The Costa de Almeria spreads along the Mediterranean coastline of southern Spain, encompassing desert landscapes, seaside resorts, remote coves, extensive beaches and villages of whitewashed homes perched on hills. Visit the Costa de Almeria to stroll along sandy boardwalks, go hiking in a natural park, unwind on soft sands and go wildlife spotting in the wilderness.
Start your adventure in the port city of Almeria. Explore the Alcazaba, an 11th-century fortified complex, visit subterranean shelters that kept citizens safe during the Spanish Civil War and see where John Lennon composed one of the Beatles' most influential songs.
Approximately 19 miles (30 kilometers) east of Almeria is the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park. This large coastal protected area contains beaches, salt flats, coral reefs, volcanic rock formations and rich biodiversity. Hike across the wilderness among exotic plants and past old goldmines, go on guided snorkeling tours of the park's marine habitats and try watersports such as kayaking and windsurfing.
Within the park, drive to coastal villages such as San Jose and Rodalquilar. Just outside the former fishing village of Carboneras is Algarrobico Beach which served as the setting for a Jordanian city in the 1962 epic historical movieLawrence of Arabia.
From here head to nearby Mojacar Pueblo, an attractive village of white houses on the side of a hill. Explore the narrow winding alleys to find trinket shops, visit the 16th-century Church of Santa Maria and unwind in a café on the Plaza Nueva. This square offers stunning views of the mountains and sea.
About a 15-minute drive away is the seaside resort of Vera Playa. Splash around at the Aquavera waterpark then relax on the long beach. Part of this area features a year-round naturist resort that includes Spain's first naturist hotel.
Reach the Costa de Almeria by flying into airports at Malaga, Granada or Almeria. Although there are bus services to some of the resorts, they are infrequent, and the area lacks a train infrastructure. The best way to travel around to enjoy the nature, tranquillity, space and scenic beauty is by car.
