Places of Interest in the Costa Almeria and the Sierra Nevada

home * accommodation * location * golf * skiing * price & availability * booking * flights * contact * weather * places of interest

Almerimar Marina

Almerimar Bars and Restaurant

Places Of Interest
The History of Almeria Almeria is a city and a province of Andalucía in southern Spain. The name of the city stems from the Arabic word "Al-Mariyya" which means "The Mirror" which is reference to the calm seas of the port. It is also an indication of the roots of the city and how it came into being. The founding of the city is attributed to the Caliph of Cordova, Abd ar-Rahman III, who in seeking to extend the power of his domain built the city in 955CE with the intention of it being his main port on the Mediterranean. To defend his port he built the Alcazaba of Almeria, an extensive fortress that dominates the city. The aim of this complex was to enclose not only the seat of the local governors but also to house the people and provide them with a mosque. The walls of the city stood firm until the fragmentation of the Caliphate of Cordova and then it fell into the hands of the Taifa emirs. It was during this time that the city established itself as a major trading center for silk. The then rulers encouraged the planting of mulberry trees on the surrounding lands which lead to creation of the silk industry that was to make the city rich and also the envy of the emirs of surrounding cities. The city withstood many sieges but eventually it fell to the combined forces of Alfonso VII, the Emperor Spain, in 1147. The domination of the city by the catholic state did not last 10 years and it was soon recaptured by the Arabic emirs. It was not until 1498 that the city surrendered finally to the catholic monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella. It was they who added the outermost wall to the fortress and built a castle on the highest peak. The following century was not a happy one for the inhabitants of the city. In 1522 there was a violent earthquake that shook the city to the ground. It was one of four that were to strike the city that century and the city fell into disrepair. The remaining Muslim people were banished from the city in 1568 and there were many raids by Berber pirates on this now disregarded city. During the 18th century the city iron mines were discovered in the area and British and French firms set up a thriving industry that used the port facilities in Almeria. In the early 20th century the city was bombed heavily by the German navy and air-force. Eventually the city of Almeria gave into the onslaught of Francisco Franco`s forces. It was in fact one of the last two cities to capitulate in the Spanish Civil War. The city began to flourish again due to its attraction for tourists and due to the fertile soils that surround the city. After Franco`s death in 1975 a new constitution was enacted in Spain which resulted in there being a referendum for the creation of an autonomous state, Andalucía. The vote was won and Almeria is now a city in this state, one of seventeen that make up the Kingdom of Spain. The city is now a popular destination for tourists but still has a thriving agricultural sector. It has become known as a popular destination for those who want to escape the crowds of the Costa del Sol but still want to have the wonderful climate of the southern Iberian Peninsula.

Places Of Interest

The History of Almeria

Almeria is a city and a province of Andalucía in southern Spain. The name of the city stems from the Arabic word "Al-Mariyya" which means "The Mirror" which is reference to the calm seas of the port. It is also an indication of the roots of the city and how it came into being. The founding of the city is attributed to the Caliph of Cordova, Abd ar-Rahman III, who in seeking to extend the power of his domain built the city in 955CE with the intention of it being his main port on the Mediterranean. To defend his port he built the Alcazaba of Almeria, an extensive fortress that dominates the city. The aim of this complex was to enclose not only the seat of the local governors but also to house the people and provide them with a mosque. The walls of the city stood firm until the fragmentation of the Caliphate of Cordova and then it fell into the hands of the Taifa emirs. It was during this time that the city established itself as a major trading center for silk. The then rulers encouraged the planting of mulberry trees on the surrounding lands which lead to creation of the silk industry that was to make the city rich and also the envy of the emirs of surrounding cities. The city withstood many sieges but eventually it fell to the combined forces of Alfonso VII, the Emperor Spain, in 1147. The domination of the city by the catholic state did not last 10 years and it was soon recaptured by the Arabic emirs. It was not until 1498 that the city surrendered finally to the catholic monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella. It was they who added the outermost wall to the fortress and built a castle on the highest peak. The following century was not a happy one for the inhabitants of the city. In 1522 there was a violent earthquake that shook the city to the ground. It was one of four that were to strike the city that century and the city fell into disrepair. The remaining Muslim people were banished from the city in 1568 and there were many raids by Berber pirates on this now disregarded city. During the 18th century the city iron mines were discovered in the area and British and French firms set up a thriving industry that used the port facilities in Almeria. In the early 20th century the city was bombed heavily by the German navy and air-force. Eventually the city of Almeria gave into the onslaught of Francisco Franco`s forces. It was in fact one of the last two cities to capitulate in the Spanish Civil War. The city began to flourish again due to its attraction for tourists and due to the fertile soils that surround the city. After Franco`s death in 1975 a new constitution was enacted in Spain which resulted in there being a referendum for the creation of an autonomous state, Andalucía. The vote was won and Almeria is now a city in this state, one of seventeen that make up the Kingdom of Spain. The city is now a popular destination for tourists but still has a thriving agricultural sector. It has become known as a popular destination for those who want to escape the crowds of the Costa del Sol but still want to have the wonderful climate of the southern Iberian Peninsula.

