Andalucia’s hidden gem
Can you keep a secret? Costa de Almeria is an often-overlooked treasure on Andalucia’s southeastern coast. It hasn’t had anywhere near the same level of heavy development that shapes other Spanish coastal regions, meaning that it’s generally less touristy than other areas nearby. And it still offers a huge amount to tempt visitors. Those on Costa de Almeria holidays will discover that it’s a gorgeous spot, teeming with pristine beaches, wildlife and a scattering of small villages, some of which still provide an authentic flavour of traditional Spanish life, plus a few with a more modern feel.
Beach-wise, holidays to Costa de Almeria will leave you spoilt for choice. You can take your pick from wild and wonderful remote stretches of sand to easily accessible (and equally enticing) getaways that are perfect for spending the day in the sun. Life moves fairly slowly here – in a blissful way – and you won’t be surrounded by people in most areas, but if you do want a touch more hustle and bustle (plus a spot of culture with some historical sites, including the famed Moorish fortress Alcazaba), the charms of Almeria City are also nearby. However you decide to spend your time, you’ll feel like you’ve uncovered something special and rather secret.
All resorts in Costa de Almeria
Three tips for a top trip
Explore by car
A car is definitely the best way to negotiate Costa de Almeria, and hiring your own vehicle gives you the freedom to discover the area’s many off-the-beaten-track locations.
Party in Mojácar
For a change of pace from tranquil beach life, head north to nearby Mojácar. The town features buzzing bars, while still boasting a beautiful, traditional setting.
See under the sea
Costa de Almeria’s numerous unspoilt beaches mean that the area is a haven for marine life, making it the ideal location to try snorkelling or scuba diving.
Best attractions to see in Costa de Almeria
Cabo de Gata-Nijar
This vast nature reserve is a paradise for those wanting to explore, housing everything from botanical gardens and a lighthouse to ancient forts and incredible desert landscapes.
Playa de los Muertos
Costa de Almeria has tons of great beaches, but this picture-perfect example – complete with crystal-clear waters and golden sand – is undoubtedly one of the finest.
Mirador La Amatista
Soak up the scenery from way up high at this viewing point in a former police lookout on a hill. The view from up here is a photographer’s dream.
Your Costa de Almeria questions, answered
At the height of summer (July and August), temperatures reach on average 31-32°C and don’t usually fall below 13-14°C in winter months (December-January), making it a great year-round destination.
There are plenty of family friendly beaches and restaurants around the Costa de Almeria area, with many places offering activities, such as kayaking, specifically tailored towards kids.
The Costa de Almeria has a long peak season, running from April to October. This time of year is usually quite warm with temperatures in the 20s, and with pleasant water temperatures, too. July and August have the most going on as families like to travel during the school holidays. However, winter breaks here can be really affordable. The towns may be a little sleepier during the offseason, but there’s plenty to do. Especially if you enjoy hiking in natural parks, or strolling around traditional Spanish villages.
Aside from water sports, Costa de Almeria is also known for its world-class golf courses. Hiking and cycling are also popular, with bikes widely available to hire.
If your idea of the ideal beach is one that’s wild and feels a million miles from anywhere, head to the Cabo de Gata nature reserve. The beaches here are quiet and rugged. There’s a great one just outside the boundaries of the reserve, El Toyo, that’s completely no-frills. It’s a popular place for diving and snorkelling. If you prefer your beaches more maintained, with activities galore, you’ll find them near the coast’s larger towns. These beaches have plenty of facilities that are great for families.
It takes less than two hours to drive the entire length of the Costa de Almeria coast, so don’t worry too much about where to set up a base. Wherever you stay, you’ll never be too far from the main sights and attractions. If you like to have everything you need within easy reach, the larger towns of Mojacar and Roquetas de Mar are good choices. These have large hotel complexes and lots of shopping facilities. Vera Costa is well set up for families as it's close to some of the region’s best water parks.
Yes! The towns on the Costa de Almeria are excellent places to enjoy a Spanish getaway with the family. There are several family-friendly hotels here and a big choice of dining options to cater to picky eaters. The wide, flat promenades along the coast make it easy to push a buggy, stroller, or wheelchair. And if you’re looking for a place where the kids won’t get bored, the Costa de Almeria has some great theme parks and water parks that will keep the little ones – and the bigger ones – busy all day long.
The Costa de Almeria is part of Spain’s Andalusia region, so the traditional food here is deeply rooted in Andalusian cooking styles and flavours. This involves a lot of super-fresh fruit and veg, as this part of Spain has a massive expanse of farmland. There’s also a lot of seafood, too, caught locally in the Med. Classic dishes are things like cold soups, dry-cured hams, and Spanish omelettes or tortillas. Although, as in most places in Spain, there’s an absolute ton of international options available, too.
It really depends on the time of year. In the summer, the nightlife in the larger towns can be quite energetic and loud, while in the winter it’s a lot more low key and local. No matter when you visit, you’ll find that the Costa de Almeria is a sort of nightlife middle-ground. There are lively clubs, pubs, bars, and music venues, but there’s not an over-the-top party atmosphere. This is just one of the reasons why the Costa de Almeria is a really popular place for families – it has a laid-back family-friendly vibe.