In the far southeastern corner of the Iberian peninsula is this sun-baked province, with the highest hours of sunshine and lowest rainfall in Europe. Given Almeria´s climate, it´s no surprise that much of the province is comprised of semi-arid desert-like landscape. Due to the dry weather, much of this area is a sparsely populated wilderness.
Almeria´s skies are also the clearest in Europe, meaning that Europe´s most powerful telescope has been installed here, near Gergal.

   

 

With an annual average of 3,000 hours of sunshine, it is also home to Europe´s largest solar energy plant, the Solar Platform of Almeria (PSA), an EU solar energy research centre. Even if you´re not allowed in, you can peer over the wire fence and marvel at the rows of futuristic heliostats reflecting the sun´s rays into the towering solar oven and many other devices for turning the sun´s energy into electricity.
This hot climate and the natural protective barrier of the Sierra de Gádor also means that Almeria is one of the most productive agricultural zones in Europe, with more than 10,000ha of land cultivated commercially for fruit, vegetables and flowers. Fortunately, an equally sizeable area has by virtue of its protected status been designated as one Andalucia´s most outstanding wildlife areas and its largest coastal reserve, the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park.

The provincial capital and port of Almeria is overlooked by a vast, sprawling Moorish citadel, the Alcazaba. Also well worth exploring is Almeria´s old town, peppered with interesting monuments, including a cathedral with an impressive Gothic interior, a 300-year-old hospital and great tapas bars.    

 

                                                    

 

East of Almeria there is a remarkable change as you draw nearer to the Cabo de Gata. The park has a long, rugged coastline with secluded bays and remote beaches, some linked only by a footpath.
Much of the park is comprised of volcanic rocky mountains that plunge directly to the shore, creating one of Andalucia´s most dramatic coastlines. San Miguel del Cabo de Gata is the first village you come to in the park from Almeria, close to a saltwater lagoon with exceptional birdlife, the Salinas del Cabo de Gata. The next coastal village is the largest one in the park, San José, with the small resorts of Las Negras, La Isleta del Moro and Agua Amarga to the north.

          

              

Two sections of this desert in particular have exceptional geological features: the Karst en Yesos de Sorbas Natural Area, the most outstanding gypsum landscape in Spain, and the strangely eroded mountains of the Desierto de Tabernas Natural Area. Set against a rugged backdrop of the Sierra Alhamilla Natural Area, south of Sorbas, is the village of Níjar, famous for its earthenware ceramics that it has been producing since Phoenician times, using the same primitive techniques.

Southwest of Tabernas is Los Millares, Europe´s largest Bronze Age settlement. West of Los Millares is Almeria´s section of the Sierra Nevada National Park. Láujar de Andarax is the main centre for the Sierra Nevada in this province and has a park information centre.
Tucked away in the little-visited northern corner of the province is the Sierra María-Los Vélez Natural Park, a surprisingly extensive wooded area, given the otherwise arid aspect of Almeria´s territory, where there are some superb walks. The two main towns in the park - Vélez Rubio and Vélez Blanco - are well worth a visit, particularly the latter for its original castle and Cueva de los Letreros with prehistoric rock paintings.   

 

                                                             

This spectacular Moorish fortress town stands on a towering crag overlooking a shore graced by pristine beaches and the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean, which has a curious distinction all of its own: American cartoonist Walt Disney is said to have been born here, before emigrating with his
parents to the United States.

Like many other villages in south-eastern Spain, in the 1960's Mojacar had become a ghost town, since most of its active inhabitants had moved north to find work in the factories of the Barcelona region, and further afield. To attract new residents, the town's mayor gave land away to anyone who promised to build, and within a year picturesque Mojacar had become a thriving art colony. Mainstream tourists and holiday-makers were also later attracted by the beauty and charm of the place and the following decades saw the development of its shoreline, with the construction of hotels and villas.

 

                                                       

 

Fortunately, the village has still retained much of its original character, with its Moorish fortress called El Torreón and the Arch of Luciana, as well as the honeycomb of whitewashed, winding streets, each of which seems to lead the traveller to a lookout over the sparkling Mediterranean.
Mojacar is an engaging, beautiful and romantic corner of Spain, perched high on a hill white washed houses, cool courtyards and cobbled streets overlooking the sea and long sandy beaches. A focal point for artists and writers throughout the ages, Mojacar with its Moorish appearance and commanding views will fascinate, beguile and completely captivate you.
Whether it is sailing, fishing, bowling, tennis, golf or watersports that take your fancy or simply relaxing on an uncrowded beach soaking up the sun, you will find it all and more in and around Mojacar.
Once you have experienced the unique charm of Mojacar, it will always remain with you.
Bordered by the Tabernas Desert with its dramatic landscapes and warmed by the Mediterranean, Almeria is flavoured with unrivalled average hours of sunshine and high temperatures all year round. Beautiful, unspoiled beaches, majestic coastlines and whitewashed mountain villages bring you the taste of Spain.
With a truly welcoming atmosphere, it's not surprise that visitors return to Mojacar year after year.

