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Around the area
All the places below can be reached within an hour or less. Times will vary depending on the time of year! There are many places that can be found, with the aid of a map, that are well off the normal tourist routes and you can be rewarded with magnificent views, beautiful villages and wonderful local bars!
Cabo de Gata Natural Park
This peninsula on the eastern side of the Gulf of Almeria is believed to be the driest and possibly the hottest place in Europe, a landscape of long empty beaches, salt pans and raw volcanic hills. On the southern tip of the peninsula, at the actual cape (cabo), stands a lonely lighthouse from where there are dramatic views of rugged cliffs and offshore pinnacles. Cabo de Gata's attractions lie in its often empty beaches, its plant and bird life and the remoteness of the cliffs and lonely coves of the wild coast to the northeast of the cape.
Mojacar
Mojacar is the main beach resort in Almeria province and can become extremely busy in high season. There are two Mojacars. The long, coastal resort of Mojacar Playa makes the most of a narrow stretch of excellent beach.
Just 2km inland is old Mojacar, known as Mojacar Pueblo, a settlement of sugar cube houses clustered round a rocky hilltop. Moorish influence lingered well into the 20th century here and women were said to wear veiled dress until about 50 years ago.
If you are interested in playing golf, Mojacar is a 5 minute drive from the new luxury golf complex of Marina del Torre. There are several other golf courses within easy driving distance of Mojacar, one of which is Desert Springs, the only desert golf course in Spain.
Garrucha
There is a huge expanse of beach to be found at Garrucha. The seafood restaurants specialise in the famous Garrucha prawns and if you are looking for some family fun visit the Go-karts.
Nijar
Much of Andalusia's attractive and unusual glazed pottery is made in this small town north east of Almeria. Nijar's potters specialise in vivid colours created from mineral dyes. The craft shops also sell brightly coloured carpets and blankets.
Beyond Avenida garcia Lorca is the old town with tree-lined Plaza la Glorieta and the 16th century church. There are several reasonable restaurants located in and around the town centre.
Sorbas
The town is on the edge of a deep abyss overlooking the Rio de Aguas. It has an interesting 16th century church and 17th century mansion said to have been a summer retreat of the Duke of Alba. The magnificent caves, near the town, are located in the protected natural area of Karst in Yesos de Sorbas. Here you have the unique opportunity to view these caves in their natural state, unlit and with no man-made corridors. Its many karsts can be explored on guided tours and inside, between rivers, one of the planet’s most amazing underground views can be enjoyed.
Mini-Hollywood - Tabernas
A
wild-west town set deep in the mountains near Tabernas. This town is where many of the great "spaghetti westerns" such as "The Good, The Bad & The Ugly" were filmed in the 1960s. A great day out for all the family with shows and fun. Nowadays you will recognise it as the town where David Beckham's recent Coca Cola advert was filmed!
Vera
A town located not far south east of Huércal Overa towards Mojácar.
Vera is in the middle of the desert. There is not one tree to be found here . The rugged landscape with its exquisite colours makes the whole place look a bit alien.
Vera Playa is the beach nearest to the villa – one area is reserved for naturists!
Vera Aqua Park
This is a great day out for all the family. Built into the side of the mountain it is the perfect setting for its flumes and slides - the Black Hole will test your nerve! There is a separate pool with slides for younger children. There is also a "wave pool" and a further large pool to enjoy a relaxing swim. There are plenty of sunbeds and shades and an excellent restaurant and bar.
Granada
It takes about two hours to get to Granada where not only will you find a spectacular and historic city but also the magnificent Alhambra Palace.
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