Fish’n’chips and All Day Full English breakfasts have to be sought out rather than being on every street corner and souvenir shops sell local pottery and other traditional gifts rather than Kiss-me-Quick hats and Union Jack shorts. Lively bars with music and nightclubs are certainly present in the larger coastal resorts such as Mojacar but they are relatively understated and trouble free but popular with locals and tourists alike. There is no high rise development because it is not permitted - thus the charm of the original towns has largely been preserved. Almeria has learned from the mistakes made by neighbouring Costas and has controlled development to achieve a perfect balance between modern tourism and traditional Spanish needs. Almeria is host to many expats who originally settled in the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca but came to Almeria to rediscover the Spain they had lost in the more developed areas. There are many beautiful beaches which are almost deserted outside of August and some weekends in June and July. The Cabo de Gata national park area (see below) boasts some of the most beautiful and the protected marine habitat in this area is one of the most important in Europe.

From the air as the scenery is dominated by acres of plastic greenhouses, beneath which seemingly grows enough tomatoes to feed the entire world! But less than 15 minutes north of the airport you leave all this behind and enter an extraordinary landscape, as the motorway runs through and alongside the Cabo de Gata, cutting through mountains and traversing deep gorges. The geology is striking and the different strata of rock are different colours, ranging from ochre through olive green, grey, terracotta and even purple. Under a dazzling blue sky it has a rugged, uncompromising beauty. Agriculture in the north eastern part of the province is mainly citrus, olives and almonds.

Being the driest place in mainland Europe there are places which are arid, where the prickly pear and the agave flourish and the desert scenery around Tabernas is spectacular. Nearer to the coast, however, there are many pine-clad mountains and hillsides and, where there are no trees there are grasses, wild thyme and rosemary which provide a habitat for bees and many species of butterfly. The Almeria corner of coastal Andalucia is a privileged place thanks to one of the finest coastlines in Spain - cliffs, coves, rocky outcrops and wonderfully clean beaches with crystal clear waters, with national parks, a warm climate and attractive towns full of history and tradition thrown in for good measure.

Vera

Vera has a long history and rich heritage dating back dating back to Moorish times, the period when Spain was invaded and colonized by Arabs. It is a walled, renaissance town and one of the most important commercial centres in the region. The town is surrounded by fertile farmland, producing fresh fruit and vegetables for local consumption, and for export to northern European countries. Vera is a prosperous town, clean and appealing with a great variety of shops, many selling locally made handicrafts. On Saturdays there is an amazing street market that seems to take over the town.

Vera is increasing in popularity with tourists attracted to its many shops, good cafes, tapas bars, fancy restaurants and the friendliness and hospitality of the locals. Vera is rich in religious buildings and monuments and the town hall has one of the best historical archives in Andalucia. The town is also home to a beautiful old town square, gardens and a bull ring which continues to hold bull fights at various times during the year.

Mojacar

Mojácar consists of two virtually separate towns. Mojácar Playa, a 10km sprawling beach strip with hotels and Aladdin's Cave style shops on one side of the road and chiringuitos along the other and, Mojácar Pueblo, the old town - a cluster of whitewashed cubed buildings clinging to the side of the foothills of the Sierra Cabrera.

The beaches of Mojácar Playa are long, clean and un-shadowed by high rise development. A beautiful stretch of dark sand coastline with whitewashed villas nestling amongst fabulous restaurants, bars and cafes. At times the population seems almost exclusively British but Mojacar is also very popular as a holiday destination for the Spanish. The pace of life is slow, appealing to those who do not crave the hustle and bustle of the more lively Costas. Mojacar boasts a fabulous promenade stretching for 2kms or more from the Centro Commercial towards Carboneras. Take time to stroll along it and take a refreshing drink in one of the many bars and restaurants that line the route.

The Pueblo (Mojacar old town) is a delightful place to explore. Streets are narrow and steep, and car parking is challenging, but there are plenty of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants to make the visit worthwhile. Take comfortable shoes and be ready for narrow, winding and sometimes hilly pathways that will increase the pulse of the less fit or older visitor! However, the effort is worth it with panoramic views, stone arches framing traditional houses decorated with local flowers. You will find charming trinket shops and arty shops with everything from trendy clothing to locally made souvenirs hanging from walls and make shift stalls.

Public activity tends to centre around the main square, the Plaza de las Flores, which is filled with street cafes, bars, boutiques and shops and has breathtaking views to the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Mojácar offers fiestas throughout the summer, regular markets, and many historical, archaeological and architectural treasures to explore. In the evenings, both visitors and residents can be found relaxing on outdoor terraces, eating, drinking or just watching the stunning sunset fall behind the mountains. You'll find a variety of different restaurants and bars, from those that cater for mums, dads and kids to those that offer a more romantic setting or an international menu. The pueblo also has a post office (Correos) and tourist information office.

