Almeria Province Overview

Welcome to Almeria, province of southern Spain and land of spectacular scenery and generous opportunity. Sharing its borders with Granada and Murcia, it occupies the eastern part of Andalusia, a region famous for the beautiful quality of its light, attracting artists worldwide. Indeed, Almeria's skies are so clear, Europe's most powerful telescope operates from here.

Due to Almeria's low rainfall and high hours of sunshine (the lowest and highest in Europe respectively), it is not surprising that Europe's only desert is found in Almeria. The beautiful desert landscape has graced our screens in the form of Western films such as A Fistful of Dollars and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and, more recently, Indiana Jones. Almeria's dry climate has contributed to its economic wealth through the commercial cultivation of vegetables, flowers and fruit. The other main contributor to the economy of Almeria is tourism and property investment. In contrast to the arid landscape of much of Almeria, the North of the province offers luxuriant forests clinging to mountainous landscapes where a rustic way of life is still preserved, in total sympathy with the environment.

The sparkling Mediterranean sea is to be savoured from the unspoilt Costa Almeria, with its low-rise, sympathetic development and which offers a haven to nature lovers and mainstream tourists alike. Cabo de Gata in the Parque National (a huge protected zone) is famous for its unspoilt beaches, deserted coves and deep waters against a backdrop of imposing mountains. Mojacar Village, a Moorish hilltop stronghold resembling nothing so much as a glittering stack of cards, has cobbled, winding streets, old arches, craftshops, bars and restaurants to suit all tastes. Only minutes away there are four golf courses (with more in the pipeline) and Mojacar Playa itself which forms a continuous coastline of rocky headlands and broad sandy beaches linking it to Garrucha Playa, Vera Playa, Puerto Rey, Palomares and Villaricos.

Roquetas de Mar represents another popular costal town whose visitors are attracted to a blend of commercial holidaying and authentic regional culture. Once a small fishing village it now offers an excellent 18 hole golf course in Playa Serena, wind surfing, hang gliding, tennis - a diverse range of entertainment. At walking distance from Playa Serena is a naturist beach from where you can admire the Flamingos and other wild fowl on the salt marshes beyond.

In short, Almeria is to be experienced to gain a true understanding of its cultural, historical, botanical, developmental and geographical mix. It is unquestionably a land of opportunity and attracts a diverse range of entrepreneurs seeking to combine metropolitan know-how with the Spanish way of life. Whether it's the shepherd directing his goats through the olive trees and terracing of the mountainsides, or the commercial possibilities afforded by a developing region, Almeria is the place to be.

About the Author:
Ibernets is a new and exclusive property portal for Almeria province. We are passionate about Almeria itself as well as the opportunities it has to offer visitors and expatriates alike.