Almería is the eastern-,most province in Andalucia, one which is far less develped than any of the other Spanish costas, and until recently almost unknown as a holiday destination outside of Spain.  Even now that it is more developed, from most of the coastal resorts it is still possible to reach open countryside with stunning scenery within a ten minute drive.  This is truly the place where the sun spends the winter:  it enjoys more hours of sunshine than anywhere else in mainland europe, making it a great winter destination as well as a summer one.

The main holiday resort within the eastern part of Almería is Mojácar with its 14 kilometres of beaches - much of it with the coveted blue flag.  Las Tortugas is located about half way from Mojácar to the local administrative centre of Vera, a typical Spanish town with a great Saturday market.  The nearest beach, Garrucha (10 minutes away) also has fishing port and a marina.   Vera Beach has an Aqua Park and a naturist beach.

Half an hour away to the south is the Cabo de Gata natural park which boasts some of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches in the whole of Spain and some very important marine life.

An hour inland is the Tabernas Desert, location of the Spaghetti Westerns, with the Mini Hollywood theme park

For more cultural excursions, the Alhambra at Granada is two hours away and Cartagena an hour or so north.