Costa Calida / Almeria Region:
This region is the warmest and sunniest region in the whole of Europe boasting over 312 days of sunshine per year. The area boasts beautiful scenery from mountains to desert, long golden sandy beaches.
The climate of Almeria is sub-tropical or Mediterranean, warm and dry. In Winter the sea is warmer than the air. Annual Average Temperatures: Jan 18°C - Feb17°C - Mar 20°C - Apr 22°C - May 24°C - Jun 26°C - July 30°C
Vera / Valle Del Este Area:
Vera -
This is a busy Andalucian town with a variety of attractions on offer where you can explore its remarkable architecture dating from the 16th Century. Saturday mornings offer a bustling market not to be missed.
Garrucha -
This is a traditional fishing town between Mojacar and Vera playa. Being the seafood capital fo the Costa, Garrucha is home to some of the finest seafood restaurants in Almeria.
Garrucha is a beautiful and lively market town which bustles with activity all year round. It is now becoming a very popular tourist destination that still retains much of its original charm and character. One of the delights of Garrucha is its 2 km promenade that spans the length of the town, lined with lush palm trees where you will find delightful areas to sit and relax. The famous local catch is the red prawns, which are only caught in this area of the Mediterranean Sea. Garrucha holds its exciting market every Friday.
Beaches:
The soft fine sand of Mojacar, Garrucha and Vera beaches stretch for several miles and encompass fabulous coastal scenery of rocky headland, enchanting secluded lagoons and wide bays backed by fragrant pine trees.
A day exploring this enchanting coast and you will discover sheltered and tranquil beaches, ideal for nothing more than simple relaxation, sunbathing and snorkelling.
GETTING THERE
There are 2 airport options that are available: Almeria and Murcia. Almeria is 30 mins and Murcia is 50 mins.
Most of the budget airlines fly into one or both of these airports including; BMI Baby, Easyjet, Thomsonfly, Monarch, Ryanair and Aer Lingus.
There are several car hire companies at all the airports, Mo-Car and Crown are the local ones and all the usual big names are at the airports.
Golf:
Valle del Este is a stunning 18 hole golf course. 6269 yards par 71 designed by Jose Canales. Each hole represents a different challenge that requires much thought before executing the shot. The views are stunning. The par four, 15th is one of the longest holes you will encounter if the wind is against you and the finishing hole is a beautiful par 4 with water cascading to your left flowing from the lake that protects the green on three sides. Highly recommended.
Other courses in the area: Desert Springs - 6750 yards par 72. It has been built to rival any of the famous desert courses of Arizona and California. Hugely testing golf either on lush fairways or chipping back into position from the rugged desert terrain. Designed by successful Walker Cup captain, Peter McEvoy.
A round of golf starts from about €50. Check out the following websites for more details, discounts and booking tee times on line.
Other courses in the area: Marina Golf, Majorca, 5956 years par 72 and Cortijo Grande, both about 15 mins, plus two others up to an hour away.