Villaricos

The charming small fishing village of Villaricos is located approximately 10kms north of Garrucha and is in a unique position at the mouth of the Rio Almanzora and the coast. Villaricos (meaning rich village) derives its name from ancient silver mines which have their place in history, as it is from here that Hannibal paid his mercenaries when he besieged Rome. Villaricos maintains a typical Spanish feel.

Fishing and tourism are the main sources of income. There are two beaches, a pebbled expanse and an unspoilt golden sandy beach which has an excellent chiringuito and a children's playground. The latter is in a sheltered bay which, although popular with the locals is never crowded. Just beyond the village is a rugged coastline where you can relax in solitude among rock pools and sand. Villaricos has two harbours which sit at either end of the village linked by a broad promenade. It is a popular place for an evening stroll by visitors and locals alike.

Villaricos is known for its crystal clear warm waters and diving and diving school. There are many good restaurants and bars with food at very reasonable prices with both Spanish and English cuisine available and a small but lively market every Sunday in the main square.

Garrucha

Garrucha is a beautiful and lively fishing town that still retains much of its original charm and over the last few years it has become a popular tourist destination. Its tourist slogan is "Garrucha, sun and seafood".

The town is famous for the quality of its large red prawns, only fished in the local waters. It combines plenty of character, a yachting marina and fantastic local cuisine based on fresh fish caught daily and processed in the beachfront market. The local fishing boats leave the harbour in the morning and return between 17:00 and 18:30, unloading their catch to auction in the market to the local fish restaurants. Tourists can wander around the auction while it’s in progress.

Garrucha is also well known for its magnificent golden sandy beach which offers a perfect place to sunbathe, play sports or just wander along. It is the only blue flag in-town beach in Europe! One of the pleasures of Garrucha is taking an evening stroll around the bay. A palm tree lined promenade framed by white marble balustrades spans the length of the town and takes in the three ports of Garrucha: sports port, fishing port and the commercial port. There are landscaped areas to sit and relax while watching the sunset over the Mediterranean sea and play areas for children.

Garrucha also boasts plenty of shops - a supermarket, butchers, grocers, hardware, clothes and a few shoe shops (for the ladies!) as well as a pharmacy, several banks, a good selection of restaurants and a couple of ice cream parlours. Whatever you want, you'll be able to get it in Garrucha!

Finally, every Friday (unless there is a fiesta) there is a very big market that runs along two parallel streets of 500m each.

Bedar

Bedar is a pretty white-washed quintessentially Spanish village on a hilltop about 20 minutes’ drive from the coast at Mojacar. It has managed to maintain its peace, tranquillity and beauty, overlooking a fertile valley.

The views are enviable right down to the coast, across a fertile plain dotted with cortijos, small farms and huge pyramidal mounds interspersed with orange groves. To the right is the majestic Sierra Cabrera rising steeply behind Mojacar Playa to a height of nearly 1000 metres. From certain vantage points around the village you can look down into a spectacular gorge, glimpse the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada and in the opposite direction find Mojacar Pueblo on the edge of the Sierra Cabrera, with the sea beyond.

A mosque survives as a reminder of Bedar's Muslim past, converted and used for many years as an olive oil mill and, more recently, a private residence. The Muslim heritage is also noticeable from its narrow twisting side streets and its fertile plain.

The village resembles a mini Mojacar - it has steep narrow streets and two or three well regarded restaurants and is well worth a visit for the spectacular scenery alone.

Albox

Albox is a typical Spanish market town and is approx 418m above sea level. A good sized town it offers many amenities and services such as supermarkets (including British), banks, post office, restaurants, bars, internet cafes, and several builders’ merchants. There are local doctors, many of which speak English and local pharmacies. There is also a 24 hr Medical centre in Albox. Other facilities include a municipal swimming pool, which opens in July and August, a sports centre and tennis club. A large colourful market is held every Tuesday morning and a smaller one on Saturdays

Arboleas

Arboleas is a small rural town in Almeria, this area of Spain has its own charm as do the small surrounding villages. Arboleas has many amenities and services such as a local butcher, a bakery, paper shops, supermarkets, chemists, post office, banks and many good bars and restaurants. There is also an outdoor swimming pool open during the summer.

Cabrera/El Cortijo Grande

The valley of El Cortijo Grande, flanked by the Sierra Cabrera mountains rising to almost 1000m, is an ancient oasis in the traditionally arid region of Almeria. In the heart of a province claiming the only desert in Europe, El Cortijo Grande has become famous for its lush green landscape and profuse vegetation. It is a peaceful and tranquil location unlike anything else in the area with a breathtaking natural landscape. The first time visitor is often amazed at the greenness of the valley and the dramatic difference to nearby towns and villages. The valley also has a well established 9-hole golf course on which native wild boar can sometimes be seen.

The peaceful and tranquil village of Cabrera sits high above the valley and the golf course. Cabrera has been influenced by the Moors (13th to 15th century) and the Moorish influence is all around. Every visitor to Cabrera will recognise that it is a unique area and unquestionably one of the most unspoiled parts of Almeria. While Cabrera offers the rural charms of the Almeria countryside, it is just a short distance from the villages of Turre, Garrucha, Vera, Los Gallardos and Mojacar.

