ROQUETAS de MAR
Area: Costa de Almeria
Country: Spain


Location:
Near the SE corner of mainland Spain, towards the SW end of the Almerian Coast. 17 miles W of Almeria airport.

Telephone code from UK:
34

Website:
http://www.ayto-roquestas.org

Position:
On virtually flat land, part of an almost continuous and expanding urban area with farmland to the rear, and, beyond, the rugged mountains of the Sierra de Gador.

Description:
Roquetas de Mar (which means "Little Rocks of the Sea") is one of the four main resorts that make up the Costa de Almeria. Though measuring only about 3 by 1» miles, the urbanisation of which it is part covers 37» square miles. Roquetas de Mar itself is essentially a purpose-built development only some 20 years old, and has seen rapid growth since 1990, mainly in the form of apartments and hotel blocks towards the outskirts. Its flat, compact nature makes it suitable for strolling or bicycle riding. The village of Roquetas, 2 miles away, is more for locals and offers far less for tourists apart from a fortnightly market, shops and post office.

Suitability:
For those looking for a quieter beach-based holiday, including most ages, couples and families. Popular with more mature holidaymakers. Attracts a variety of nationalities, predominantly Germans, but also a fair number of British package tourists.

Accommodation:
Hotels and apartments are generally of a high standard, and many offer a variety of facilities and entertainments for all ages (some May to October only). Hotels tend to be of the 3- or 4-star variety and, as they're popular with package tourists, are generally booked out in high season. Many buildings are Andalusian-style white concrete structures and low-rise apartments (many privately owned) predominate.

Shopping:
A decent variety of shops, most selling souvenirs, beachwear and beach gear, others selling jewellery, clothes, footwear and handicrafts. Numerous small, well-stocked minimarkets and off-licences. A couple of large supermarkets on the outskirts of town. Serious shoppers should head to Almeria or Malaga.

Beach:
A long, attractive, fairly wide and gently shelving stretch of coarse, light sand, narrower towards the SW end of the resort. Waves can be strong, though swimming and water sports are popular, including windsurfing, jet-skiing, pedalloes, sailing and surfing. Most of the beach is public, though many hotels have private sections with sun loungers and deck chairs for hire. Lifeguard on duty during high season. Has earned a European Blue Flag for cleanliness and safety.

Entertainments:
Daytime: sports centre; public golf courses in vicinity; go-karting; surfing; sailing; various water sports; nautical clubs; cycling; children's funfair. Nightlife: plethora of open-air cafes, pubs and bars, including Irish and Scottish ones; a few discos and nightclubs; a couple of casinos in the larger hotels. Many hotels also offer programmes of evening entertainment, including live music and local shows. Generally a more relaxed, low-key atmosphere compared with other more developed Spanish resorts.

Eating:
A good selection of restaurants to suit all tastes; choices include fish, pizza, Chinese, local fare (with "menu of the day" dishes on offer) as well as the ubiquitous "everything with chips" fodder. "Tapas" _ small samples of food eaten with wine or beer before the main meal _ is typical of this area.

Public-transport:
In the resort itself, there's a small tourist road-train and horse and cart for those who want to give their legs a rest. Frequent bus service to Almeria and Aguadulce. Train connections from Almeria to various destinations including Granada, Seville and Madrid. Car, bicycle and tricycle hire all available.

Local-excursions:
One day: Granada, with its Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. Shoot-outs and stunt show at Wild West village in the Tabernas desert (where many famous Westerns were filmed). Almeria, with its Arab fortress, shopping and market. Simply Spain, a tour taking in typical Spanish villages and a bodega (to sample local wines). Waterpark in Almunecar. Mojacar, an old Moorish village. Local handicrafts (such as ceramics and hand-woven carpets) in Nijar. Nerja, with its caves. Vicar has a large Sunday-morning market. Aqua Park. One or two days: Gibraltar or Seville.