TOWNS IN ALMERA
Mojacar is clearly one of the most beautiful, picturesque and enchanting villages on the entire coast, with some 17 kilometres of fine, sandy beaches. It is situated in the South Eastern province of Almeria, some 90 kilometres from the city, and enjoys an excellent location, protected from behind the Cabrera mountain range and overlooking the inviting Mediterranean sea. Its Southerly location, close proximity to the African continent and the high surrounding mountains assures an exceptional subtropical climate, where temperatures are kind all year round with an average of 21 degrees Celsius.The town is divided into two areas, the original village, Majocar la Vieja, two kilometres from the coast, and Mojocar Playa which accommodates the tourist developments and offers a complete range of services, and attractions, whilst still in keeping with the local environment. The climate allows for an abundance of wild flowers and herbs, and this area is host to a large variety of birds including linnets, swifts, green finches, woodlark, hoopoes, magpies and partridges. No other corner of Andalucia can boast such a rich heritage with a Moorish past, and has been settled by many people since antiquity and populated since the bronze age. Mojocar today still remains loyal to her past with her architecture, and white washed houses cut into the cliff.
Roquetas de Mar is the largest Holiday Resort in the Province. Built just 2 kilometers away from the original fishing village, The Resort of Roquetas de Mar and Playa Serena boasts long beaches, hotel complexes, restaurants and bars of various nationalities, and a wide variety of shops and services to cover all needs.Just to mention a few of the activities on offer during the day, Roquetas de Mar hosts an 18 hole golf course, situated in Playa serena, numerous tennis courts, wind surfing and hang gliding. There are also two other golf courses within a 20 minute drive of the resort. For those warm Spanish nights there are a large number of activities available to compliment these. A short walk away from Playa Serena brings you to a specially designated naturist beach, behind which is an area of salt marshes visited by Flamingos, ducks and other fowl, usually between the months of July and November.
Vera Big clean beaches with all the services, large sandy sea beds and a well taken care of urban environment give this coastal enclave a most important attractiveness for tourismAnother one of Vera's treasure is to be able to brag about being a gastronomic paradise The residential area on the coast of Vera, also called 'Vera Mar', runs from north to south or vice versa, parallel to the nudist beach, el 'Playazo', to the water amusement park, and to the beaches which are situated next to the ocean walk. Vera nowadays isn't just famous for its nudist beaches, but also for many other things. The beaches of Vera: This is the privileged coast area of east Almeria. It consists of a 5 kilometre long, wide sandy beach, with fine, white sand, well looked after and clean, with crystal clear water, and in the background lie the beautiful mountains. These beaches deserve the blue flag, which is a European quality distinction.In the north you can find those beaches which are kept in one part as nudist beaches and nudist areas, with accommodation, hotel, camping and residential areas which are currently subject to extension. Further south lies the beach called 'El Playazo'. Thousands of meters of sandy beach and silence. It stretches up to the river mouth of the river 'Antas' with its damp region and water areas. Here, as mentioned above, a small lagoon is formed and surrounded by reeds and plants. This is the habitat of a diverse bird fauna, a unique ecosystem in Europe, which is used by migratory birds between Africa and Europe as a resting place. Further south the wonderful and quaint ocean walk runs parallel to the beaches of the towns: 'Villajarapa', 'Puerto Rey', 'Peublo Laguna', 'Las Marismas' and 'Mar y Ciels' The town of Vera is very prosperous, sunny and has many stores. Vera is rich in its handicraft and the amount of tourist is constantly increasing, because of its well-know cuisine. There are fancy restaurants, as well as the popular Spanish 'Tapas' (small rations) The Friendliness and hospitality of the almost 7000 inhabitants of Vera make this town especially attractive for residents and guests. There is a street market every Saturday. For sight-seeing the most important sights are: the church 'La Encarnacion', which was built in the XVI century in a modern style, and it's alter painting is in baroque style. Opening hours: afternoons. The Royal Hospital 'San Augustin', which was also built in the XVI century, the monastery 'Las Victoria', the chapel 'Espiritu Santo', as well as the