Roquetas De Mar (which means “Little Rocks of the Sea”) is one of the four main resorts that make up the Costa de Almeria. The area is most suited for those looking for a quieter beach-based holiday, including most ages, couples and families. Roquetas de Mar is also popular with more mature holidaymakers and attracts a variety of nationalities, predominantly Germans, but also a fair number of British package tourists.
Hotels and apartments are generally of a high standard, and many offer a variety of facilities and entertainments for all ages, they tend to be of the 3- or 4-star variety and, as they’re popular with package tourists, are generally booked out in high season. Many buildings are Andalusian-style white concrete structures and low-rise apartments (many privately owned) predominate.
The village of Roquetas, 2 mls away, is more for locals and offers far less for tourists apart from a fortnightly market, shops and post office.
In the resort itself, there’s a small tourist road-train and horse and cart for those who want to give their legs a rest. Frequent bus service to Almeria and Aguadulce. Train connections from Almeria to various destinations including Granada, Seville and Madrid. Car, bicycle and tricycle hire all available.
Locality:
Roquetas De Mar is situated near the SE corner of mainland Spain, towards the SW end of the Almerian Coast. 17 mls W of Almeria airport. On virtually flat land, part of an almost continuous and expanding urban area with farmland to the rear, and, beyond, the rugged mountains of the Sierra de Gador.
The beach is a long, attractive, fairly wide and gently shelving stretch of coarse, light sand, narrower towards the SW end of the resort. Waves can be strong, though swimming and water sports are popular, including windsurfing, jet-skiing, pedalloes, sailing and surfing.
Most of the beach is public, though many hotels have private sections with sun loungers and deck chairs for hire. Lifeguard on duty during high season. Has earned a European Blue Flag for cleanliness and safety.
Daytime offers a sports centre and public golf courses in vicinity. Go-karting, surfing, sailing, and various motorised water sports. There are nautical clubs, cycling hire, and a children’s funfair.
Nightlife gives a plethora of open-air cafes, pubs and bars, including Irish and Scottish ones. A few discos and nightclubs, a couple of casinos in the larger hotels.
Many hotels also offer programmes of evening entertainment, including live music and local shows. Generally a more relaxed, low-key atmosphere compared with other more developed Spanish resorts
There are a good selection of restaurants to suit all tastes. Many choices including fish, pizza, Chinese, local fare (with “menu of the day” dishes on offer) as well as the ubiquitous “everything with chips” fodder. “Tapas”, small samples of food eaten with wine or beer before the main meal ? is typical of this area.
