Costa de Almería is a stunning and diverse coastal region in southeastern Andalusia, known for its golden beaches, desert landscapes, authentic villages, and the unspoiled Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park. With over 200 km of coastline and more than 300 sunny days a year, it's an ideal destination for nature lovers, sunseekers, and those looking to escape the more crowded parts of Spain.

Overview & History

• Inhabited since ancient times – Phoenicians, Romans, and Moors all left their mark.
• The main city, Almería, was founded by the Moors in the 10th century as a key Mediterranean port.
• The surrounding area is famous for its arid landscapes used in film sets (especially spaghetti westerns).
• Cabo de Gata is Spain’s largest protected coastal natural park and a UNESCO biosphere reserve.

Main Attractions

1. Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park

   • Volcanic cliffs, lagoons, and hidden coves

   • Great for hiking, snorkeling, and birdwatching

   • Picturesque villages: San José, Las Negras, Agua Amarga

2. Alcazaba of Almería

   • One of Spain’s largest Moorish fortresses

   • Panoramic views over the city and harbor

   • Free entrance for EU citizens

3. Beaches

   • Playa de los Muertos: remote and beautiful

   • Playa de Mónsul: iconic, film-famous beach in Cabo de Gata

   • Roquetas de Mar: family-friendly with a long promenade

4. Tabernas Desert

   • Europe’s only true desert

   • Western film sets like “Oasys MiniHollywood” and “Fort Bravo”

   • Horse shows, tours, and cowboy reenactments

Food & Drink

Local Specialties

• Cherigan (toasted bread with aioli and toppings)
• Gurullos with rabbit (traditional stew)
• Pulpo seco (sun-dried octopus)
• Fresh Mediterranean seafood

Recommended Dining Areas

• Almería city: Tapas bars (free tapas with drinks!)
• San José & Las Negras: seafood with sea views
• Roquetas de Mar: modern Spanish cuisine

Markets & Shopping

• Almería Central Market – local produce, fish, cheeses
• Saturday market in Níjar – ceramics, rugs, souvenirs
• Medieval markets (summer/autumn) – food, crafts, performances

Events & Festivals

• Almería Feria (August): bullfighting, music, parades
• San Juan Night (June 23): beach bonfires and festivities
• Flamenco & Dance Festival (July): held in Almería and Mojácar
• Semana Santa (Holy Week): grand religious processions

Day Trips from Costa de Almería

1. Mojácar (1h) – Whitewashed village with bohemian charm

2. Níjar (45 min) – Famous for handicrafts and traditional textiles

3. Sorbas & Karst Caves (50 min) – Guided tours of limestone caverns

4. Laujar de Andarax (1h 15 min) – Wine-producing village in the Alpujarras foothills

Getting There & Around

By Car:

• Easy access via A-7 motorway (from Málaga, Murcia or Granada)
• Ideal for road trips due to spread-out attractions

Public Transport:

• Trains to Almería from Madrid and Granada
• Regional buses connect towns, but with limited schedules
• Almería Airport (LEI): 10 min from city, flights to Madrid, Barcelona, London

Local:

• Car highly recommended for exploring beaches and villages
• Bike rentals and hiking are popular in Cabo de Gata

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: April–June & September–October – warm, pleasant weather
• Summer: Can be extremely hot (35°C+ in July–August)
• Language: Spanish dominant; limited English in rural areas
• Customs: Tapas often included with drinks; lunch/dinner is late
• Safety: Very safe for families, solo travelers, and outdoor lovers

Final Thoughts

Costa de Almería offers a uniquely wild and authentic version of Andalusia – where deserts meet the sea, white villages cling to cliffs, and every cove feels like a discovery. It’s perfect for anyone looking for slow travel, nature, and culture far from the crowds.