DISCOVER COSTA ALMERIA: THE 10 BEST THINGS TO DO
DISCOVER COSTA ALMERIA: THE 10 BEST THINGS TO DO

INTRODUCTION: DISCOVER COSTA ALMERIA
DISCOVER COSTA ALMERIA: Welcome to Costa Almeria, a lesser-known but incredibly charming destination on Spain’s Mediterranean coast! Imagine sun-kissed beaches, picturesque villages, and a rich tapestry of history and culture. Did you know that the Almerian coast boasts more than 320 days of sunshine a year? That’s right! This article will take you through the 10 Best Things to do in Costa Almeria, must-see spots, activities, and culinary delights that make this region of Spain a hidden gem worth exploring. As someone who has lived in the area for over a decade, I’m happy to share my inside tips and knowledge of this beautiful beach holiday destination on the Mediterranean.

Costa Almeria Details
Costa Almeria is located on the southern Mediterranean coast of Spain in the province of Almeria. The coastline extends approximately 217 km starting at Pulpi on the border with the province of Murcia to Adra on the border with the province of Granada. The region enjoys more than 320 days of sunshine each year and benefits from the Mediterranean climate. Although not as famous as its neighboring “Costas”, Almeria’s tourism industry has grown over the last years, and with it, investment in its tourist infrastructure, roads, and facilities. Costa Almeria includes the cities and towns of Almeria, Roquetas de Mar, Mojacar, Aguadulce, Carboneras, San Jose, Nijar, Vera, Adra, and Garrucha, all of which are on or near the Mediterranean coast.
Almeria’s history stretches back thousands of years and cultures that have called this home include the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans, Visigoths, and Muslims. Evidence of these cultures can be seen throughout the province.
(To find out more about this region see our Guide to the Mediterranean Coast of Spain and our Guide to The Mediterranean Coast )

DISCOVER COSTA ALMERIA: THE 10 BEST THINGS TO DO
Best Beaches in Costa Almeria
With 217km of coastline, there are plenty of beaches. However, in contrast to other sections of the Spanish coast, the coastline here is rugged with rocky cliffs and desert landscapes. The following is a list of the top 10 beaches in Costa Almeria:
- Playa de los Muertos: Known for its crystal-clear waters and striking cliffs
- Playa de Aguadulce: Family-friendly with calm waters, offering numerous amenities and activities.
- Playa de Mónsul: A natural paradise ideal for snorkeling and photography, with unique rock formations.
- Playa de las Salinas: Famous for its expansive sandy shore and stunning sunsets.
- Playa de San José: A popular beach with a charming village nearby, perfect for a relaxing day out.
- Playa de Genoveses: Offers serene beauty and unspoiled nature, ideal for a tranquil escape.
- Playa del Zapillo: Located near Almeria city, this beach is known for its lively atmosphere and accessibility.
- Playa del Arco: Features unique natural arches and is great for a peaceful retreat.
- Playa de la Fabriquilla: A quieter option with beautiful views, perfect for those seeking solitude.
- Playa de Rodalquilar: Known for its golden sands and turquoise waters, it is a hidden gem for beach lovers.

Top Historical Sites
- Alcazaba of Almeria: An ancient fortress offering stunning panoramic views and a glimpse into Moorish architecture.
- Cathedral of Almeria: A Gothic and Renaissance architectural marvel, originally built as a fortress.
- Castillo de San Felipe: A coastal defense castle with a rich history dating back to the 18th century.
- Los Millares: One of the most important prehistoric archaeological sites in Spain, dating back to the Copper Age.
- Museum of Almeria: Showcases artifacts from various periods, providing insights into the region’s history.
- Refugios de la Guerra Civil: A network of underground shelters used during the Spanish Civil War.
- Batería de San Juan de Terreros: Historical coastal battery offering impressive views and historical insights.
- Castillo de Santa Ana: A restored castle that now serves as a cultural venue, with exhibitions and concerts.
- Plaza Vieja: The old town square of Almeria, surrounded by historical buildings and a central meeting point.
- Iglesia de Santiago: A historic church known for its beautiful architecture and significant religious heritage.

Top 5 Theme Parks
- Oasys MiniHollywood: A Western-themed park offering live cowboy shows, a zoo with exotic animals, and a swimming area with pools and slides.
- Parque Acuático Vera: A family-friendly water park featuring a variety of slides, wave pools, and children’s play areas.
- Mario Park: An exciting water park with numerous slides, a lazy river, wave pools, and areas for all ages to enjoy.
- Castor Park: An amusement park located in Roquetas de Mar, offering fun rides, games, and activities for children and families.
- Roquetas de Mar Aquarium: While not a traditional theme park, it offers a unique experience with interactive exhibits, a shark tunnel, and a variety of marine life displays.
Outdoor Activities and Adventures
- Hiking in Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park: Explore rugged landscapes, volcanic rock formations, and stunning coastal views on numerous hiking trails.
- Scuba Diving in Las Negras: Discover vibrant underwater ecosystems, shipwrecks, and crystal-clear waters perfect for diving enthusiasts.
- Kayaking along Playa de los Genoveses: Paddle through serene waters and explore hidden coves and sandy beaches in this picturesque area.
- Mountain Biking in Sierra de Alhamilla: Challenge yourself with varied terrain and breathtaking scenery in this mountain range.
- Rock Climbing in Sorbas: Scale limestone formations and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape.
- Kite Surfing in El Playazo Beach: Harness the wind and waves at this popular spot for adrenaline-pumping kite surfing.
- Horseback Riding in Tabernas Desert: Experience the unique desert environment on guided horseback tours.
- Bird Watching in Salinas de Cabo de Gata: Observe a variety of bird species in this protected wetland area, especially during migration seasons.
- Snorkeling in San José: Explore vibrant marine life and underwater landscapes in the crystal-clear waters of this charming coastal village.
- Paragliding over Almeria Coast: Soar above stunning coastal scenery and enjoy the thrill of flight with experienced instructors.