Cuevas del Almanzora

Cuevas is one of the oldest towns in the Almería province. In the 19th century many a fortune hunter flocked to the town from all over Spain as silver had been re-discovered in the nearby Sierra Almagrera mountains. This was a time of splendour for the town and the legacy left behind by the silver rush can be seen all around.

The Castillo de Cuevas de Almanzora is a palace/fortress that sits high up in the town and was built in the gothic style in the 16th century. In the 1770s it was extended in the neo-classic style making it an interesting blend of the two styles. The museum of contemporary art is housed in a two-storey mansion that was built as a symbol of the military strength of the Marquis of Vélez.

Cuevas de Almanzora is situated just 20 minutes away and it has a good range of services and facilities including schools, doctors, shops, banks etc.

Huercal Overa

Huercal Overa is the result of the fusion of two medieval villages, Huercal and Overa, situated approximately 20 minutes from Mojacar with easy access to the connecting motorway.

The architecture of the town is impressive with the Church de Nuestra Senora de la Asunción, the Chapel of Jesús Nazareno and a bell tower dating back to the Middle Ages - well worth a visit. This agricultural market town enjoys an enormous weekly market on a Monday with stalls selling fruit, vegetables and local produce. Huercal Overa offers many facilities including schools, hotels, restaurants and a brand new modern hospital, municipal swimming pool and leisure centre.

Lorca

Lorca is a diverse and interesting town from the thriving cosmopolitan centre through the agricultural inland areas where centuries of tradition are conserved. As well as the many shops, Lorca offers a wide range of restaurants, café bars, hotels, and leisure facilities and its residents all live beneath the famous 13th century hill top castle which overlooks the entire area. Lorca is well known for its love of cultural life and its passionate and lavish fiestas. Lorca is set in an expansive valley between the mountains and has many historical buildings including churches, Roman villas, and Palaces.

Los Gallardos

The small town of Los Gallardos is ideally located between Bedar, Turre and Mojacar and is within striking distance of the motorways and just 40 minutes from Almeria Airport. The local market is on Tuesday where local farmers congregate in the town square. The patron saint of Los Gallardos is San Isidrio, whose festival day is the 5th of May.

Lubrin

Lubrin is conveniently located just 45 minutes from the beaches of Mojacar yet offers an opportunity to experience the real Spain. There are around 20 hamlets in the area of Lubrin, some of which have become de-populated due to the decline in agricultural activities. Local towns in the area worth a visit are El Marchal, El Chive and El Pilar. Lubrin’s roots have been traced back some 3.5 million years and about 100,000 years ago Neanderthal man arrived in Lubrin.

Palomares

Palomares is less than 1km from the coast and it retains a very Spanish feel largely unaffected by the coastal development of the area. It offers a real mixture of traditional Spanish houses and new apartments. The village has various shops, doctor, banks, chemist and a good selection of Spanish bars offering tapas and light snacks. Within walking distance of Palomares is a long stretch of sandy beach and tree covered picnic area, with two Spanish beach bars offering typical Spanish fare during the high season. Slightly further away are numerous rocky coves waiting to be discovered and often empty even in high season. Palomares nearest neighbour is Villaricos, also within walking distance, with its bars, restaurants and 2 picturesque marinas.

Sorbas

A typically Spanish hillside town with a charming main square and worth a visit. It houses the gypsum mines museum and is just as famous for its ceramics as it is the mines. Take the sign to Ceramica Artensia just before the main road into Sorbas to discover a range of family owned potteries, each offering a different style of ceramic which are available for purchase in the pottery shop. Traditional kilns and hand painting techniques are used to produce wonderfully colourful products.

Tabernas

Located approximately 24kms from Almeria on the N-340, Tabernas is a village of contrasts. It sits between the Sierra de Alhamilla and Sierra de Filabres mountains and is situated in the only desert in Europe. Summer temperatures can reach 45C! Dry river beds and cacti line the route to Tabernas which takes around 1 hour to drive. Tabernas is best known for the production of spaghetti westerns and various film sets built into the desert which have been transformed into three theme parks - see Oasys Park (mini Hollywood).

Turre

Turre is a small town of flat roofed white washed houses originally of Moorish origin, and more recently, with strong traditional links with the Spanish gypsy community, giving it an interesting background. It lies at the foot of the Sierra Cabrera mountains which provide a colourful backdrop. For such a small town, Turre has a surprising range of restaurants, from traditional Spanish, Argentinean Steak houses and Chinese, to Indian and Italian Pizza Houses. There is a wide and varied nightlife in the main street which runs the length of the town. Turre offers a local school, doctor’s surgery, pharmacy, supermarkets and shops. The town also holds a lively weekly street market with stalls of fresh produce, shoes, clothes and household goods. The local square is at the heart of this attractive small town and, with its coffee shops and bars, it is easy to while away an hour watching the world go by.