Roquetas de Mar is a city in Spain’s scenic province of Almería, situated right on the beachfront. This stunning resort offers holiday goers everything they could need right at their fingertips. All of the beaches, entertainment opportunities and restaurants are only a short distance away from the town centre, making this holiday spot the perfect place for a relaxing getaway with no excessive walking.
Although Roquetas de Mar is a popular spot among the locals, it isn’t all that well known outside of Spain. Free from bustling crowds and noisy tourists, it offers a very tranquil atmosphere, which is ideal for laidback afternoons on the beach. Visit the municipality and enjoy its cultural heritage, charming marinas and local markets at your leisure.
Relax at the Marina
Nothing beats a slow walk around the boat-filled marinas, sun tanning your skin and enjoying a mild and cooling breeze. In this resort, both Roquetas de Mar Marina and Aguadulce Marina are great places for an evening stroll. You can then rest your feet at one of the local bars or restaurants and enjoy a refreshing drink. If you’ve worked up an appetite, you’re sure to find something on the European-style menus that grabs your fancy.
Take in a Show or Theatre Production
If you’re like me and love the theatre (I’ll admit I have a weakness for musicals), then the Roquetas Auditorium is not to be missed. The facility features wonderful contemporary architecture with great acoustics, and there’s always something on that’s worth the trip. The theatre’s extensive program varies from season to season, though, so you might want to look up their schedule online before you go.
Relaxed Shopping
I know this sounds like an oxymoron, but letting your wallet loose at the Grand Plaza Shopping Centre genuinely is a stress-free experience. All your shopping needs are under one roof, offering everything from fashion clothing to accessories and cosmetics, as well as a cinema, ice cream parlour, coffee shops and restaurants. If you’re looking for something a bit smaller, though, there is also a mall in the town centre, which has quite a good range of shops and eateries.
Personally, I also like visiting a good old-fashioned market and getting an authentic taste of the local culture. Roquetas de Mar has a market every Thursday with a variety of stalls, including local delicacies (anyone fancy some churros?), homemade jams and artisanal goods.
Visit the Cultural Attractions
It would be a shame to go all the way to Spain and not explore the local attractions. Roquetas de Mar boasts several unique edifices, like the Santa Ana Castle and an impressive lighthouse. You could also take a step back in time and explore the Bullfighting Museum, whose authentic capes, costumes and Goya style dresses are simply stunning.
Another great day out is a trip to Almería. Just half an hour away, the city features a stunning cathedral with a Gothic ceiling and marble trimmings. There is also a Moorish fort with imposing towers and deep dungeons that’s worth exploring.
The Beautiful Beaches
In this part of Spain, beautiful golden sand stretches as far as the eye can see. The main beach is Urbanización de Roquetas de Mar. Lined with palm trees, it’s a peaceful spot where you can cool off in the gentle waves or settle down with a good book.
Insider tip: The sand in this area is very soft and comfortable to lie on, but if you’d rather relax in style, you can also book a hammock at the beach.
How to Get to Roquetas de Mar
The easiest way of getting to the resort is by flying to Almería Airport. Thomas Cook Airlines and easyJet both offer direct and very reasonably priced flights from London to Roquetas de Mar, which are only two and a half hours long.
After the hustle and bustle of the airport, you don’t want to face the additional hassle of public transportation (plus, the language barrier would cause unnecessary grief). Instead, treat yourself to the comfort you deserve with a Shuttle Direct private transfer. A friendly driver will meet you outside of the terminal, help you with your bags and take you straight to your hotel in just 35 minutes. You’ll be bathing in the sunlight in no time!
Where to Stay
Evenia Zoraida Garden: Located just two minutes from the beach, this lovely hotel is set in Evenia Zoraida Garden. All rooms boast private balconies, air conditioning and a flat-screen TV. At the end of the day, take a dip in one if the three outdoor pools, or cleanse your skin from the salty sea in the sauna. If you’re visiting between October and May, you can also make use of the heated indoor pool.
Bahia Serena: These apartments are set on Serena Beach and offer a stunning view of the sea. Featuring a comfortable seating area and kitchenette, Bahía Serena is fully air-conditioned. It also has an outdoor swimming pool and sauna. In the evenings, you can enjoy authentic Spanish cuisine at La Chalupa or head to Alborán Restaurant for a buffet.
Playaluna Hotel: Situated on the beachfront, this hotel has a lagoon-style pool and hot tub. There’s also a lovely sun terrace with palm trees. The restaurant offers a buffet, and each room has a private balcony, TV and mini bar.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct offers a comfortable and convenient airport transfer service across Europe and North Africa. Pre-book a transfer via their user-friendly website, so that all of your travel arrangements are sorted well in advance. All you have to do after that is sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.