Andalucía

The region of Andalucía represents the south western aspect of Spain, where Europe touches Africa and the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic. The region is vast and encompasses a number of major towns and cities including Seville, Malaga, Granada and Almeria. It is also home to the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Costa del Sol and a number of important historical sights.

With so much to explore the region is best discovered by car. Touring by car is made easy by the fact the region is home to no fewer than six airports including major international ones such as Malaga and Seville. From any one of these airports it is possible to hire a car and start exploring the beauty and heritage of Andalucía.

Seville is often considered the capital of Andalucía and as well as being the home of flamenco dancing, its culture and architecture earned it a place on the `romantic tour` of European destinations alongside Vienna, Paris and Florence. Highlights include the Real Alcazar Palace and the Cathedral of Seville.

The history of the region includes the seven centuries that it was under Moorish rule. The best place to learn about the Moors is in Cordoba which was where they governed the Iberian peninsula from. The city is now a UNESCO world heritage site and the biggest attraction is The Mezquita, an eighth century mosque.

Other cities to try and see include Granada where visitors cannot miss La Alhambra Palace, another place to learn more about the rich Moorish history of the area. If you are still yearning for more history, try and take a visit to Cadiz, the oldest most continuously inhabited city in Spain and perhaps western Europe.

Between the cities and the palaces you will need to take the time to relax on the beach and the famous Costa del Sol offers plenty of chances to enjoy the Mediterranean climate and warm seas. The port town of Malaga is very popular with tourists and for those looking for somewhere a bit more glamorous, the resort town of Marbella is a hangout of the rich and famous.

The rest of the region offers even more from stunning scenery to exhilarating outdoor activities. The Sierra Nevada Mountains are the highest range in Spain and are found close to Granada. Popular with hikers and even skiers, the area includes the Sierra Nevada National Park which is home to many unusual species. Other highlights of the region include Dinana National Park which is another UNESCO site and Alhama de Granada, an intriguing spa village which sits atop a gorge.

Exploring the high plateau that is Andalucía is best done utilising hire car, which enables you to create your own itinerary and step off the usual tourist trails. Car hire is available from any of the airports in Andalucia as well as the major towns, cities and resort areas.

121carhire.com is a popular choice for car rental in Andalucía with those wishing to get the very most from this historic and unique part of the world.