historic town museum and the fountain called 'Cuatro Canos'. There is a wonderful look out point which had been a medieval settlement. The view from the 'Plaza de la Gloria' square is wonderful.Carnival: Around the end of February or the beginning of March, depending on what day they fall on, the carnival parades with their disguises and their popular Street music take place. They represent parodies of the daily events that happen in town, and give us a sort of idea of local life. The popular masks, disguises and costumes bring the street of Vera alive. The public holiday and Feast Day: called 'Dia de la Vieja': This day is a very traditional holiday with old customers. It is celebrated on exactly the Thursday which coincides with the middle of the fasting period. Families and friends go to the countryside to have a pick-nick or lunch, and at sunset a doll made of colourful paper, and whose head is full of sweets and candy, is broken and torn into pieces. This paper doll is called 'La Vieja' (The old one). It's a traditional feast day Easter Week: The highlights of the Easter Week in Vera are: The special event on Sunday before Palm Sunday, which indicates the beginning of the Easter Week, and also the processions and pilgrimages, in which the figures of the Virgin 'Virgin de las Angustias' and of Christ 'El Nazareno' are carried to the church. When the Easter processions have finished, the regions figures or shrines are taken back to their respective church or chapel on Good Friday.Celebrations in honour of the Patroness: In honour of the Patroness 'Virgin de las Angustias' whose Feast Day is on 10th June, and in honour to the Patron 'San Cleofas' celebrations and fairs take place in the last week of September, offering theatre performances, a special Parade with costumes representing 'Muslims' and 'Christians', the Cattle Fair, and many other different events.Handicraft: The pottery of this region has its origin in ancient times, and has got a long tradition. Particular and sometimes strange pottery pieces are made, like for example a sort of jug with four beaks or openings, called the 'Four Beak Jug' (Jarra de Cuatro Picos). It has got a round shape, like a balloon with a thin waist and a long neck. On top it has got four 'beaks' or 'openings' in order to drink out of it. Among this pottery or ceramics handicraft you can also find a funny sort of jug called the 'Tricky Jug' (Jarra Trampa). This jug has got a trick, as it has five 'false openings'. If you try to drink out of it, you will spill all the water. If you like, you can visit several pottery shops and their handicrafts contacting the Tourist Information Office: Plaza Mayor, phone number: Tel: (0034) 950 393142. Fax: (0034) 950 393144
Almerimar is a Small Modern Resort with a distinctive Sporting theme. Described as 'an Oasis', Almerimar was purpose built to provide all the facilities for holidaymakers and those who just wish to retire from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Hotels, Holiday homes, Villas and apartments are set around the beautiful 18 hole golf course and the 1,000 berth marina, which was built around the original harbour. In the Marina yachts and sportsboats from all over Europe sit alongside traditional Spanish fishing boats which still carry out their age long trade in the area.. Restaurants offer not only the fresh catch of the day, but a wide range of Continental cuisine, many located within the marina offering excellent views of the boats. The 13km long, 200 metre wide Almerimar beach offers crystal clear waters, golden sand and ample space for everyone.
Carboneras located at the mouth of the Albas river, to the south of Cabrera Sierra, Carboneras is situated in one of the most beautiful places along the Almerian coast. In ancient times, the treeless mountains that today surround the city were once abounding with large, leafy trees. A few men with economic power took advantage of the situation and constructed, in what was called Cabezo de la Carbonera, ovens in order to process coal. This is why the area appears as it does today: arid and sparsely vegetated. When the coal ran out, the town became an active fishing port.The beauty of this attractive city lies in the strong contrast between the mountainous and arid terrain that surrounds it and the deep blue of the Mediterranean that bathes its beaches. Carboneras possesses a typical Arabic architectural style; for example, the Casa del Laberinto (Labyrinth House), located in front of Marinicas beach. Close by, there are some majestic houses from the 19th century, such as that of the Fuentes. Near the port, the castle of San Andrés, built by the Marquis of El Carpio in the 16th century, still overlooks the coastline, on which exist several other watchtowers, such as the Rayo ('Ray').
