The Costa Almeria - Hidden Gem of Andalucia

The Costa Almeria is located on the south east of the Iberian peninsular on the Mediterranean sea and is a land of contrasts offering over 322 km of Coastline, rugged , desolate in parts it also jealously guards some of the best beaches and cleanest waters you will find along the whole of the Spanish Mediterranean coastline.


The Costa Almeria is the coastline of the province with the same name and is a unique land of desolate barren wastelands and contrasting idyllic coastlines, quiet pristine beaches, picturesque fishing ports, busy tourist towns and an historic capital ( Almeria ). It is also a nature lovers paradise with pure unspoilt areas of great natural beauty.


The Costa Almeria offers everything to the traveler with busy tourist towns which lure the holiday makes year which include Roquetas del Mar, El Ejido and Almeria . Howvere it is the more tranquil coastal towns such as the picturesque mountain village of Mojacar, Vera, Garrucha , Bedar andTurre that are becoming firm favorites with the international traveler and holiday maker alike.


o the east of the capital Almeria lies the Cabo de Gata Natural park which encumbers a dessert like landscape with a long rugged coastline. The park is sparsely populated with a few small fishing villages and has become a magnet for nature lovers which enjoy unspoilt coves and beaches , some of which can only be reached by foot. The actual town itself of Cabo de Gata is a quiet unimpressive town so you have to head north along the coast road to enter the main natural park where the towns of as San Jose, Los Escullos and La Isleta are located. From there on you can explore the coast and enjoy one of the many hidden coves with sandy beaches and warm clear waters.


MOJACAR for its unrivalled position and natural beauty is probably one of the most popular towns to visit on the Costa Almeria. Mojacar is a spectacular village set in the Sierra Cabrera mountains. Due to its sheer unique beauty Mojacar is a visitor magnet drawing in all kinds of travelers from artists, painters , poets and photographers to of course manya curious holidaymaker. This ancient town has an Arabic appearance which was a fortress settlement for the Moors. Mojacar old town center is a myriad of narrow streets with hidden corners, picturesque local bars and small local tourist shops. Walt Disney was said to have been sired here before immigrating with his parents to the United States of America.


The town of Vera is located slightly to the north of Mojacar and Garrucha and due to it having long sandy quiet beaches has become home to a number of nudist areas, growing considerably over the last 10 years with new modern complexes being built to accommodate the naturist lovers.


Located within the Natural Park is the small fishing village of San Jose and although it has become more popular with holiday makers the village has retained its charm with only low rise buildings, small population and stunning beaches. There are several shops and a good smattering of bars and restaurants . Top attractions also include bike rides, horse riding, 4 x 4 tours and windsurfing. The two most popular beaches in the area include the Playa de los Genoveses and the unique Playa Monsul which has large lumps of volcanic rock scattered and fine grey sand.


Roquetas del Mar is the main tourist destination on the Costa Almeria. It is an important fishing village located some 15 minutes drive south from the capital Almeria. The tourist area of the municipality, Aguadulce ( Sweet water ) became popular back in the 60s and is now been classified as a Centre of National Touristic Interest. Natural parks either border or are included in the area, Roquetas is also well known for its local gastronomy and the annual fiestas. Lobster an pasta dishes are local favorites along with a selection of fresh fried fish ( pescado frito ).

Tuesday, 27 July 2010

Michelle Obama to holiday at Villa Padierna - Spain

Americas first lady Michelle Obama has chosen to spend a few days with her daughter and friends in the luxurious Hotel Villa Padierna located in Benahavis near Marbella on the Costa del Sol - Southern Spain.

It was first reported on web sites in Spain that the entire family would be with her although that wasquickly denied by the white house claiming that the president has other urgent matters to attend at home.

It is understood that the trip will tale place from the 4th to the 8th August 2010 and is likely to include a courtesy visit to see King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia in Majorca where they regularly holiday each year.

Styled as a Tuscan palace, the Villa Padierna lies in the hills just outside the upmarket resort ofMarbella. It is surrounded by the prestigious Flamingos Golf Club and its own exquisite gardens. Relax with a stroll through these grounds or with a session in the hotel’s state-of-the-art spa centre.

The property is set just 1 km from the beaches of the Costa del Sol. From its mountainside setting you get a magical view across the water to Africa, and a spectacular sunset most evenings.