Costa Almeria Travel Guide

Blessed with over 200 miles (322km) of coastline along the Mediterranean, Costa Almeria is one of Spain's most enchanting regions, where traditional Spanish culture thrives amid glorious, unspoilt beaches, rugged cliffs and arid scrubland. Visitors will relish this part of southeast Spain, whether they're stargazing from a balcony under some of the clearest skies in Europe, wandering charming villages or dining at fabulous tapas bars.

Almeria still bears the archaeological evidence of many ancient cultures, from the Tartessos and Phoenicians to the Romans and Visigoths, who were drawn here by the natural beauty, and useful maritime geographic location. The region retains a Moorish flavour as well, owing to its closeness to North Africa.

Inland, Almeria is rather barren, and boasts Europe's only desert region around the village of Tabernas, which has been used as the location for several western movies. In the east, the lunar-landscaped Cabo de Gata-Nijar nature reserve, with its dramatic coastline, attracts hikers, birders and scuba divers. Despite the dry, inhospitable landscape, Almeria has developed a thriving agricultural industry, and plastic-covered tunnel farms packed with fresh produce and flowers are prolific.

Most visitors flock to the holiday resorts to the east and west of the lively capital city of Almeria, which itself boasts picturesque squares, some worthy sights, cafes, a ferry port and marina. Lovely beaches, hotels and sport centres provide plenty to keep holidaymakers happy in the resort towns of Mojacar to the east, and Aguadulce, Roquetas de Mar and Almerimar to the west of the city. Almeria is also a gateway to the real Spain, as each of its sunny towns has its own fiesta celebrations, which often honour the religious patron of the village or an ancient tradition. Travellers will enjoy the elaborate processions and colourful parades.