The Costa de Almeria is situated
in South East Spain and is covered by a surface area of 8,774 sq km. crossed by
high mountain ranges and separated from each other by narrow valleys. The
coastline, which extends to 120km, is beautiful and presents the visitor with
some marked contrasts.
Cabo de Gata is the rockiest and most elevated coastline
with a mountainous formation made up of volcanic materials. Small beaches, and
coves can also be seen with extensive sandy beaches. From the beautiful Sierra
Cabrera foothills, to the white sandy beaches of the Mediterranean, unspolit
Almeria is dotted with ancient villages, stunning coves and is an idyllic
environment for those seeking a traditional Spanish lifestyle.
Almeria is also approximately 2 hours from the fabulous skiing resort of Sierra Nevada - making
it the perfect all year round location.
Average yearly temperature is 19.3ºc, with especially mild winters and very warm and dry summers.
Almeria itself has an important port which offers a regular ferry service to Melilla, a
few hours away.
Some very interesting monuments are also in the city, e.g. the
Arab alcazaba, built by Abd al-Rahman lll, the Cathedral which originally served
defensive purposes and the churches of Santiago el Viejo and San Pedro.
As the local cuisine is fish, the most popular dishes are pickled sardines, shellfish
with mayonnaise, prawns, lobsters, etc., but not forgetting there are different
kinds of stew made with partridge on offer here.
Almeria’s most striking landmark is the Arab fortress, Alcazaba that stands on a hill overlooking the
city. Dating back to the 10th century, this lavish monument was built by Caliph
of Cordoba Abd-ar Rahman III and comprises of three great walled enclosures the
second of which contains the remains of the sites original mosque, converted to
a chapel by the Catholic kings. Outwardly it remains a truly impressive sight to
behold.
At the heart of the old quarter stands the strange fortified Cathedral
with its Renaissance façade and six Gothic towers that once held cannons.
Around the Costa Almeria there are numerous places of interest. The landscape has made
it a popular location for the movie industry. Lawrence of Arabia was filmed
here, as were a plethora of westerns including Fistful of Dollars, the set of
which now stands as a popular tourist attraction.
In nearby Los Milares there is a large archaeological site dating back to 1800BC that is believed to be Spain’s
first metal works, and a crucial stepping-stone between the Stone and Bronze
Ages.
The year round clear skies make the area a favourite research centre for
Astronomers and on the outskirts of the small town of Gergal, in the Sierra de
los Filabres, there is the Hispano-German Astronomical centre where you’ll find
the worlds most powerful telescope.
Also inland, in the surrounding desert lands are the famous troglodyte villages, towns in which many or most of the homes are
caves dug into the soft, sand-coloured cliffs. The casas-cueva, as they are
known, often have façades with windows and tiled roofs like conventional houses.
The most interesting place to visit cave dwellings is in the region around Sante
Fe de Modujar.
Like the rest of Spain, Costa Almeria likes to celebrate and
holds several festivals through the year including the nationally celebrated
Carnival and Holy Week festivities. However the most important event on the
calendar is the celebration of the Almeria Fair, which takes place during the
last two weeks of August. As well as much drinking and dancing, the Fair holds
various sporting events and religious acts. Most of the celebrations take place
in the numerous tent-like-pavilions pitched in the fairground. If you’re after
sea and sand you have come to the right place.
Cabo de Gata is where you will find the most beautiful and least crowded beaches in the province. Here there is
a wild almost undiscovered atmosphere. The sea is crystal clear and beaches are
clean and quiet, remaining pleasant throughout the year. Its growth is mainly
due to families looking for somewhere relatively quiet and unspoiled to take
their holidays.
Consequently, even though it retains an air of pure Spain, there
is still plenty to see and do for visitors of all ages.
Attractions
On the eastern edge of Andalucia lies the province of Almeria.
It takes it's name from it's capital city which lies on the southern coast of
the province. The area could have remained somewhat unknown if it hadn't been
for the film companies who discovered that the area offered ideal film sets for
films such as Lawrence of Arabia and Patton. Hundreds of westerns have been
produced in the local hillsides.
Almeria, despite it's rugged landscape and shortage of fertile soil, has managed, with a good irrigation system, to become
an important growth area and it is well known for the quality of it's oranges
and white grapes, most of which are exported from it's port. As you drive
through the province you will see an endless sea of polythene tunnels, crammed
with produce. The area is almost totally dependent on this industry.
