Those who think that the Spanish coast is made up entirely of resort hotels, residential complexes and tourist attractions would be mistaken. Although most foreign visitors to Spanish shores do indeed visit region that broadly fit this description, there are still areas where nature reigns supreme and the Mediterranean washes a shoreline that has remained pretty much unaltered for centuries.

Here, in the quaint little fishing villages of the ‘real' Spain , the pace of life is still truly gentle and the way of life rich in flavour. In recent times, foreign visitors have become increasingly drawn to the peace and authenticity of these Costas, a paradise for those who still want to enjoy beaches, sport and the outdoor life, but wish to do so away from the crowds of more commercialised areas.

One such region is the Costa de Almería, a land of stark natural beauty where the colour of sea and vegetation stands out against the arid tones of the land. Driven by this interest, small resort areas have sprung up in coastal and inland areas, yet the fact that large stretches of land fall within protected natural parks means that the region is protected from over-development. Inland Almeria has an almost lunar landscape of desert, sandstone and dried up river beds and has long been a popular choice for filming adventure and western style epics. Those who visit or buy properties here still enjoy such luxuries as golf courses, water sports, restaurants and the benefits of good infrastructures and communications, yet the kind of person who comes to the Costa de Almería is very keen to preserve the charm of this unique corner of Spain . Add excellent value for money to this mix and it is clear why the Costa de Almería is such a favourite with homebuyers and investors alike.




Mojacar Pueblo and Mojacar Playa

Mojacar Playa with sandy beaches, stretches for 9km beneath the ancient village of Mojacar extending as far as the eye can see in both directions.  The main beach strip features many shops, hotels, internet cafes and a great variety of international restaurants.   A commercial centre is at the roundabout at the bottom of the hill as you come down from Mojacar Pueblo.  Mature Villas and apartments also line the strip; all tastefully built in keeping with the traditions of the area.

Mojacar Playa is the most cosmopolitan and lively part of the Almeria coast. Surrounded by the sea on one side and the magnificent mountains of the Sierra Cabrera to the rear Mojaca Playa paints an enchanting picture captured many times by local and visiting artists alike.

With its origins as a small fishing village, Garrucha was called "the small San Sebastián ", the big port for the mines which once had Vice-consuls from ten different countries after the expansion of the shipment of silver, iron and lead in the meaddle of the 19th century. Garrucha was the centre of antique historical remains, which go back about 5,000 years.

A natural port which supplied several armies, exported esparto grass and marble, and always had a good fish catch. The active Garrucha was attacked by pirates, and reached its golden age under the shelter of such mining wealth, as well as being chosen as the summer residence by those families enriched thanks to the mining industry.

At the turn of the 20th century, Garrucha was enjoying a feverish economic and social life: casinos, ballrooms, and tennis club gave to the village the glamour so different from the other coastal villages in the area, appearance which evoked towns as San Sebastián (Basque Country), where the streets where filled with appeal in summer.

There is a strong fishing community here, as well as several unspoilt beaches. The surrounding countryside is stunning with the entire stretch of coastline sheltered by the dramatic Sierra Almagrera mountain.

There are some spectacular caves due east of here - Cuevas Almanzora and continuing off the beaten track leads you to Vélez Rubio where the large Iglesia de la Encarnación is the most lavish baroque building in the province.

Vera

The walled, renaissance town of Vera is o­ne of the most important commercial centres in the region. Originally called Baria, it was located by sea near Villaricos. The Arabs moved it to the hill of Espiritu Santo, but a huge earthquake destroyed it in 1518. The tale goes that Queen Isabel climbed to top of this hill, fired an arrow and ordered that Vera be built where it landed. Vera as we know it was built in the 16 th Century in the urban Renaissance style and later enlarged in 18 th Century. The main square, Plaza Mayor, has several noteworthy buildings. The Church de la Encarnación (1520), flanked by 4 great towers, was built as a fort to protect against the frequent Moorish attacks.

Inside there are marvelous altarpieces, remarkable in their architecture. To the left of this is the Ayuntamiento (town hall) built in the 16 th Century and renovated in the 18 th Century. Here, o­n the ground floor, is the Ethnographic and Archaeological Museum , originally the barracks of civil guard. There are exhibits o­n history, folklore and local traditions. The town hall also houses the municipal archives.

Other interesting buildings include:

• Church of the Convent de Nuestra Seňora de la Victoria or de Mínimos (1605).

• The Royal Hospital of San Agustín (19 th Century) which replaced the same named building founded by Charles 1 of Spain himself (1521).

• Hermitage de Nuestra Seňora de las Huertas, built o­n outskirts of Vera to give thanks to the people of Lorca for their help in liberating Vera from the siege of 1569 by Moorish troops.

• Hermitage de la Virgen de las Angustias (19 th Century) that houses the patron saint of Vera .

A more modern construction is the Plaza de Toros (Bullring) o­n the Garrucha road, built in 1879 in the Mudejar style and restored in1993. o­n the 25th September, patron saint Cleofas' day, is the setting for bullfights.

The Almanzora Valley

Zurgena lies in the lower basin of the Rio Almanzora; the river divides the village with the old village standing on a hill. The Mudejar style church stands majestically tall above the village houses. Nearby are the Cueva del Llano de las Eras. Further up the valley in spurs of the Sierra de los Filabres Mountains lies Arboleas in a much drier landscape contrasting with the fertile land at the riverside. This valley has an abundance of citrus and fruit trees populating the area the surrounding area that make Currently the pueblo is undergoing a change where the production of olive oil is being developed

The Sierra de las Estancias and the Sierra de los Filabres mountain ranges amidst stunning countryside of olive groves, orchards of citrus trees and dramatic hills and valleys, flank the small town of Albox . Several rivers and streams flow close to the town, including the Rios Almanzora and Albanchez that contribute to the area's rich agricultural heritage.

