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Almeria,
despite
its
rugged
landscape
and
shortage
of
fertile
soil,
has
managed,
with
a
good
irrigation
system,
to
become
an
important
growth
area
and
it
is
well
known
for
the
quality
of
its
oranges
and
white
grapes,
most
of
which
are
exported
from
its
port.
As
you
drive
through
the
province
you
will
see
an
endless
sea
of
polythene
tunnels,
crammed
with
produce.
The
area
is
almost
totally
dependent
on
this
industry.
The
province
of
Almeria
may
initially
appear
to
be
a
barren
desert-like
landscape
but
on
close
inspection
you
will
find
it
to
be
the
Andalucian
province
with
the
longest
stretch
of
beaches.
Empty
beaches
and
tiny
hidden
coves
with
perfectly
clear
water.
Because
of
the
diverse
landscapes,
the
range
of
sports
activities
is
endless
from
water
sports
to
hiking,
paragliding,
horse
riding
and
golf. |
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Almeria
city
itself
is
a
pleasant
and
largely
modern
city
and
offers
a
relaxing
holiday
destination
and
has
a
wealth
of
history
to
offer.
The
Phoenicians
founded
the
town,
Carthaginians,
Romans
and
Moors
all
occupied
it
before
Ferdinand
and
Isabella
finally
recovered
it
for
Spain
during
the
reconquest. |
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| The cathedral is a must see, as is the Alcazaba, above, built in 995. Enjoy a quiet stroll through the Nicolas Salmeron Park then head up towards the caves in the old gypsy quarter. A good time to visit Almeria is during the annual fair in August. From Almeria it is easy to visit many small towns and villages that offer true, unspoilt Spain. Take your time exploring the city of Almeria and make sure you see the old quarter where you will find Casa de los Puche and the market area of Plaza Vieja. Almeria is quite unique in so much as it is half Spanish and half African. Many of the local workers are of African origin. The port has a ferry service to Africa. |
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| In the centre of the city is La Rambla, a long avenue with squares in which to rest and play parks for the children. Almeria city has a major ferry port, a sports marina and a working fishing port. |
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If you head along the west coast of Almeria, along the N340 highway, you will pass huge cliffs that shelter small coves. After about 13km you will come to Aguadulce that presents a good tourist centre with hotels and apartments. There is also a yacht harbour and a coastline that offers water sports of every description. Further along you find Roquetas de Mar, a typical fishing village where the white houses contrast with the colourful harbour. Here you will see the ruins of the castles of Santa Ana and Los Bajos. At the nearby urban development there is an 18 hole golf course and facilities for many other sports. From here, head for the beautiful Punta Entinas with areas untouched and undeveloped.
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A little to the west is Almerimar, a tourist complex with several kilometres of beach, crystal clear waters and a marina for over 1000 vessels. Almerimar also offers 18 hole golf, hotels, a camp site and apartments. |
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About 11km west of here is Adra, a town of about 20,000 inhabitants and a former Roman colony. A fortress stands on the hill, overlooking the town. The towers and walls remain. The parish church dates from the 18th century and is worthy of a visit. The town has always had naval connections and nowadays has a fine sports harbour and yacht club. The beaches are long and wide and the coastal lagoons are a haven for many bird species. The town is well known for its handcrafted coral work.
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| On the eastern edge of the Costa Almeria you will find Mojacar, a place founded by the Carthaginians and its steep, narrow streets show a Moorish influence. The parish church consists of undecorated stonework in almost military fashion.
Almeria is the region in Spain with the greatest number of cloudless days, exceeding 3000 hours of sunshine during the year. Its average temperature is 18º and during the summer the average is 24.6º. The waters here are almost crystal clear and usually warmer than the air.
All in all, Almeria offers a diverse landscape with some excellent beaches, beautiful countryside and a wealth of history. The province is surrounded by the provinces of Granada, Murcia and Malaga. |
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Clubs in Almeria
There is now a family run snooker club in Almería, situated between Antas and Vera at km 534 of the E15. The website is www.potblack.info and contact number 950459135 for more infomation. |
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