The Spanish province of Almeria boasts about 200 miles (322km)
of varied, scenic coastline that attracts package tourists to its
developed resorts near the main towns, but also offers idyllic
spots for nature-lovers to explore with its many unspoilt fishing
villages, long sandy beaches and small intimate coves popular with
nudists. Sunny and mild, Almeria lies southeast of the Iberian
Peninsula on the Mediterranean Sea, still bearing the
archaeological evidence of the many ancient cultures, from the
Tartessos and Phoenicians to the Romans and Visigoths, who were
drawn here by the natural beauty and useful maritime geographic
location. The region retains an African flavour, imbibed from that
continent which is a short distance away across the Mediterranean.
Inland, Almeria is rather barren and arid, and boasts Europe's only
desert region around the village of Tabernas, which has been used
as the location for several western movies. In the east the
lunar-landscaped Cabo de Gata-Nijar nature reserve with its rugged
coastline, attracts hikers, birders and scuba divers. Despite the
dry, inhospitable landscape Almeria has developed a thriving
agricultural industry and plastic-covered tunnel farms packed with
lush fresh produce and flowers are to be seen in abundance. Most
visitors flock to the holiday resorts to the east and west of the
lively capital city of Almeria, which boasts picturesque squares,
some worthy sights to see, cafes, a ferry port and marina. Lovely
beaches, marinas, hotels and sports centres provide plenty to keep
holidaymakers happy in the resort towns of Mojacar to the east, and
Aguadulce, Roquetas de Mar and Almerimar to the west of the
city.
