Things to Do on the Costa de Almeria
The Costa de Almeria is one of Spain’s best-kept secrets. Here, you will find wild beaches, film-set deserts and sleepy white villages. Even better, the area feels far quieter than other Andalusian coasts. It also gets more sunshine than almost anywhere else in Europe, so the weather is rarely a worry. Most highlights sit within an easy drive of each other. As a result, you can mix beach days with history and food. This guide shares eleven highlights, from natural parks to fresh prawns. Planning a longer trip? Check our Costa de AlmerÃa guide for more background.
Cabo de Gata-NÃjar Natural Park
Cabo de Gata-NÃjar Natural Park comes first, because it defines this coast. It is Andalusia’s largest protected coastal area, and UNESCO named it a Biosphere Reserve. Expect volcanic cliffs, hidden coves and dry, rocky hills. Hike a coastal trail, snorkel in clear water or simply enjoy the empty views. Visit in spring or autumn, when temperatures stay comfortable. Summer gets very hot, so carry plenty of water. Birdwatchers will love the salt flats, where pink flamingos often feed. Meanwhile, the lighthouse at the cape makes a dramatic stop at sunset. The park is large, so a car helps you reach the quieter corners. In short, give yourself at least two days here. Already in Spain? Get directions.
Playa de los Genoveses
Next, head to Playa de los Genoveses, one of Spain’s most beautiful beaches. A wide curve of golden sand sits between low dunes and calm, turquoise water. No hotels or apartments spoil the view. Because of that, it feels wonderfully wild. Bring snacks and shade, since facilities are minimal. In summer, arrive early, as parking fills quickly. Moreover, a seasonal bus often runs from nearby villages. Walk to the far end for even more space and fewer people. Swimmers enjoy the gentle slope, and the water is usually calm. Photographers also love the soft light in the early evening. Pack a hat, because shade is rare. Get directions.
San José
San José is the park’s friendliest village, and it makes a great base. Whitewashed houses line a small harbour full of fishing boats. Cafés and seafood restaurants sit just steps from the sand. Walk to nearby Playa de Mónsul, famous for its giant dune and film appearances. After that, sip a cold drink at sunset while boats bob in the bay. The village also runs boat trips to hidden coves that you cannot reach on foot. Dive centres offer lessons for beginners, too. Even in busy months, the pace stays slow and friendly. Our guide on where to stay in AlmerÃa lists more places to sleep. Get directions.
Alcazaba of AlmerÃa
The Alcazaba of AlmerÃa towers over the city of AlmerÃa. Abd al-Rahman III founded it in the 10th century, and it ranks among Spain’s largest Moorish fortresses. Walk through three walled enclosures, then enjoy gardens, old walls and sweeping views. As a result, you also get a lovely look at the port and the sea. Go late in the afternoon, when the light turns golden and the heat fades. Inside, look out for the old palace remains and the little chapel. Each viewpoint gives a new angle over the rooftops. The climb is gentle, so most visitors manage it easily. Allow about two hours for a relaxed visit. Short on time? Our 3 day itinerary for AlmerÃa shows how to fit it in. Get directions.
Tabernas Desert and Fort Bravo
The Tabernas Desert feels like another planet. Many people call it Europe’s only true desert. Directors loved its rugged canyons, so they filmed countless spaghetti westerns here. Today, Fort Bravo Texas Hollywood keeps that tradition alive. Stroll through a wild west town, watch staged shootouts and imagine you are a cowboy. Kids love it, and adults enjoy the nostalgia. Afterwards, drive through the desert to see its eroded ravines. Keep your camera ready, because the red earth looks amazing at sunset. Several nearby viewpoints are free to visit. Mini Hollywood, a similar film-set park, sits close by if you want a second show. Buy tickets in advance on the official website, especially in school holidays. Get directions.
