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• Roquetas de Mar Travel Guide
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Cabo de Gata Natural Park © Hector Garcia

Overview
The popular holiday resort town of Roquetas de Mar was once a sleepy, picturesque fishing village, dating from Roman times, and it still retains its warren of Moorish alley-like streets and pretty aspect of white-washed houses ascending the hillside. Hotel and apartment complexes, however, are beginning to dominate the skyline especially along the long, sandy beaches adjacent to the village. Tourism is big business along the holiday strip in Roquetas de Mar, with shops selling local crafts jostling with numerous restaurants and bars, and myriad activities on offer from horse riding to scuba diving or sailing. Roquetas has an 18-hole golf course (at Playa Serena) and a specially designated nudist beach. Those interested in history will enjoy exploring the ruins of the medieval Castilla de Santa Ana and other fortifications in the area, and bird-watchers have a treat in store at the Las Marinas salt marsh and Punta Entinas beaches a few miles south of the village, where flamingos, egrets and avocets gather.

Shopping
Shopping in Roquetas is aimed at tourists, with the usual souvenir options like postcards, t-shirts, and beachwear. There are a few markets worth visiting, particularly the Thursday open-air market.

Restaurants
Almeris is known for its fresh produce and seafood, and you'll find many great restaurants and tapas bars on the promenade. There are a variety of international restaurants to suit tourists' tastes, but a great way to sample local cuisine is at any of a number of tapas restaurants, including fish pulled fresh from the ocean. Marley's Bar serves full English breakfasts, but closes in the afternoon, while the Wild Coyote offers American-style steak and ribs.

• Amazing seafood in Roquetas de Mar. I loved Toscana's pizzas!! : Henry P...See More Tips  |  Add Tip

 

Nightlife
There isn't much of a nightclub culture in Roquetas de Mar, but the hotels offer a variety of entertainment and live music for a low-key night out, including live music and shows. The Teatro Auditorio hosts classical music and dance performances. A few hotels have their own discotheques, including the dancing rooms at the Sabinal and Zoraida hotels. The Bull Ring also offers live entertainment. M25 is a popular British themed sports pub for tourists.

• Numerous pavement bars near to the hotel where you will find it cheaper to drink than at the hotel (Except when happy hour is on). : Tom GUNN...See More Tips  |  Add Tip

 

Activities
Aside from the attractions offered by the beaches in Roquetas, there are interesting architectural and historical sites to visit, including the Our Lady of the Rosary Church and the Santa Ana Castle, as well as Roman ruins at the Torrequebrada archeological site. There are many scenic spots at the nearby reserves, including Punta de Entinas Sabinar Natural Park and Cabo de Gata Natural Park. Roquetas de Mar is also conveniently close to Almeria, which is worth a daytrip when holidaymakers get tired of the sun, sea and sand. Roquetas hosts a number of festivals throughout the year, including the Three Wise Men Parade in January, the Night of San Juan in June, and the Moragas in December.

Negatives
Jellyfish tend to visit the shores of Roquetas de Mar making swimming and water activities unpleasant, the town has tried to put buoys and netting up to stop the jellyfish but tourists should still take precautions. Entertainment and nightlife is very low key.