Almeria
Located on the Costa de Almeria, this vibrant city can trace back its history to pre-historic times. Throughout the centuries, many peoples have lived in the area, and left their mark – Phoenicians, Carthaginians, and Romans. The town evolved into an important naval base and port for the Caliphate of Cordoba under Abderramán III, who built the magnificent fortress overlooking the city and the bay. With the collapse of the Caliphate, the town became one of the main economic forces on the Mediterranean Sea when it started producing large quantities of silk, velvet, damask, and brocade. The town housed more than 10,000 textile mills, making it very prosperous. This ended in 1147 when Alfonso VII seized the town, and subsequently destroyed it to stop its enormous economic influence in the area. It was later brought back under Muslim influence, and did not return to Christian domination until 1489. Almeria continued to expand economically, despite persistent raiding of the coast by Berber pirates during the 16th century. In the 19th century, the city became the capital of the province of Almeria after Spain was restructured into provinces. Today Almeria is a thriving city and province, with a strong economy based on tourism and greenhouse crops. Almeria's hefty cathedral is at the heart of the old part of the city and was begun in 1524 to replace a predecessor wrecked by the earthquake in 1522. The architecture is a combination of Gothic and Renaissance, its fortress like appearance was due to suffering raids by pirates from North Africa. The north facade is an elaborate mid 16th century design by Juan de Orea. The spacious interior has a Gothic ribbed ceiling and makes use of jasper and local marble in some of its baroque and neo-classical trimmings. The chapel behind the main altar contains the tomb of Bishop Villalan, founder of the cathedral, and is another work of de Orea, as are the choir with its stalls made out of walnut wood, and the Sacristia Mayor with its fine carved stone roof, windows and arches. The castle gives a fantastic view over the city and its sights. This massive fortress, the Alcazaba, consists of three walled enclosures, which used to contain everything the inhabitants would need in times of siege. One of the enclosures holds the remains of a chapel that was originally built as a Mosque, but was later turned into a Catholic chapel by Catholic kings. With its fortified structure, gothic construction and Renaissance façade, the cathedral is a real landmark. It was built in the 16th century as a dual-purpose building. Besides its obvious religious purpose, it was also a defensive structure, its corner towers once housing canons, which were necessary to defend the building, and the city, against the raids of Barbarossa and other pirate forces. The Costa de Almeria remains unspoilt by mass tourism. To the west of Almeria, the coast consists of high cliffs, which a little further on turn into flat beaches, ideal for long days in the sun. To the east of the city 20 kms of beautiful beaches, stretch along the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park. Close by is San Miguel de Cabo de Gata, with its interesting Roman and Arab archaeological sites.

Granada The Alhambra was a Palace, a citadel, a fortress and home of the Nasrid sultans, high government officials, servants of the court and elite soldiers (from the 13th century to the 15th century). Today the Monument is divided into four main areas: the Palaces, the military area or Alcazaba, the city or Medina and the agricultural estate of the Generalife. It also includes noteworthy buildings of different periods, such as the Renaissance-style Charles V Palace, housing the Alhambra Museum, with items taken chiefly from the Monument, and the Museum of Fine Arts. All of these areas are set in the natural surroundings of woods, gardens and orchards.
In order to appreciate fully the unique value of the architecture and landscape of the Alhambra, I recommend a visit to the Albaicin (Mirador de San Nicolas), or Sacromonte. From these two places the spectacular relationship between the Alhambra and the district and the city can be discerned. Definitely a complete days outing, especially if you enjoy lunch at the unique American Hotel. Yes not your normal American hotel and I do not think burgers and chips is on the menu.
You are strongly advised to purchase your tickets in advance and there is an online booking and payment system. Visit the Alhambra web site at http://www.alhambratickets.com to book your tickets and for information on opening times. The attraction is very popular and it is a long way to drive to find entry closed because they have reached their capacity limit.

Granada
The Alhambra was a Palace, a citadel, a fortress and home of the Nasrid sultans, high government officials, servants of the court and elite soldiers (from the 13th century to the 15th century). Today the Monument is divided into four main areas: the Palaces, the military area or Alcazaba, the city or Medina and the agricultural estate of the Generalife. It also includes noteworthy buildings of different periods, such as the Renaissance-style Charles V Palace, housing the Alhambra Museum, with items taken chiefly from the Monument, and the Museum of Fine Arts. All of these areas are set in the natural surroundings of woods, gardens and orchards.

In order to appreciate fully the unique value of the architecture and landscape of the Alhambra, I recommend a visit to the Albaicin (Mirador de San Nicolas), or Sacromonte. From these two places the spectacular relationship between the Alhambra and the district and the city can be discerned. Definitely a complete days outing, especially if you enjoy lunch at the unique American Hotel. Yes not your normal American hotel and I do not think burgers and chips is on the menu.

You are strongly advised to purchase your tickets in advance and there is an online booking and payment system. Visit the Alhambra web site at http://www.alhambratickets.com to book your tickets and for information on opening times. The attraction is very popular and it is a long way to drive to find entry closed because they have reached their capacity limit.

