Almeria is a region of great contrast that takes up over 8000 square kilometres of Southern Spain. At one extreme it is filled with mountains and valleys, that twist across the countryside, providing beautiful scenery. These mountainous areas have over 200 kilometres of picturesque, rocky rivers.

On the other hand there are also excellent, golden beaches which are perfect for family outings or a relaxing day of rest, depending on the area. Most of these beaches are sandy and flat, with very few rocky areas and many intimate coves.

The Winters in Almeria are very mild compared to other regions, and the summers can be dry and very hot. The main sources of the areas wealth are mining and orange farming.

There are also a large number of tourist attractions in the area. The Alpujarras region is a fascinating landscape covered with traditional, simple towns where visitors can experience the real joys of Spanish country life. A lot of these villages are known for their hand crafted items, such as pottery. The North of Almeria offers a number of exciting caves and historical buildings, such as the castle in Velez Rubio.

Located on the southern Almeria coast bordering one of the many natural parks and just 35 minutes from the airport, Almerimar is becoming a sought-after location.

Purpose built, with a history of just decades, Almerimar is dominated by the 27-hole golf course - the original 18 holes make up the most established course in Almeria, with the nine hole extension die to open in 2005. The 1200 berth marina, the largest in its class in Andalucia, combines with an array of bars, restaurants, shopping and amenities.

Almerimar has undergone a lot of expansion over recent years, growing along the 12km coastline, but monitored closely by the local authorities, resulting in a picturesque oasis of small communities with wide expanses of gardens and communal areas, kept tidy on a daily basis.

Palomares is a quiet and typically Spanish village just one kilometre from the coast, with a wide range of traditional Spanish houses and modern apartments.

Most services are available in the village (shops, restaurants, banks, doctor, chemist), and the sandy beach is within walking distance.

Golf:For those who enjoy a round of golf, a short drive will take you to the golf courses at Desert Springs (5 minutes), Valle del Este (20 minutes) and Marina de la Torre (20 minutes).

Its name means "the beach of Vera". Vera, in Spanish, is pronounced with a soft 'v' so that it sounds more like "Bera".

It is named after the small town of Vera, in whose area it lies, and which is about 8 kms inland. The nearest town, however, is Garrucha, about 5 kms to the south, whose harbour is home to an active fishing fleet and which has a significant harbour for bulk freighters used to ship gypsum and other materials from inland quarries. Garrucha is an attractive and growing small town with a wide range of restaurants, shops and other facilities.

A few kilometres to the south of Garrucha is the beautifully located village of Mojacar on the edge of the Sierra Cabrera mountains. The popularity of Mojacar since the 1960s has spawned a mass of holiday and residential development along the beach area near Mojacar, though thankfully, as throughout the area, strict planning control has prevented high rise developments.

Vera Playa is on the Costa de Almeria. The beach at Vera Playa runs north-south and the council-designated naturist beach is approximately 1km long and the unofficial or traditional naturist beach extends about another kilometer (but is now under pressure from new textile developments which front it). The official naturist developments zone runs the length of the naturist beach and is somewhat less in depth at around 0.5 kms deep from the beach.

Villaricos is a charming small town situated 10 kilometres North of La Garrucha (a lively fishing harbour that is in the process of being redeveloped into a tourist region, as well as being known for some of the finest fresh fish in Spain). Villaricos is in an unusul position between the coast and the mouth of the Rio Almanzora.

The village is made up of a strong fishing community that has existed for many generations, and prides itself in being one of the best in Spain. There are also a number of beautiful, unspoilt beaches, that are ideal if you are in need of a relaxing getaway.

The countryside that surrounds the village is some of the finest in the world, with an entire stretch of the coastline being watched over by the towering peaks of the Sierra Almagera mountain. It is this wonderful mix of mountainous terrain combined with golden beaches that gives the area such unique views and photo oppurtunities.

There are also some interesting caves just to the east of Villaricos in Cuevas Almanzora as well as the finest baroque building in the province - "la Iglesia de la Encarnacion".

Mazarron Bay

Mazarron, 7 klm inland is a bustling little town and Puerto de Mazarron

Food is good in Mazarron, particularly fresh fish and many of the bars and restaurants, offer a huge variety of tapas.

New motorways have opened up the coastal area of Mazarron to pioneer investors who wish to buy in an area that boasts some of the finest beaches in Spain.

