Country
Because of its diversity and cultureSpain is one of the most attractive destinations in the world. A country boasting good living, its people enjoy outdoor life and with family and friends.
Spain is diverse, with each region having its own traditions and cuisine. A land of wines and joy, of flamenco, dances and traditions. Spain always surprises those who visit it.
On top of its amazing and varied culture, and along with the warmth of its people, you will discover a country of contrasts, of alluring cities and incredible natural scenery. Travel to the centre of this bountiful peninsula to discover Castilian Spain. Unearth Northern Spain's magical locations that include amazing grasslands and green forests, watered by the Atlantic sea.
Or its Mediterranean coast and islands, fresh and green, where the sea breeze will give you an unforgettable stay. Without forgetting the richness of Andalusia, famous inspiration artists like Hemingway.
Spain, an enchanting country whose inspiration is truly intoxicating.
Description of the area
The hotel is situated on the seafront in Retamar, which connects the bay of the "Cabo de Gata" with the city of Almeria.
The Province of Almeria, in Andalusia, boasts the most hours of sunshine of any region in Spain. Famous for its deserts, beautiful virgin beaches and enchanting white washed towns, which together with the almost tropical weather makes this natural area truly magical.
Captivating and full of personality, in Almeria you will find traces of Muslim and Roman influence, prehistoric settlements, beaches, rural tourism and extensive natural spaces. From coast to mountains the landscape transforms itself, turning from the blue of the Mediterranean to the wild and rugged mountains scenery.
One of the main attractions of Almeria is the Cabo de Gata Natural Park. It contains some of the best known tracks for trekking and endless virgin beaches where majestic cliffs reach up to the sky.
Regarding its environment and characteristics, Almeria is real cinema land. Countless Hollywood Westerns have been filmed here. Most of all though, Almeria is a land marked by contrasts.
Cuisine
One of Almeria's traditions, like any good Andalusian land, is to offer a tapa when you order drinks. When visiting this enigmatic region, you should try Almeria's paprika which is usually served with potatoes or in a soup.
Other dishes to enjoy are, typical migas, which may have a fish garnish, black pudding, sausages, succulent wheat stew or a vegetable stew with game meat (hare, partridge, rabbit). Without forgetting fried fish and the area's seafood. Almeria's cuisine is intriguing and is for visitors with a hearty appetite.
Visits
El Cabo de Gata
El Cabo de Gata-Nijar is a maritime-terrestrial Natural Park of volcanic origin. In terms of ecological importance and surface area, it is the largest protected maritime-terrestrial reserve in the Western European Mediterranean sea. In 1997, it was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and includes the Cabo de Gata mountains, part of the bay of Almeria, the Cabrera Mountain and its sea beds.
In Cabo de Gata you can admire the coast line and its cliffs, small and isolated coves, extensive beaches and even reefs. Its dry climatic conditions classify this area as one of Western Europe's most arid spots. Despite this, and its desert-like appearance, it is home to very unusual forms of plant and animal life, which have adapted to the extreme arid conditions.
The Cabo de Gata Natural Park is a natural jewel in the crown for tourism, just as much for Almeria as for Andalusia and all of Spain. It still maintains its original spirit, since it is one of the few places on the Spanish coast where you can enjoy wild beaches without a trace of human intervention.
In Cabo de Gata you will find isolated beaches, dunes and spacious beaches. There are beaches for everyone, like for example Los Genoveses´ beach in San Jose, El Playazo de Rodalquilar, La Cala del Plomo in Aguamarga or La Cala de San Pedro in Las Negras. A location that encourages a peaceful state of mind and contemplation... The park is just ten minutes from the hotel and covers an area of some 29,000 hectares between Retamar and Aguamarga. It boasts a protected maritime area of more than 12,000 hectares. Its flora is unique, with its main plants being "acebuche" or wild olive, "chumbera" or prickly pear, "adelfa" or oleander and palm. There is also an extensive variety of fauna, ranging from the common gecko and Dupont's lark to herons.
Almeria City
In the City of Almeria you will find two of the most emblematic buildings:
La Alcazaba. This medieval fort is Spain's second largest building and one of Almeria's landmarks. It crowns the city and is situated north of the old quarter
The Fortress Cathedral. Built in the extramural quarter of La Musalla, a peculiar monument fulfils a double function, that of cathedral and also protector of the city from attacks by sea
At night head to the “cuatro calles”(four streets) district, well-known in Almería for its lively nightlife, and enjoy the numerous tapas bars or visit one of the flamenco clubs.
Cinema City
Lights. Camera. Action... Three magic words that Almeria has heard throughout the 20th century, and that take the lead in an authentic devotion to film. Cinematographic productions dazzled by Almería's geography which provides privileged natural sets. Almería marked a milestone by lending its memorable outdoors sets to the service of the "seventh art". An example is the Westerns, directed by Sergio Leone. However, the area did not want to only focus on one genre and knew how to "sell" its charms to directors and actors that worked with other types of films, until eventually, areas in the capital like the Alcazaba were transformed to film,at the request of Steven Spielberg, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Other films include "la Rambla del Buho de Tabernas" which recreated the battle of El Guettar in Patton. Desert areas and rugged landscapes like the Tabernas, with big mountains and thick vegetation, coasts, cliffs and the virgin beaches of Cabo de Gata - Nijar. There are not many Spanish provinces that can boast having such varied orography and, in turn, such strong contrasts. And it is, without doubt, that which converted Almeria into one of the great centres of cinematographic production in the world.
The Tabernas Desert
The Tabernas Desert is a truly unique location in Europe, where the distinctive dryness of the Province of Almeria is felt most. Its vegetation and fauna as well as its unique topography, with peculiar and suggestive shapes, make it an area of great ecological interest. Tabernas Desert is the only desert, strictly speaking, situated in Europe. A highly complex combination of climatic, edaphic, geological and anthropological factors have contributed to shape this breathtaking landscape. It is a Special Protection Areas for Birds (SPA) due to its richness in avifauna.
The Alpujarra Region of Almeria
The Alpujarra region straddles the provinces of Almeria and Granada, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada. The water from its mountains runs down through these whitewashed towns.
The Alpujarra was famous for being unconquerable because many people tried to settle there, but only the Muslims succeeded in settling for a long period of time, until the 16th century. Due to tourism and people who love such spaces loaded with romanticism, this area has been rediscovered, and is now a must see if you are in the area.
Shopping
Handicrafts including tapestries, baskets and pottery are a real attraction in Almeria. In some towns of the Alpujarras, people still work manually using Muslim looms.
If you visit Nijar you can appreciate the interesting craftsmanship of pottery or you can purchase a typical Jarapa, a thick fabric that has many different uses.