Rodalquilar Less than an hour away from the city is the former gold mining town of Rodalquilar. A British mining company first exploited the rich seam of minerals, deposited in the area by volcanic explosions under the sea 10 million years ago, at the end of the 19th century. At its peak, the town supported 1400 people but after the mines closed in the Sixties the population plummeted, leaving less than 100 people today. See the abandoned homes of the miners' ghost town on the edge of the village along with mineshafts and a museum, which charts the history of Rodalquilar. The village now caters for tourists with bars and restaurants.
Mojacar Mojacar is a classic white washed Andalucian hill town an hour's drive from the city of Almeria. The Old Town is set a couple of miles back from the sea and is full of steep, winding streets and classic box houses. There are plenty of bars and restaurants and wonderful views over the plain and across to the Mediterranean.
	Stroll the cobbled streets and find a suitable watering hole when your legs get tired. Down on the coast is the fast-growing New Town with seafront bars and a large commercial centre. There is also a long sandy beach with good swimming.

Rodalquilar

Less than an hour away from the city is the former gold mining town of Rodalquilar. A British mining company first exploited the rich seam of minerals, deposited in the area by volcanic explosions under the sea 10 million years ago, at the end of the 19th century. At its peak, the town supported 1400 people but after the mines closed in the Sixties the population plummeted, leaving less than 100 people today. See the abandoned homes of the miners' ghost town on the edge of the village along with mineshafts and a museum, which charts the history of Rodalquilar. The village now caters for tourists with bars and restaurants.

Mojacar

Mojacar is a classic white washed Andalucian hill town an hour's drive from the city of Almeria. The Old Town is set a couple of miles back from the sea and is full of steep, winding streets and classic box houses. There are plenty of bars and restaurants and wonderful views over the plain and across to the Mediterranean.

Stroll the cobbled streets and find a suitable watering hole when your legs get tired. Down on the coast is the fast-growing New Town with seafront bars and a large commercial centre. There is also a long sandy beach with good swimming.

	Mini-Hollywood More than 100 films have been at least partially shot here. These include A Fistful of Dollars, The Magnificent Seven and The Good, The Bad & The Ugly. The two centres are three kilometres apart on the N-340, 24 kilometres out of Almeria towards Tabernas.
	Open daily. Two centres (Mini Hollywood & Texas Hollywood) Staged shootouts at 12.00h and 17.00h Stockaded Fort Mexican Pueblo Indian tepees Museums Swimming pool Western style Saloon Zoo

Leisure And Sport

Go Karting

The Go Kart track is behind the underground car park in the COPO commercial centre. They have a range of machines for children up to the experienced adult and the prices range from 5 Euros for 7 minutes for a child’s machine up to 14 Euros for 7 minutes for the most powerful machine.

Sailing and Wind-Surfing

There is a sailing and wind-surfing centre in Roquetas de Mar in front of the Hotel Playa Luna, Urbanisation Playa Serena. They have top equipment for courses and rentals and qualified teachers for all kinds of courses. These are ideal for all levels from beginners (both children and adults) to advanced International Windsurfing Certificate. All equipment can be rented for the time required.

Advanced course, with harness, fast tack and jibe.
Funboard course, with beach start and planning.
Individual teaching.
Private Hour.
Refreshing Hour.
Sailing trips.
VDWS Basic Licenses.
Waterstart course.

Visit their web site at www.surfroquetas.com for more information. You will find a copy of the web site pages in the Villa Information file. There is also a wind-surfing centre in the Almerimar Marina.

Mario Water Park

Mario Park is a very large new water park at Camino Las Salinas in Roquetas de Mar. There is plenty of entertainment for children and adults.

Activity lake.
Adventure river.
Beach volley.
Black hole slide.
Cloakroom.
Family pool Ball.
Guarded parking.

Kamikaze shoot.

Photographic shop.
Pool with Waves, upto 1 metre tall.
Rio Bravo Picnic zone.
Souvenir shop.
Also a choice of places to eat and drink.
Self Service Pizzeria.
Hamburgers.
Ice cream parlour.
Restaurant.

home * accommodation * location * golf * skiing * price & availability * booking * flights * contact * weather * places of interest