The province of Almeria may initially appear to be a barren desert-like landscape
but on close inspection you will find it to be the Andalucian province with the
longest stretch of beaches. Empty beaches and tiny hidden coves with perfectly
clear water. Because of the diverse landscapes, the range of sports activities
is endless from water sports to hiking, paragliding, horse riding and golf.
Almeria city itself is a pleasant and largely modern city and offers a relaxing
holiday destination and has a wealth of history to offer. The Phoenicans founded
the town, Carthagnians, Romans and Moors all occupied it before Ferdinand and
Isabella finally recovered it for Spain during the reconquest. Almeria hosted
the 2005 Mediterranean Games. This is the perfect place to enjoy water sports
such as sailing, windsurfing and rowing. The Alcazabar sits on the hilltop of
the city The cathedral is a must see, as is the Alcazaba, above, built in
995. Enjoy a quiet stroll through the Nicolas Salmeron Park then head up towards
the caves in the old gypsy quarter.
A good time to visit Almeria is during the annual fair in August. From Almeria it is easy to visit many small towns and
villages that offer true, unspoilt Spain. Take your time exploring the city of
Almeria and make sure you see the old quarter where you will find Casa de los
Puche and the market area of Plaza Vieja.
Almeria is quite unique in so much as
it is half Spanish and half African. Many of the local workers are of African
origin. The port has a ferry service to Africa. In the centre of the city is La
Rambla, a long avenue with squares in which to rest and play parks for the
children. Almeria city has a major ferry port, a sports marina and a working
fishing port.
If you head along the west coast of Almeria, along the N340
highway, you will pass huge cliffs that shelter small coves. After about 13km
you will come to Aguadulce that presents a good tourist centre with hotels and
apartments. There is also a yacht harbour and a coastline that offers
watersports of every description.
Further along you find Roquetas de Mar, a typical fishing village where the white houses contrast with the colourful
harbour. Here you will see the ruins of the castles of Santa Ana and Los Bajos.
At the nearby urban development there is an 18 hole golf course and facilities
for many other sports.
From here, head for the beautiful Punta Entinas with
areas untouched and undeveloped. A little to the west is Almerimar, a tourist
complex with several kilometres of beach, crystal clear waters and a marina for
over 1000 vessels. Almerimar also offers 18 hole golf, hotels, a camp site and
apartments. About 11km west of here is Adra, a town of about 20,000 inhabitants
and a former Roman colony. A fortress stands on the hill, overlooking the town.
The towers and walls remain. The parish church dates from the 18th century and
is worthy of a visit. The town has always had naval connections and nowadays has
a fine sports harbour and yacht club. The beaches are long and wide and the
coastal lagoons are a haven for many bird species. The town is well known for
its handcrafted coral work.
On the eastern edge of the Costa Almeria you will find Mojacar, a place founded by the Carthaginians and its steep, narrow streets
show a Moorish influence. The parish church consists of undecorated stonework in
almost military fashion.
Almeria is the region in Spain with the greatest number
of cloudless days, exceeding 3000 hours of sunshine during the year. Its average
temperature is 18ºc and during the summer the average is 24.6ºc. The waters here
are almost crystal clear and usually warmer than the air.
All in all, Almeria offers a diverse landscape with some excellent beaches, beautiful countryside
and a wealth of history. The province is surrounded by the provinces of Granada,
Murcia and Malaga.
Major villages, towns and cities in Costa de Almeria
Abla, Adra, Albanchez, Albox, Alcontar, Alhama de Almeria, Almeria, Almerimar, Antas, Aquadulce, Baza, Berja, Cabo de Gata, Caniles, Canjayar, Cantoria, Carboneras,
Cuevas de Almanzora, Dona Maria, El Alquian, El Campo, El Ejido, El Saltador, Finana, Fines, Fondon, Friela, Gador, Gergal, Gor, Gorafe, Guadix, Las Negras,
Los Gallardos, Los Ruedos, Lubrin, Lucar, Mojacar, Morron, Nijar, Oria, Pechina, Roquetas de Mar, Sorbas, Tabernas, Tetica, Tijola, Turre, Vera and Vicar.
