Set between the region of Granada and the Mediterranean Sea on the Southeastern reaches of the Iberian Peninsula, the province of Almeria in Andalucia, Spain, is a treasure trove of discovery. The settings for Almeria villas located inland are a complex mixture of desert like conditions and thriving agricultural greenhouses with many flowers, fruits and vegetables. The region’s coastline is equally dramatic, with sights ranging from rocky cliffs that plunge deep into the ocean to sandy beaches and tranquil bays. A stay in an Almeria villa offers more than just a chance to observe this interesting blend of natural landscapes, it also presents the opportunity to adventure through its small characterful villages, historic sites and interesting capital city.
The capital of the province is the city of Almeria which contains a wealth of history and museums for visitors staying at an Almeria villa to investigate. Due to the various religious and cultural occupations of its past, the city displays an interesting blend of architectural styles and buildings. Highlights of the area around an Almeria villa here include the Alcazaba, an Arab fortress which sits atop the hills overlooking the capital and the city’s spectacular Cathedral, created from Gothic and Renaissance design. Almeria villas are self-catered so after a day of sightseeing there are a number of restaurants in the area where you can relax and try some tasty local cuisine, such as the dish of Gachas, a spicy clam stew.
Almeria’s landscape is unique in many ways, not least in that it is home to Europe’s only desert, the Tabernas. Film fanatics on an Almeria villa holiday who like Westerns will be particularly enthralled by this arid setting as it has been the backdrop to many famous films, including the Spaghetti Westerns of Sergio Leone that starred Clint Eastwood. Now listed as a protected site, the desert can be visited by those staying in an Almeria villa close by or by renting a car, where they can view a surprising number of animal and plant life amidst the canyons and rocks. Another optional trip in this area is a visit to the set that was built and used for many of the classic movies that were staged here, a location which is now open as a tourist attraction.
Other attractions to be found close to many Almeria villas range from prehistoric wonders to scientific advances. The Almanzora caves in Velez Blanco are a site of great archaeological interest, with paintings on their walls which have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are said to date back to Neolithic and Palaeolithic ages. There are other areas of historic interest to engage visitors staying in an Almeria villa, including Roman ruins and Bronze Age necropolises. Moving forward to the present day the region holds attractions of scientific value, with one of Europe’s most powerful telescopes located in an observatory near Gergal due to the area’s impressive clear skies. Almeria is also home to Europe’s largest solar energy plant and research centre.
The region is the ideal location for nature enthusiasts frequenting an Almeria villa as it contains a variety of different scenes and terrains of beauty, such as those of Andalucia’s largest protected coastal area, the Cabo de Gata- Níjer Natural Park. People staying in Almeria villas close to this location can witness a variety of fascinating geological sights such as volcanic rock formations, rich mineral deposits, sandy beaches, lagoons and saltmarshes. Due to its sheer diversity, the landscape in the park is one of the region’s top destinations for spotting an array of wildlife and is a particular delight for bird watchers staying in an Almeria villa close by. Marine species including dolphins and whales can also sometimes be seen off the coast.
If you are looking for a holiday centred towards adventure and outdoor activities, then an Almeria villa is the ideal base. Like many coastal destinations in Spain, the region is able to offer a variety of water sports including wind surfing and kite-surfing, as well as some fantastic scuba diving amongst the ocean’s coral and marine life. The desert and mountains around selected Almeria villas also provide the ideal terrain for a number of sports. Staying in an Almeria villa further inland, you can enjoy hobbies such as hiking, caving, climbing and mountain biking. For those who prefer more relaxing pursuits, there is always the option of watching the world go by from the comfort of a welcoming bar.
