The Costa Almeria is where you will discover the passionate Spain, the vibrant, colourful and unforgettable Spain. With its flamenco-dancing gypsies, Arab horses, endless beaches and gastronomic delights.

Costa Almeria takes its name from an old word meaning 'mirror of the sea'. Stretching from Aguilas in the north to Roquetas de Mar in the south, it has remained unspoiled for hundreds of years.

The region is brimming with beautiful parks and natural reserves, dotted with ancient villages and always seems to be sunny. In fact, the Costa Almeria enjoys over 300 days of sunshine each year, There are some outstanding areas of natural beauty, some of which have been used as movie locations - Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and Lawrence of Arabia were filmed in Almeria. Visit the forests, cliffs and deserted beaches at the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Nature Park, or watch the pink flamingos in the salt lagoons at Las Marinas, just south of Roquetas de Mar.

The city of Almeria is the area's capital, and is topped by the awe-inspiring Alcazaba, a large Islamic fort that provides a good viewpoint of the city's famous cave quarter, and the fortified Cathedral.

Further north, you will discover why Mojacar is known as 'El Rincon del embrujo' (the corner of enchantment). It was once the greatest of the country•s Arabic cities, and its dazzling white-washed buildings and covered gardens are not to be missed. The 17 kilometer stretch of beach has been designated an area of natural beauty and is protected from development.

Also well worth a visit is the charming fishing village of Garrucha, with its long shady beach promenade or 'paseo'. You will find many luxurious Victorian mansions here, built during the heyday of the silver mining industry.

The historic town of Vera in the north is where you will find big, clean beaches ¹ there is even a six kilometres stretch reserved for nudists.