Mojácar
Mojácar is one of Andalusia’s prettiest hilltop villages, so it earns a spot here. Narrow lanes twist between bright white houses and flower-filled corners. At the top, a viewpoint reveals mountains on one side and the sea on the other. Meanwhile, the beach area below offers long stretches of sand and relaxed chiringuitos. Wander the old town in the morning, then relax by the sea after lunch. Browse the small craft shops for pottery and rugs. Stop at the church square, which has lovely views over the plain. In the evening, the village glows under soft lights. Overall, it is a perfect spot for slow strolls and photos. Read more in our Mojácar guide. Get directions.
Garrucha
Garrucha is the place for seafood lovers. This working fishing port sits just south of Mojácar. It is famous for its red prawns, known as gamba roja. They taste sweet and rich, and locals simply grill them with salt. Visit the harbour promenade and pick a busy restaurant. Order the prawns with a cold glass of white wine. Afterwards, stroll along the seafront to enjoy the evening breeze. Visit the fish auction if your timing allows, as it shows how busy the port still is. Many local bars also serve fried fish and tasty rice dishes. Prices stay fair, and the portions are generous. Consequently, it makes a great lunch stop on a coastal drive. Our Garrucha guide has more tips. Get directions.
Roquetas de Mar
Roquetas de Mar suits families and beach lovers. Long, gentle beaches stretch along the coast, and the water stays shallow and calm. Visit the old Castillo de Santa Ana, a small 16th-century fortress by the sea. Then walk the lively promenade, where cafés and ice cream shops stay busy until late. As a bonus, the resort has plenty of hotels and apartments. Nature fans can also visit the nearby Punta Entinas-Sabinar reserve, where flamingos and other birds gather. Cyclists enjoy the flat, wide paths along the coast. Water sports are easy to book in summer. Kids will not get bored here. Therefore, it works well for a simple, relaxed holiday. See our Roquetas de Mar guide for details. Get directions.
Rodalquilar Gold Mines
Rodalquilar offers something different from the beaches. Gold miners once worked these hills, and their ruined buildings still stand. Walk among the old processing plants and imagine the busy days of the past. Nearby, a small botanical garden shows off plants that thrive in this dry climate. Pair the visit with a quiet lunch in the village. Guided walks give extra context about the mines and the workers’ lives. The surrounding landscape is rugged and photogenic. Because few tourists come here, you often have the ruins to yourself. Bring good shoes, as the paths can be rough. In short, it adds history to a trip that is otherwise all sea and sand. Get directions.
Calar Alto Observatory
Calar Alto Observatory is perfect for curious travellers. It sits high in the Sierra de Los Filabres, more than 2,000 metres above sea level. The clear, dark skies make it one of Europe’s best stargazing spots. Guided visits let you see the huge telescopes up close. Spaces are limited, so book in advance on the official Calar Alto website. Wrap up warm, because the mountain air is much cooler than the coast. Evening events often focus on the stars, so you can learn the main constellations. Check the schedule early, as dates change through the year. Children usually enjoy the visit, too. The drive up also rewards you with wide mountain views. Get directions.
Free Tapas in AlmerÃa
Finally, save time for AlmerÃa’s famous tapas. Here, each drink usually comes with a free small plate. Order a caña and see what arrives. You might get a mini burger, fried fish or a bowl of tasty stew. Hop between lively bars in the city centre, and you can eat a full dinner this way. It is cheap, fun and very social. Locals often start with a drink at one bar, then move on to the next. Each place has its own signature tapa. Ask the staff for their favourite. Since portions are small, you can try many different dishes in one evening. Our guide on where to eat in AlmerÃa lists the best spots.
Make the Most of Your Trip
As you can see, the Costa de Almeria offers far more than sun and sand. You can hike volcanic trails, explore Moorish walls and eat the freshest prawns in Spain. Better still, crowds stay small outside peak summer. Each stop on this list shows a different side of the region. For more ideas, read our 7 day Costa de AlmerÃa itinerary. You can also browse the best day trips from AlmerÃa. Hiring a car makes the whole coast much easier to explore, especially the natural park. Spring and autumn bring pleasant temperatures, while summer suits beach lovers. Whatever the season, leave time to wander, eat and relax. Pack sunscreen, bring a hat and enjoy this beautiful corner of Spain.