Costa Almeria: Spain's Wild West - Desert Landscapes, Untouched Beaches, and Adventures Beyond the Tourist Trail
The Costa de Almería isn’t like the other Costas—and that’s exactly what makes it so special. There’s something raw and untouched about this stretch of coastline, where golden beaches meet rugged desert landscapes, and you can still find a quiet spot away from the crowds.
You’ll feel it as soon as you hit the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park. This place is wild in the best way possible—dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and little fishing villages where time seems to slow down. The beaches? Unreal. Playa de los Muertos, despite its name, is a slice of paradise, and if you’re up for a bit of a scramble, Cala de Enmedio will have you feeling like you’ve stepped into a postcard.
Then there’s Almería itself—a city that doesn’t try too hard but still wins you over. You’ll wander through the Alcazaba, one of Spain’s largest Moorish fortresses, with views stretching all the way to the sea. Then, you’ll find yourself in some tucked-away tapas bar, sipping a cold cerveza and realising that, yes, the tapas here really are free when you order a drink.
And if you’re into something a little different? The Tabernas Desert is just up the road—a landscape straight out of a Spaghetti Western (literally). It’s dry, vast, and utterly cinematic.
Costa de Almería isn’t loud or flashy, but that’s why you’ll love it. It’s got a quiet kind of magic, the kind that stays with you long after you’ve left.
Cabo de Gata National Park
To the east of the capital, Almeria, lies the Cabo de Gata Natural Park, which encumbers a desert-like landscape with a long, rugged coastline.
The park is sparsely populated with a few small fishing villages and has become a magnet for nature lovers looking for unspoilt coves and beaches, many of which can only be reached by foot.
The actual town of Cabo de Gata is relatively unimpressive, so it is best to head north along the coast road to enter the main nature park area, where you will find small coastal hamlets, including San Jose, Los Escullos and La Isleta.
The Indalo is the symbol of Almeria
The Indalo man symbolises Almeria, and you will see it everywhere. It is an ancient symbol found in the province over a century ago, although it dates back to Neolithic times.
It is thought the symbol depicts a man holding a rainbow over his head.
Home to a semi-arid desert
Tabernas desert is about 30 kilometres north of the region's capital city of Almeria. It is one of the most interesting places to visit in Spain, as the landscapes are surreal, unique and quite breathtaking.
The desert will make you think you have arrived in the old Wild West of America because of its dry river beds, dusty trails, barren slopes and arid vast expanses.
Filmmakers were attracted to the desert, and many spaghetti westerns and more modern movies, such as Indian Jones and the Last Crusade, were filmed here.
You can even act like a cowboy or cowgirl for the day in one of the desert's Western theme parks.
A great place to explore on foot, on horseback, or on a safari excursion, Tabernas is perfect for those unique holiday snaps. Make sure you take your camera.
Almeria's coastal resorts
The Almeria coastline has hidden coves, sandy beaches and warm, clear waters.
Mojacar
The pretty whitewashed town of Mojacar is envied for its unrivaled position set high in the Sierra Cabrera mountains. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Costa Almeria.
Due to its unique beauty, Mojacar is a visitor magnet drawing for travellers, including artists, painters, poets, and photographers. This ancient town has an Arabic appearance, and it is a fortress settlement for the Moors.
Mojacar's old town centre has many narrow streets with hidden corners, picturesque local bars, and minor tourist shops. Walt Disney was said to have been sired here before immigrating with his parents to the United States of America.
Vera
Vera is a town located slightly to the north of Mojacar and Garrucha, and due to its long, tranquil sandy beaches, the area has become home to several naturist areas.
The big drawer of Vera is the amazing beaches, which are long and wide with high-quality sand.
Naturism in Almeria has grown considerably in popularity over the last 10 years, with new modern complexes being built exclusively to accommodate naturists.
San Jose
A tiny hamlet situated by the sea, the Cabo de Gata Natural Park is a real treat if you are looking for a peaceful day out. The small fishing village of San Jose has become more popular with holidaymakers and has retained its charm with only low-rise buildings and stunning beaches.
Top activities along this coast include bike rides, horse riding, 4 x 4 tours and windsurfing.
The two most popular beaches in the area include the Playa de los Genoveses and the unique Playa Monsul, which has large lumps of volcanic rock scattered with fine grey sand.
Roquetas del Mar
The coastal town of Roquetas del Mar is the leading tourist destination on Costa Almeria, an important fishing village just 5 minute's drive south of the capital, Almeria.
Aguadulce
The smaller town of Aguadulce ( Sweet water ), just a 15-minute drive from Roquestas del Mar, became popular in the 60s and has now been classified as a Centre of National Touristic Interest.
