Think you know all Spain has to offer? Think again with our guide to the hidden gems just waiting to be discovered in Andalucia
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Spain has long been a favourite destination for holidaymakers from all over Europe.
And with its endless sunshine, warm welcome and incredible coastline it’s no surprise travellers return year after year.
But if you want to discover a new side to the country, book your next Spanish sojourn to the Costa de Almeria.
The experts at Jet2holidays have made it easy to discover all of Almeria’s hidden gems with their carefully chosen selection of hotels and resorts, ideally located to explore the region. Book with Jet2holidays (a Which? Recommended Provider) and return flights, accommodation, transfers and 22kg baggage allowance are all included.
There are millions of free child places* on offer this summer too and you can book your whole holiday with a low deposit of just £60pp*.
The Playa de los Muertos (Beach of the Dead) in Costa de Almeria
Located in the south of the country, and part of the wider Andalucia region, this gorgeous stretch of coast has so much to offer.
From long golden sands, vibrant cities and historic sites to awe-inspiring natural beauty, there’s no end of adventures to be had.
So why not discover a different side to Spain in 2023? Here’s our guide to the Costa de Almeria…
One thing’s for sure, you won’t want to leave.
Stunning resorts
Roquetas de Mar is the region’s main hub for holidaymakers and it’s easy to see why
Whatever you’re looking for in a summer holiday, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to resorts in Costa de Almeria.
Roquetas de Mar is the region’s main hub for holidaymakers and it’s easy to see why. This chilled-out town has plenty of fun activities for families, as well as some outstanding natural beauty spots and incredible coastal scenery.
Nearby Aguadulce is a favourite with locals so you can be sure of an authentic experience in this pretty town. Wander by the bustling marina and you’ll find some seriously good tapas too.
And about half an hour’s drive from Roquetas de Mar is El Toyo, where you can take leisurely walks along boardwalks and landscaped gardens before heading to the picturesque beaches.
Further up the coast you’ll find Mojácar. Here, Moorish architecture and miles of glorious coastline combine to create a truly special destination, while in Vera Costa you can get away from it all on secluded sands, take sunset strolls along the dunes and enjoy a few days of much-needed tranquillity.
Beautiful beaches
Spain is famous for its stretches of stunning coastline, with Costa de Almeria boasting some of the best in the country
Golden sands, crystal waters and swaying palms… What’s not to love about a beautiful beach? Providing the perfect backdrop for true relaxation, you can soak up the sun and kick back.
Spain is famous for its stretches of stunning coastline, with Costa de Almeria boasting some of the best in the country. Whether you’re looking for long beaches with watersports and beach bars or smaller, quieter coves with dramatic mountain backdrops, you’ll find them here.
Head to the Blue Flag Playa de la Marina de la Torre for a peaceful spot where you’ll have plenty of space to spread out, or for an even more remote place to get stuck into a good book, Playa de Cerrillos is located in a protected area and backed by sand dunes. The adjacent wetlands are thriving with birdlife and have become a paradise for bird watchers.
At Playa de la Romanilla in the resort of Roquetas de Mar, the waters are perfect for swimming
Over at Playa de la Romanilla in the popular resort of Roquetas de Mar, the waters are perfect for swimming and there are sun loungers and beach bars from where you can watch the world go by.
Or at the nearby Urban Beach you can enjoy an active day on the water choosing from the wide range of high-octane water sports on offer. As the sun sets, stop by one of the many restaurants overlooking the beach and toast to an unforgettable holiday.
Adventures on land (and at sea!)
If you want to add in a bit of adventure to your holiday this summer, you’ll find more than enough to keep you busy in Almeria.
Golfers will be in heaven thanks to the large number of sun-drenched courses scattered across the region, and kids (both big and small) will love the wave pools and slides of the area’s waterparks.
Set off on your own journey of exploration with a guided kayak tour around the spectacular Arrecife de Las Sirenas rock formations
The thrills don’t end there. Many of the beaches (like Urban Beach at Roquetas de Mar) provide jet-skis, water-ski-ing and sailing, or set off on your own journey of exploration with a guided kayak tour around the spectacular Arrecife de Las Sirenas rock formations.
And why not discover life under the waves at the Arrecife Barrea de Posidonia Natural Monument? Home to over 800 species of sea life, it’s one of the few remaining Posidonia reefs on the Mediterranean coast and is a great spot to snorkel or dive.
Natural beauty
Lovers of wildlife, spectacular landscapes and hidden beaches should make a beeline for the Cabo de Gata Natural Park
Take to the water to access the most secluded coves like Cala San Pedro
Lovers of wildlife, spectacular landscapes and hidden beaches should make a beeline for the Cabo de Gata Natural Park.
See it on foot on a well-worn hiking trail or take to the water to access the most secluded coves like Cala San Pedro or Mónsul Beach, renowned for its unique lava formations, fine sand and clear water.
