Costa Almeria – “the mirror of the sea” – is popular with nature lovers due to its near-untouched coastline, its impressive desert scenery and the natural parks it borders.  It is also known to be the sunniest place in Spain, making it an ideal accessible holiday spot for sun seekers.

The city is lively and bubbling with plenty of museums, shops and galleries worth visiting.  The nightlife teems with tapas bars and music hangouts, while summer discos on or close to the beach liven up during the early hours of the morning.  To the east there is the volcanic region of Cabo de Gato, a protected maritime park where visitors can enjoy the rugged scenery and even some worthwhile birdwatching.

Roquetas de Mar makes for a worthy visit, just 15 minutes away from Almeria, and offers several Blue Flag beaches.  This town began as a fishing village and its old traditions continue to this day via festivals and the local cuisine.  Its roots contribute to the area’s gastronomy, which has Arabic/North African flavours and typically offers dishes that include fish chowders and stew, red prawns and red mullet.

The Costa Almeria is one of the lesser known Costas and retains a uniquely Spanish feel.  Many of the areas that have become more popular with tourists remain relaxed and traditional, unblemished by over-development and offering typically attractive architecture and a welcoming populace.

Like the rest of the Costas, the Costa Almeria is blessed with a climate that remains temperate all year round.  With an average temperature that peaks at 27 degrees Celsius in summer and dips to 13 in January, meaning that it is a pleasant area to visit and explore whatever the time of year.