The province of Almeria shares a similar climate along Spain’s Mediterranean coast as we have in the Costa Blanca and is just a short drive away, making it an ideal place to head for a short break. Slightly further south, the landscape differs a little from the Costa Blanca, with some desert-like areas which have been used to film Western films.
This is an easy area to get to from your living in the Costa Blanca because, depending on where you visit in the area, it is just a 3.5 to 4-hour drive away. The landscape varied through the region from rugged mountains, valleys filled with greenhouses and the aforementioned desert-like areas, which provide the backdrop for the beaches and seaside areas. Ancient civilisations, including the Romans and Phoenicians, have left their mark on the region, and there are ancient ruins as well as historic cities that are very interesting to visit. Similar to other parts of the Mediterranean coast, the flavours of the area’s cuisine include plenty of locally sourced ingredients from both the sea and fields. Almeria is also an area that offers accommodation and menus at very reasonable prices, making it affordable for a short break or longer.
Located on the coast, Almeria city has some beautiful beaches, a lively atmosphere, busy markets and great nightlife. The historic centre is fascinating, as is the Moorish fort overlooking the city.
The protected area of Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park has dramatic mountains and cliffs which drop down to beaches. Continuing into the sea, where there are small islands and coral reefs. There are lots of activities to enjoy here, including walking, rock climbing, snorkelling and diving.
The traditional, whitewashed town of Mojacar overlooks the sea with narrow streets that are terraced and tiered around the hill upon which it sits. There are lovely squares where you can enjoy a coffee and people-watch. This town is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing and peaceful holiday.
Roquetas de Mar has lots of amenities and facilities for tourists, including luxury hotels and more economical accommodation, golf courses and a vibrant holiday atmosphere, great for those looking for a more lively and active place to stay.
Those living in the Costa Blanca who are fans of Wild West films will love the cinematic adventure that Almeria has to offer. Due to the desert-like nature of some of the areas' countryside, it has been a place that film directors have frequently chosen to use as the setting for their projects. Almeria has an arid desert terrain, rugged mountains and inland villages that have provided the perfect backdrop for numerous spaghetti western films, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s. Locations that have been used and can be spotted in films are the Tabernas Desert, the Rambla de Tabernas dry riverbed and the Alcazaba Moorish fortress of Almeria itself. Today, the legacy of these films can be enjoyed by exploring film sets, taking a guided tour, watching staged western-style gun fights, riding horses and enjoying a drink at a western saloon. Afterwards, you can visit a cinema for a showing of one of the classic Westerns that were filmed in the area.
Away from the deserts, mountains and beaches, you will also see, when you visit Almeria from your home in the Costa Blanca, the famous greenhouses of the area's more fertile locations. The greenhouses cover more than 150 square miles and can be seen from space. They use artificial soil and drip irrigation to produce several million tons of fruit and vegetables every year and have become the major source of out-of-season tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and melons throughout Spain and Europe. It is possible to take guided tours of some of the farms to learn about their eco-friendly and organically grown produce, and also to sample some of the vegetables and fruit at the end of the tour.
Plan your trip to Costa Almeria soon! Explore the amazing hinterland, enjoy being a cowboy for a day, shop for some of the greenhouse fruit and vegetables to take home to the Costa Blanca, explore the towns, cities and nature reserve, but, most of all, have fun learning more about Spain without straying too far from home!
Information from the team at Hamiltons Real Estate (formally Hamiltons of London)
