Costa de Almería

The Spanish coast of Almería represents Spain at its finest, while boasting over 3000 hours of sunshine per year and 200 miles (322 km) of varied, scenic coastline. Not o­nly a popular holiday destination Almería is fast becoming the choice for many to retire or just relocate and start a new life.

Sunny and mild, Almería lies southeast of the Iberian Peninsula o­n the Mediterranean Sea and the region retains an African flavour, which is a short distance away across the Mediterranean. Inland, Almería is rather barren and arid, and boasts Europe's o­nly desert region around the village of Tabernas, famous as a filming location for several western movies including "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" and " A Fistful of Dollars"as well as other classics such as "Lawrence of Arabia", "Cleopatra" and "2001: A Space Odessy" to name but a few.

In the east, the Cabo de Gata - Níjar nature reserve with its rugged coastline, attracts hikers, ornithologists and scuba divers. Despite the dry, inhospitable landscape Almería has developed a thriving agricultural industry and plastic-covered tunnel farms packed with lush fresh produce and flowers are to be seen in abundance reportedly supplying 80% of Europe´s salad items.

Most visitors flock to the holiday resorts to the east and west of the lively capital city of Almería, which itself boasts picturesque squares, cafes, a ferry port and marina. Mojácar lies to the east, and Roquetas de Mar and Almerimar to the west of the city.

The Costa de Almería very much mixes the traditional Spanish way of life, with an ever increasingly cosmopolitan lifestyle.  The pace here is far slower with lunch taking up to 3 hours.  What is most refreshing is that Spaniards still recognise family values and a stress-free lifestyle is a fundamental fact of life!

The region's bohemian beach bars (chiringuitos) are very much a key part of life and an experience you won't want to miss with live music at the weekends. Paella is usually ordered in advance and will come when it is ready. The copious jugs of sangria coupled with the breeze of the Mediterranean makes the wait that more pleasurable.

Leisure activities are plentiful - Golf, tennis, horse riding, sailing, waterskiing, scuba diving etc. What most people are not aware of is that the outstanding ski slopes of Sierra Nevada are just 2 hours drive from Almería. The resort is o­ne of the highest in Europe and o­n a clear day skiers can see Africa. If you have the inclination, skiing in the morning and going to the beach in the afternoon is feasible.