Boat Tours
A great way to see the incredible Almerian coastline is by boat along the Mediterranean. There are a variety of operators and tours range from just under an hour to the entire day. Some tours even offer the option to go snorkeling as part of the tour. Here’s a list of the top 5 boat tour operators in the region, along with links to their websites:
- Cabo De Gata Activo – Offers exciting tours along the volcanic coastline. Visit their website
- El Cabo a Fondo – Known for beautiful and fascinating tours of the volcanic coastline. Visit their website
- Ecoagata – Specializes in eco-friendly tours and snorkeling experiences. Visit their website
- Kayak Cabo de Gata – Toyo Aventura – Offers kayaking tours with stops for swimming and snorkeling. Visit their website
- Xplora Almeria – Provides various water activities and tours. Visit their website
These operators offer a range of experiences to explore this beautiful coast by sea.

Discover Costa Almeria Local Cuisine and Dining Experiences
Almerian Delicacies
When visiting the area make sure to try some of the local Almerian delicacies such as:
- Gurullos: A traditional Almerian stew made with rabbit, snails, and hand-rolled pasta. The dish is seasoned with saffron and various aromatic herbs, offering a hearty and flavorful experience.
- Ajo Colorao: A vibrant red garlic and potato stew, typically prepared with cod, peppers, and a generous amount of paprika. This dish is known for its rich, savory taste and its comforting, rustic appeal.
- Migas: A classic dish made from semolina or flour crumbs fried with garlic, olive oil, and various additions such as chorizo, sardines, or green peppers. It’s often enjoyed during colder months and is beloved for its rustic, satisfying flavor.
Ir De Tapas
As with most regions of Spain, the tradition of “Ir de Tapas” or Tapas Tour, is alive and well in Costa Almeria and involves visiting several bars and restaurants and sampling different foods and drinks. Being directly on the coast, naturally, you will find a variety of seafood specialties to choose from.
Day Trips
Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park:
Explore this stunning natural park known for its volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Ideal for hiking, bird-watching, and snorkeling.

Almeria City
Discover the historic charm of Almeria City with its impressive Alcazaba Fortress, the vibrant Old Town, and the picturesque Almeria Cathedral. Don’t miss the bustling local markets.

Mojácar Pueblo
Visit this white-washed hilltop village, known for its narrow streets, charming plazas, and spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy local crafts and traditional Andalusian architecture.

Tabernas Desert
Take a trip to Europe’s only desert, famous for its unique landscapes and as a filming location for many Western movies. Visit mini-Hollywood theme parks and enjoy guided tours.

Roquetas de Mar
Relax in this popular seaside resort town offering beautiful beaches, a lively promenade, and attractions like the Santa Ana Castle and the Roquetas Aquarium.

Best Time to Visit and Travel Tips
Peak Tourist Season
The main tourist season is during July and August when most regions of Europe have their school breaks. And of course, this is when the weather is at its hottest and the region shows its best side.
Tip: Many tourists head to the Spanish coast during July and August and it does get busy. If you are looking for a less hectic experience, you might want to consider traveling in May/June or in Sept/October. The weather is still exceptionally nice and you can escape the large crowds.
Transportation options
- Flying: The best option to fly into Costa Almeria is the Almeria Airport located just outside the city center of Almeria. The next nearest options are Murcia Airport (about 200km away), Malaga Airport ( about 200km away), and Alicante Airport (about 260km away)
- Driving: You can reach this region by using the A-7 highway that runs through the region going east towards Murcia and west towards Malaga, or the A92 which heads north-west towards Granada and Seville.
- Train: You can reach Almeria from Madrid by train in about 6 hours.
Accommodations

The tourist infrastructure in this region is well developed so there is no shortage of accommodations in the area. These range from luxurious beachfront resorts to budget-friendly youth hostels and guesthouses. However, as mentioned above, summer is the busiest time in the area so I recommend that you book well in advance. Your best bet is to check online for available places and book as soon as you can. Check out the link below for places available right now.
FINAL THOUGHTS: DISCOVER COSTA ALMERIA
Costa Almeria is a destination that promises unforgettable experiences, from its breathtaking beaches to its rich cultural heritage. So why wait? Start planning your trip to Costa Almeria now and discover the magic of this Mediterranean paradise on the coast of Spain!
“Don’t Just Dream It! Do it!”
How about experiencing the Mediterranean firsthand? Use the map below to inspire you and plan your next Mediterranean vacation right now!
Reg Auge
Reg holds an MBA, is a former Captain in the Canadian military and has worked as a consultant in industry for over 20 years. From his home in Spain, he has spent the last 10 years traveling throughout the Mediterranean, exploring the various countries and regions. He also regularly runs, windsurfs, and kite surfs, maintaining a healthy and active way of life. Captivated by this Mediterranean lifestyle, he began a Blog last year to inspire like-minded souls to learn about and discover this unique region for themselves.