If you are passionate about nature and if you are looking for an inspired holiday destination this year, then you might want to consider Roquetas de Mar in the Almeria. This is the best place to stay to access the world renowned environmentally protected zone of coastline known as the Punta Entinas-Sabinar Natural Area.
Saltwater Lagoons
This special coastline hosts 4 main biotypes: sandy beaches, dunes, marshland and saltwater lagoons (the Cerrillos and Viejas Saltworks). Saltpans were common all along this coast in the nineteenth century but today the protected nature reserve near Roquetas de Mar houses the only surviving one.
Flora & Fauna
The dunes allow Phoenician junipers, marran grass, sand couch and joint pines to flourish while you can find wild thyme and Almerian rock roses on the inland side of the slopes. The marshy areas are home to such exotic examples of plant life as the saltwort, glasswort and frankenia corymbosa.
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Birdwatching
Birdwatchers find themselves in Paradise in the Punta Entinas-Sabinar nature reserves. In the autumn the wetlands serve as a stopping post for migrating red crested pochards, great cormorants, herons and avocets.
Little bustards, grouse, curlews, redshanks, little stints and dunlins live in the Almeria habitat and all of these amazing birds are easily viewed from the public observatories that have been set up along the coast.
Roquetas de Mar
This stunning nature reserve is just a few kilometres down the road from the town of Roquetas de Mar and when you have had your fill of the peaceful isolation that can still be enjoyed on this beach, you might be ready to tuck into the local Andalucian gastronomy available in the town’s restaurants followed by a sound night’s sleep in the famous resort of Aguadulce.
How to Get to Roquetas de Mar
Your most direct route to Roquetas de Mar and the nature reserve is by air. Low cost transfers from Almeria airport are readily available and can be tailored to suit your circumstances.
Taxi Service: You can opt for a private transfer service via a taxi that will deliver you to your door or you can even split the cost with a shared taxi.
Shared Shuttle Service: You can reduce costs and avoid having to make changes by sharing a shuttle service from the airport to your final destination.
Public Transport: There is one bus that goes from outside the Arrivals terminal and terminates in the centre of Almeria where you can pick up connecting buses to other resorts. The bus runs every 50 minutes.
Where to Stay
Apartamentos Marcay is a perfect base for those who need to spare their pennies without compromising on comfort during their stay in Roquetas de Mar. With outdoor pools for adults and children, a free WiFi area for all guests and apartments with fully equipped kitchens, this is good solid accommodation without frills.
Apartamentos Moguima – Edificio Venecia is located within a stone’s throw of the Roquetas de Mar beach. Set in an idyllic environment of gardens, the Apartamentos Moguima has a pool and tennis courts. Each air conditioned apartment has cable TV and a balcony so you’re guaranteed a comfortable visit.
Protur Roquetas Hotel & Spa – if you are looking to pamper yourself while you visit Roquetas de Mar then this is the property for you. With no fewer than 4 pools, a Turkish bath and a beach location, this is really the height of luxury.
