Stretching for more than 200 kilometres along the Mediterranean Sea, Costa de Almeria is a sun-drenched region of Andalusia. It was settled by the Romans in the 3rd century BC and was later conquered by the Moors, who left their mark in impressive castles and fortresses.
Watched over by the 17th-century Santa Ana Castle is Roquetas de Mar, a popular tourist resort with lively beaches and a shark-filled aquarium. On the other side of Almeria is Mojácar, a charming mountain village clustered with whitewashed Moorish buildings.
One of the largest protected areas on the Costa de Almeria is Parque Natural del Cabo de Gata-Níjar, a volcanic landscape of craters, salt marshes and rocky coves. It provides an important habitat for migratory bird species, with flamingoes and waders spotted here in the summertime. Admire the cape’s 19th-century lighthouse and soak up the views from Las Sirenas lookout.
Getting there
Almeria Airport is the main aviation gateway to the Costa de Almeria and has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Buses connect towns and cities along the Costa de Almeria while renting a vehicle gives you greater freedom to explore the region.