It’s even possible to stay within this stunning natural park in one of the small towns dotted around its 38,000 hectares.
Pretty traditional buildings, narrow streets and lush greenery make them idyllic places to spend a peaceful few days surrounded by breath-taking natural beauty.
Authentic experiences
Nijar, considered one of the most picturesque towns in Spain, is nestled between the sea and the Sierra Alhamilla mountains,
Visiting the whitewashed towns and villages of Almeria and the wider Andalucia region is a great way to get to know the ‘real’ Spain.
Nijar, considered one of the most picturesque towns in Spain, is nestled between the sea and the Sierra Alhamilla mountains, right on the edge of Cabo de Gata. Wander its maze of lanes, stopping at historic sites along the way, before browsing the locally made pottery, ceramics and textiles – they’ll make the perfect keepsake from a memorable holiday.
In Mojácar, which clings to a rocky hillside about 2km from the beach, you can see the many influences (from Greek to Roman) that have helped create this lovely village
The pretty whitewashed houses of Mojácar
And in Mojácar, which clings to a rocky hillside about 2km from the beach, you can see the many influences (from Greek to Roman) that have helped create this lovely village. Watch the world go by in the Mirador Plaza Nueva and take in the fantastic sea views from the Mirador el Castillo, a former watchtower. A cultural hub and centre for music and dance, there are also festivals throughout the year.
Authentic tapas bars abound and be sure to indulge in some extremely moreish cured sausages and ham, all washed down with a glass of locally produced red wine or delicious anise liqueur
And when it comes to cuisine, immersing yourself in the traditional food and drinks of Almeria is easy. Sampling the fresh seafood is an absolute must. Try battered flounder and lobster, or how about ‘bocas de la isla’, a local dish made with succulent crabmeat?
Authentic tapas bars abound and be sure to indulge in some extremely moreish cured sausages and ham, all washed down with a glass of locally produced red wine or delicious anise liqueur.
Whether you want a quick snack by the beach or a languorous meal under the stars, there’s an endless choice of restaurants serving the kind of food you’ll always remember.
Desert discoveries
North of the City of Almeria is the Desert of Tabernas where many movies have been filmed
Re-enact iconic scenes at a wild-west style theme park, as well as enjoying workshops, guided tours and live shows
One of the most surprising things about this region of Spain is its history as a living film set.
North of the City of Almeria is the Desert of Tabernas, considered Europe’s only desert and it is here that countless movies have been filmed, from Westerns to action thrillers. Perhaps you’ll even recognise some of the locations of your favourite movies.
Take a day trip to the desert and from mock shootouts to bank robberies, you can even re-enact iconic scenes at a wild-west style theme park, as well as enjoying workshops, guided tours and live shows.
Cities of gold
Head west down the coast to vibrant Malaga where historic sites rub shoulders with the city’s more modern side
The Costa de Almeria is perfectly located as a base for exploring the jewels in Andalucia’s crown; its incredible cities.
Head west down the coast to vibrant Malaga. The birthplace of Picasso, contemporary art is big news here and contrasts beautifully with the historic sites that also characterise the city. Ancient arenas, Moorish fortresses, baroque cathedrals and neoclassical palaces rub shoulders with Malaga’s more modern side. With a buzzing restaurant and bar scene, there’s always something happening here.
The spectacular Alhambra in Granada
Journey inland to discover the beautiful city of Jaén with its castle overlooking the winding streets, but for a true bucket-list moment, plan to spend a day in Granada where you can visit the world-famous Alhambra. This ancient royal residence sits on a hilltop with the Sierra Nevada mountains providing the most dramatic of backdrops. Built by the Moors as both a palace and fortress, wander its incredible rooms and shaded gardens.
While you’re in Granada take a stroll through the former Arabic quarter of Albaicín, where you’ll get great views of the Alhambra as well as plenty of opportunities for tempting tapas.
Book your dream holiday in Almeria
Andalucia’s Costa de Almeria is the ideal spot for a holiday to remember.
And when you book with Jet2holidays you’ll find hotels and resorts to suit all budgets right in the heart of this stunning destination.
From family-friendly spots with water slides, splash parks and kids’ clubs to luxe accommodation with indulgent spas, Jet2holidays has found the best places to stay, so all you have to do is choose which one to book.
Jet2holidays flies to Costa de Almeria from airports cross the UK, making getting there even more convenient for you. And with accommodation, return flights, transfers and a 22kg baggage allowance all included, your ABTA and ATOL-protected trip will be hassle-free from start to finish.
Plus, infants go free and Jet2holidays is even offering free child places* this summer. Secure your 2023 holiday now with an ultra-low deposit of just £60pp* and simply spread the remaining cost with Pay Monthly*!
To discover more and book your Costa de Almeria holiday, visit Jet2holidays.com
*T&Cs apply
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