Las Negras is a small fishing village situated in the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park, one of the most beautiful areas of the Almeria coastline. During winter time or low season the village is quite a peaceful place with only 300 inhabitants. This number rises noticeably in Easter and the summer months. Tourists come here from all over Europe.The village has a supermarket and various bars and restaurants that offer a varied menu for all types of culinary preferences. From paella to pizza, everything is covered. Las Negras has a very clean beach with a natural swimming pool made from the small reef that juts out into the sea. Children and parents bathe there without fear of deep waters or strong currents.Las Negras is also a good destination for outdoor activities like scuba-diving, mountain bikes, walks or canoeing. The climate is quite good all year around with more hours of sunshine that any other region of Europe.One of the things that must be mentioned is San Pedro. It is a cove that is only accessible by foot (about an hours walk) or in boat (trips are done regularly in high season), but is definitely worth visiting. Its and old abandoned village, where a few nature lovers have decided to make of it their home, with a white sandy beach and crystal clear waters. It also has a fresh-water fountain and a castle dated back to the thirteenth century with its tower that overlooks the bay. The local 'fiesta' is around the 15th of August (Virgen of the Assumption ) and usually goes on for about three days. There are activities during the day - board games, marathon, swimming contests, etc. And for the evening there is live music and dancing until the early hours of the morning. Its very family orientated and everyone enjoys themselves thoroughly. The villages in the surrounding areas are quite similar.
Nijar At 250m above sea level, on the hillside surrounded by lush green fields, Níjar is a small village with narrow streets and whitewashed houses, known mostly for its handicrafts. Perched high on the mountain side behind Níjar is Huebro, a tiny village with an ancient fort. From here magnificent panoramas can be enjoyed.The Parque Natural of Cabo de Gata-Nijar is the major ecological attraction in Almeria. It's a dramatic 20 mile stretch of arid valleys and volcanic mountains, with the Mediterranean lapping at it's edges. It's the untouched gem of the Southern Spanish coast. The park is dotted with hidden coves and beaches to explore such as San Pedro. You can either walk there or take a boat around the coast from Las Negras and sleep on the beach. Small fishing cillages in the locality like Isleta del Moro are wonderful place to sample the catch of the day. The finest speciality is Calamres a la Plancha, whole squid chargrilled in olive oil.With 12,000 hectares of the park under crystal clear water, it's an ideal spot for scuba diving, windsurfing, sailing and other water sports.When to go: Summer is the time to visit when temperature sore up to 110F, but the autumn is an equally fine time to visit and enjoy the cooler temperatures and natural wonders.Things to See and Do: The vast salt flats are a birdwatchers paradise with more than 170 different species of birds recorded thoughout the year including storks, emmets and pink flamingos.The arid plains outside of Tabernas bear a remarkable similarity to the badlands of Arizona and provided a stunning set for spaghetti western like The Good, The Bad and the Ugly and A Fistful of Dollars. Many of the original sets have been left behind and converted into a theme park known as Mini Hollywood.
San Jose Just some 43 kilometers away from Almería, San Jose is a beautiful small town nestled in a wide sheltered Bay along the coastline of the Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata - Nijar. A Natural wide Bay is formed by two zones of volcanic rock, typical to the Sierra de Gata, which also forms many virgin beaches and coves nearby which are ideal for sunbathers wishing for peace and tranquility.Only recently discovered by tourism, San Jose now boasts two ports, One for fishing and one for sports and a small number chalets and apartments have sprung up to cater for the increasing number of tourists who have `discovered´ it´s charms.The wide beach and sheltered inlet offer excellent opportunities for all kinds of watersport and nature lovers can follow beautiful cliff side tracks along the coast and enjoy the majestic landscape. Crystal clear waters and an abundance of marine wildlife makes a perfect setting for underwater diving and photography.
Villaricos Just over 100 kilometers away from the main city of Almeria, Villaricos, meaning `Rich Village´ is a small fishing Village at the foot of the Sierra Almagrera with wonderful views of the Sierra Cabrera Mountains. It derives it´s name from the ancient silver mines which where the source of wealth for several former civilisations including the Phoenicians , the Carthaginians, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Vizigoths and Moors A haven of peace and tranquility, the Almanzora valley in Eastern Almeria is Andalucias best kept secret, offering an alternative to the high-rise apartment blocks and `madding crowds´ normally associated with Spanish Resorts. The rugged, unspoilt terrain and Spectacular Landscape are breathtaking. Cut off for Decades by poor communication, the Almanzora has not been discovered by mass tourism. There are miles of Virgin beaches and unspoilt National Parks and Sierras including the spectacular Cazorla Range, the wild Volcanic outcrops of Cabo de Gata, A wonderful place to stay with the added attraction of many places to visit within a short drive.
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