Albox is a typical whitewashed village with narrow streets interspersed with small plazas; it has an air of wealth and prosperity, as it has been a local commercial centre since the 19th Century. Cantoria is a town that relies on the production of marble, as is its main resource, although it stands on a fertile plain producing agricultural goods. The town is more uniform with straight streets than its neighbours. Also in the “marble zone” lies Olula Del Rio , as with Cantoria this valuable asset is its main resource. There are several archaeological remains, the Verde Olula and caves, Cueva de Humosa . As a sign of its main resource, the church is completely decorated in marble. Purchena is the municipality of the Province; it lies at the foot of the Sierra de los Filabres surrounded by woods. There is a statue of an arquero (archer) in marble at the entrance of the village. Purchena is famous for its Juegos Moriscos, these games, with the same values as the Olympics have been recognised by the International Olympic Committee.

Purchena has a wealth of history and its tranquil atmosphere belies its past. The legacy of it past is left with the ruins of the Torre del Agua (water tower), the Alcazaba (castle) and the 16th Century Iglesia Parroquial de San Ginés (Parish church).

Tíjola is known as the “Pearl of Almanzora”or “Little Granada”. It stands on a beautiful fertile plain in a valley formed by the Sierra de las Estancias and the Sierra de los Filabres . It has a Mudejar style church, the Iglesia Parroquial de Santa María with a separate chancel. Also several archaeological remains. Séron lies in a magnificent landscape of vines and citrus trees, the whitewashed houses nestle on the hillside with a 13th Century castle standing sentry over the houses. The parish church, Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora de la Anunciación is 15th Century. Séron is rich with heritage and has been settled since prehistoric times.

The final village in the province of Almanzora is Alcóntar whose economy is based on agriculture and whose boundary lies with the province of Granada . The source of the Rio Almanzora lies within its boundaries and walking is popular in this area

Cabo de Gata Natural Park

A lighthouse stands at the tip of the Cabo de Gata peninsula, north of Almeria city, marking the extremity of Andalusia 's largest coastal nature reserve, a fascinating landscape cocktail of arid desert, volcanic mountains, jagged sea cliffs, sand dunes, wetlands, a lagoon and sandy hidden coves. Mountain bikers, hikers, bird-watchers and water sports enthusiasts of all persuasions get away from it all to this natural wonderland which encompasses some quaint fishing hamlets, historic ruins and magnificent stretches of beach.

Please see www.degata.com for extensive information and maps.

Tabernas Movie buffs in particular enjoy a visit to the little village of Tabernas, about 16 miles (26km) from Almeria city, set between the Sierra de Alhamilla and Sierra de Filabres in a barren landscape of canyons and rocky wasteland reminiscent of the American Wild West. A few decades ago when Western movies were the most popular Hollywood genre, legendary stars such as Clint Eastwood, Lee van Cleef, Claudia Cardinale and Charles Bronson strutted their stuff here in the dry heat on film sets which fans will recognise from such great films as The Good, The Bad and The Ugly , A Fistful of Dollars and The Magnificent Seven .

The movie lots have now become theme park tourist attractions. There are three to visit: Mini Hollywood, Texas Hollywood and Western Leone. All offer a fun day out in Europe 's only desert region, with stagecoach rides, live shows, a zoo and the opportunity to slake your thirst in the saloon.

Almeria City

The ancient Andalusian city of Almeria lies sheltered at the base of a bay, proudly dominated by the amazing Alcazaba, a huge Moorish citadel with three walled enclosures dating from 995. From the citadel visitors have a good view of the city's most impressive and important Christian monument, the Cathedral, dating from 1524, designed more like a fortress than a church because of the need to defend it from pirate attacks. The Cathedral contains numerous art treasures, including a tabernacle dating from the 18th century, designed by Ventura Rodriguez. With its interesting medieval architecture, Almeria 's old town is a delight to stroll through with its tranquil squares, archways and colonnades. The city also has a fascinating archaeological museum and unique cave dwellings in the hillside above the old gypsy quarter

Roquetas de Mar

The popular tourist resort town of Roquetas de Mar was once a sleepy, picturesque fishing village, dating from Roman times, and it still retains its warren of Moorish alley-like streets and pretty aspect of white-washed houses ascending the hillside. Hotel and apartment complexes, however, are beginning to dominate the skyline especially along the long, sandy beaches adjacent to the village.


Tourism is big business along the holiday strip, with shops selling local crafts jostling with numerous restaurants and bars, and myriad activities on offer from horse riding to scuba diving or sailing. Roquetas has an 18-hole golf course (at Playa Serena) and a specially designated nudist beach. Those interested in history will enjoy exploring the ruins of the medieval Castilla de Santa Ana and other fortifications in the area, and bird-watchers have a treat in store at the Las Marinas salt marsh and Punta Entinas beaches a few miles south of the village, where flamingos, egrets and avocets gather.

Almerimar

This lovely oasis on the southern Almeria coastline has several kilometres of beach with crystal-clear waters, a fine marina and three golf courses, one designed by Gary Player . Almerimar can also offer hotels, holiday homes and apartments. Further along the coast are the abandoned saltplains at Guardians Viejas, a beautiful natural area where many gulls and cranes are to be found.

Golf

Several existing excellent golf courses are available for the whole family including:

Desert Springs (near Vera )

Valle d'Este (near Garrucha)

Playa Serena (Roquetas de Mar)

Almerimar Golf Club (Almerimar)

Upcoming new golf courses:

Ballabona (near Zurgena – two 18-hole courses due 2008 - 2009)