The whole surrounding area is carved out of the rugged landscape forming individual sandy coves and beachheads of outstanding beauty.

The coast of Cartagena is very varied and along its entire length has different landscapes ranging from high cliffs with hidden coves to large bays to delight any bather, from those in search of comfort and the entire range of services to travelers looking for untouched countryside.

The coast of Cartagena is completed with La Manga, a wide section of land surrounded by two seas, with long fine sandy beaches and equipped with all the tourist infrastructures you could need for an excellent holiday.

The descriptive name of La Manga (the sleeve). Nowadays, everything in La Manga has been designed to enhance the visitor's stay. Complete hotel installations, with a network of establishments with maximum qualification (including a five-star hotel), located at strategic points, apartment complexes, sailing ports, sailing schools, recreational centres, supermarkets, shops, bars, discos... everything you need for a complete holiday. In winter and autumn, La Manga is kept open, since its population is constant all year round. Winter is an ideal period for those in search of peace and quiet, with the necessary services and infrastructures. Due to being located between two seas, La Manga is also an ideal place for water sports. There are sailing and skiing schools that run periodical courses, as well as windsurfing and catamarans. The Mediterranean can be enjoyed by those who prefer high waves for windsurfing and the entire coast also offers a series of areas that are ideally suited and perfectly isolated for diving, such as Cabo de Palos and the rocky depths next to Isla Grosa.

Large pond, Small sea, throughout history, the so-called Mar Menor has had different names, all of which coincide in the description of a phenomenon that nature designed as a great coastal lake (originally, an open bay) of 170 km2 of warm saltwater.

Of the town's monuments, the Town Hall and Monument to the railway, the ralway monument shows proof of the importance this means of transport once had for the population.

Denia Spain about 85 km north east of Alicante along the Costa Blanca. Denia is famous for being one of the most attractive places to spend your holidays. You best reach Denia via the road N 332, a wonderful road along the coastline of the costa blanca or the highway AP7. In Denia find 20km of sandy beaches for all tastes. Find the warmth of the sun, enjoy the pleasure of diving into the warm waters of the Med.

To the north, sandy beaches, perfect ofr sunbathing in the soft breeze, swimming or walking along the shores. The beaches are all the services and the Blue Flag for clean areas of the EC.

To the south hidden rocky coves are a paradise for nature lovers. Crystal cold waters, ideal for scuba diving or fishing.

The city of Javea Spain lies about 80 km north east of Alicante, in between Denia and Altea. You can reach Javea via the road N 332.

There are about 24 000 habitants of Javea live in three different parts of the city. The village of Javea which lies about 3 km land inward, the port of Javea and the area around the beach of Javea. In the old part of Javea there are still some traditionally built houses with balconies remaining. Along with some Javea hotels, you should enjoy spending your time just passing by the little shops.

Guardamar offers everything you need for a holiday in Spain. Guardamar, on the Costa Blanca, in Spain, is surrounded by two large and beautiful natural salt water lakes which form the "Salinas de Guardamar" and are an official Spanish Nature Reserve. These lakes attract a wide variety of bird life.

Guardamar has learned a few lessons from places like Benidorm, because you'll find no high-rise skyscrapers or package holiday hotels in Guardamar and because Guardamar is orientated towards families and couples, you'll find no night-time trouble with lager louts etc.

The concentration of salt and warm temperatures, combine to endow Guardamar and nearby areas with a particularly healthy micro-climate, recommended by doctors for its beneficial properties. Bathing in the salt lagoons is also becoming popular for many medicinal reasons.

The city of Torrevieja lies about 50 km south west of Alicante. You can reach Torrevieja via the road N 332 or AP7.

Many English speaking facilities in this region of Spain. A large British and Irish communities around this area. The entire area around Torrevieja is famous for their salt production plus a fabulous holiday resort.

Apart of the salt industry, tourism and fishing keep the city alive. The harbor surrounded by many Torrevieja hotels, gives home to 300 fishing ships and over 900 private sport boats. A wonderful view especially when sun sets.

Benidorm, located about 45 km northeast of Alicante, just south of Altea is one main attraction along the Costa Blanca. Despite its skyscraper skyline, it stands for beach and nightlife, Lots of Benidorm nightlife.

Surrounded by up to 1558 m high mountains, Benidorm is perfectly protected against the sometimes cold north winds. Therefore, the weather in Benidorm stays very mild even through winter times.