 

Climate
Mojacar has a perfect all-year-round climate with the best record in the whole of Spain for warm, dry weather. Temperatures average 12°C in the winter and
an average of 25°C in the summer.

This part of Spain has not been so commercialised and spoilt as have so many other popular resorts and costas along the coast of Spain. Indeed, until Horizon recognised the potential some years ago, much of the coastline was totally undeveloped, and although the number of shops, bars, and restaurants, discos etc., is increasing, development is strictly controlled with no high rise buildings being permitted. Possibly a third of the commercial ventures are British owned, and most of the remainder speak some English or French so making yourself understood is not a problem.
Visitors from all over Europe have fallen in love with this sunny hilltop village, rich in legend and folklore, such as "The Indalo Man" an ancient totem god said to ward off evil and ensure long life, it is also said that if someone buys you an Indalo Man you are sure to return to Mojacar and it will bring you good luck, but it must be bought for you, not by yourself. It can be found everywhere in Mojacar and was originally discovered in a Neolithic cave in the north of the province, the wall painting depicting the Indalo estimated to be more than 5000 years old. although its true meaning and identity have long been forgotten, amongst ideas put forward from peasant folklore, is that of a Man holding a rainbow over his head or even holding up the universe.

 

                                                        

 

When dusk falls, the village takes on a difference ambience. Refreshed and relaxed after a day on the beach or around the pool - people converge on this timeless village to partake of its effervescent nightlife, centred around the many bars and restaurants which offer a variety of international cuisine amidst an informal and friendly atmosphere.
Mojacar is an excitingly different place, retaining customs and traditions built up over many centuries, and you will be captivated by its very enchantment and fascinating history.

 

Situated in Southeastern Spain, 103 kms. from Murcia, Aguilas convers a
surface area of 253,7 kms2. The town is bathed by the Mediterranean sea along 28 kms. of lovely coastline, and it is crossed inland by high mountain ranges that create a very abrupt and uneven terrain.

With a rich, clean natural environment, Aguilas has an exceptional climate of its own, with an average annual temperature of 25 centigrade., making it a wonderful place for winter tourism.
The visitors will be captivated by its clear blue skies, incomparable climate and natural beauty, as well as the hospitality of its inhabitants and its unspoilt secluded beaches. The people themselves are as warm and friendly as their climate; hospitable and affectionate Aguilas offers a good variety of outdoor activities, from climbing , quad biking or hiking through areas of splendid beauty, to diving in warm waters replete with magnificent fish and vegetation.The Carnival de Aguilas (Carnival of Aguilas), which has been celebrated for the past 200 years, offers ingenious costumes of all shapes and colours. The entire town is out on the streets and offers one of the largest shows in the country.

                                                       

 

Aguilas is a land full of contrasts. Along its 28 kilometres of coast  we witness the rising of the intensely blue sea, rocky mountains with  steep valleys,
dotted with the serenity of white sand beaches and  transparent waters.

Moving inland we find a semi-arid landscape of  ochre-coloured soil with little vegetation, but numerous marine  fossils and volcanic minerals. Not far to the north the scenery  changes to the impressive dark green of an aromatic pine forest.  It must be noted that Aguilas has two protected natural areas: the  Parque Regional Costero-Litoral de Cabo Cope-Calnegre, and the Paisaje  Natural de Cuatro Calas. 

 

 

 

   

 

Village situated in the East of Almería, which has all the flavours of the Mediterranean Coast. Garrucha was created around a fishing port, where boats fished under the protection of the "Torre de la Garrucha" ("Garrucha Tower") which was located by the sea, next to the "Alfolí" (Salt store), where today we can find the Town Hall. That typical Nasrid building was made with adobe walls; it was probably built as a refuge for the Muslim fishermen when they were attacked by the Christians who came from Lorca (Murcia). This tower was destroyed by the earthquake of 1518.

Being traditionally 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 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.