famous for the quality of its large red prawns, only fished in the local waters. It combines plenty of character, a yachting marina and fantastic local cusine based on fresh fish caught daily and sold in the beachfront market. The local fishing boats leave the harbour in the morning and return early evening, unload their catch and auction it in the market to the local restaurants. It is fantastic to see this and you can wander round the auction whilst in progress.
Garrucha is also well known for it golden sandy beaches, the wide beach and fine sands offer a perfect place to sunbathe, play sports or just wander along and enjoy the view. The beach opposite the town is the only in-town blue flag beach in europe ! One of the pleasures of Garrucha is an evening stroll around the bay. A palm tree lined promenade framed by white marble balustrades spans the lenght of the town and takes in the three ports of Garrucha, the sports port, fishing port and commercial port. Their are landscaped areas to sit and relax while watching the sunset over the mediterranean sea and play areas for children. Finally, every friday there is a large market that runs along two streets in the town centre.
(5 mins drive from apartment)
Villaricos
Villaricos is a small unspoilt fishing village, both charming and tranquil, which maintains a typical Spanish feel. Fishing and tourism is its main sources of income. There are two beaches, a pebbled expanse and an unspoilt golden sandy beach which has an excellent chiringuito and a children's playground. The latter is in a sheltered bay which, although popular with the locals is never crowded. Just beyond the village is a rugged coastline where you can relax in solitude among rock pools and sand. Villaricos has two harbours which sit at either end of the village linked by a broad promenade with numerous places to sit and contemplate. It is a popular place for an evening stroll by visitors and locals alike. Villaricos is known for its crystal clear warm waters and fabulous diving and diving school. There are many good restaurants and bars with food at very reasonable prices with both Spanish and English cuisine available and a small but lively market every Sunday in the square.
(5 mins drive from apartment)
Cabo de Gata National park
High temperatures and the lowest rainfall in the Iberian peninsula has created a large semi-desert area known as Cabo de Gata, a national park and Andalucia's largest coastal protected area.
Cabopalms. The mountain range is Spain's largest volcanic rock formation with sharp peaks and cextensive coral reefs which teem with marine life. The park encompasses an outstanding variety of habitats from coastal dunes, beaches, steep cliffs, saltpans and salt-marshes and dry river beds, and shelters a wealth of wildlife, including many rare plants and endangered fauna. One of Spain's most important wetland areas for breeding birds is called the Salinas de Cabo de Gata, a saltwater lagoon that runs parallel to the beach, separated from it by a 400m wide sand bar. Located between San Miguel and the Cabo de Gata headland, this lagoon is of outstanding ecological interest. The salinas (saltpans) are the only ones still in operation in eastern Andalucia and are home to pink flamingos. Cabo de Gata is the perfect place to visit fishing villages, a lighthouse and the unusual beaches of Mónsul, Genoveses and San José, the nerve centre and main tourist centre in therags which fall steeply to the sea creating jagged cliffs and hidden coves with numerous white sandy beaches which are some of the most beautiful in Andalucia. Offshore are numerous small rocky islands and underwater de Gata is a wild and isolated landscape with shrubby vegetation and dwarf fan
Turre
Turre is tucked just inland between Mojacar and Los Gallarados in the foothills of the Sierra Cabera. The town has a long and varied heritage and given its posistion is loved by walkers, hikers, climbers and horse riders. The town also has many Traditional spanish bars & restaurants etc..
(15 mins drive from apartment)
