The Costa Almeria, in eastern Andalucia, to the south-east of the Spanish mainland, enjoys the warmest – temperatures of 18 degrees Celsius, on average, annually – and sunniest – 3,000 hours of sunshine per year is typical – climate in the whole of Europe.

An idyllic, Mediterranean location, unspoilt sandy beaches, and outstanding natural beauty make the region a perfect destination for a beach, and water sports, holiday, but, with many other attractions – golf, ancient Moorish architecture, national parks, and distinctive Andalucian cuisine, to name but a few – the Costa Almeria is popular with holidaymakers of all persuasions.

Costa Almeria

The coastal town of Mojacar is, perhaps, the best known, and busiest of the tourist resorts on the Costa Almeria. The vibrant, tourist resort of Mojacar Playa, surrounding the beachfront, and promenade areas – the beach, itself, is long, wide, not overly-developed, and features an EU “Blue Flag” for cleanliness – is overlooked by the traditional, and ancient, old town of Mojacar Puebla, complete with Moorish tower fortress. Mojacar property, in both districts, is much sought after, but a range of apartments, townhouses and villas is available.

Garrucha is still a thriving fishing port, with a working harbour, lively weekly fish market, and numerous restaurants, where local seafood, naturally enough, is a speciality. The beach, too, is extremely popular, so be warned that Garrucha can become crowded, especially on market day, and during its frequent fiestas.

The nearby town of Vera Playa is renowned for its cuisine – especially tapas – and handicrafts, and, for the perhaps, more open-minded visitor, is also the naturist centre of Andalucia, with a large naturist beach, and several naturist hotels, hostels and camping facilities.

A strong fishing presence is also a feature of the small town of Villaricos, some 6 miles north of Garrucha, near the mouth of the Rio Almanzora, and sheltered by the Sierra Almagrera Mountain.

To the north-east of the Costa Almeria, San Juan del los Terreros features excellent stretches of sandy beaches, and development is minor, and low-key – attractive features in their own right, but particularly so, given the location of the village, and its proximity to Murcia.

The small, rural town of Albox is situated only some 80 miles, or so, from the provincial capital, the city of Almeria, itself, and its international airport, and only some 30 minutes’ drive from the coastal resort of Mojacar. The atmosphere, here, however, is that of a traditional Spanish market town, with whitewashed buildings, scenic plazas and palm trees. Albox property is particularly popular with those of a golfing persuasion, as there are a number of fine golf courses in close proximity to the town.

Further along the Rio Almanzora, overlooked by the Sierra de los Filabres mountain range, lies the similar, although somewhat smaller, town of Arboleas. Again, the economy here is based largely on agriculture, which is must in evidence in the countryside surrounding the town, but the nearest beach is only some 20 minutes’ drive away, and the Sierra Nevada – for skiing, obviously, in winter – within two hours’ travelling time. Arboleas property, typically in the form of villas, does tend to be quite rural, but a selection of new, and ready-built, properties is available.

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