Roquetas de Mar is a traditional fishing village that has expanded to accommodate the increasing numbers of holidaymakers and yet retains its original charm. The settlement itself dates back to Roman times, while the maze of narrow streets reflects its Moorish history. The resort has good shingle and sand beaches providing opportunities for water sports.
A Roquetas de Mar holiday promises dawn to dusk summer sun and warm Mediterranean seas combined with an authentic Spanish atmosphere. The evenings offer lively bars and restaurants.
A Roquetas de Mar holiday appeals to a wide variety of people. Families with small children enjoy the beach life, water sports enthusiasts can partake in many activities while couples can take pleasure in the relaxed atmosphere of this traditional resort.
Although Roquetas de Mar is a year round holiday destination, the summer months are the most popular time to take a holiday with guaranteed sunshine and warm seas. Many visitors however, leave behind the dark dreary days of a typical British winter and come to Roquetas de Mar to sample the warm winter sunshine.
Roquetas de Mar, on the Costa Almeria in Andalusia, is well placed for enjoying hot dry days with a welcome on-shore breeze. With a small fishing harbour and a labyrinth of narrow streets, Roquetas de Mar has retained its traditional Spanish atmosphere. The tower of Santa Ana and the village walls are all that remains of the 16th century fortifications. The eighteenth century church of the Virgin of the Rosary has been restored and is well worth a visit.
The beach, two miles long, is of sand and shingle and is not over crowded. The promenade bordering the beach has many shady palm trees as well as a large number of bars and restaurants. There are good facilities for water sports including wind surfing and sailing. Land sports include golf, tennis and horse riding.
A mini road train runs around the resort. Entertainment for children includes a park with inflatables, crazy golf and a water park.
Four kilometres south of Roquetas de Mar is the salt lagoon of Las Marinas where there is a huge bird population including colourful flamingos. It is an excellent area for water sports.
Roquetas de Mar is essentially a family resort and the low key nightlife reflects this. There are however some lively bars for the young and energetic which remain open until the early hours, and a disco pub which opens at ten and closes at dawn.
Roquetas de Mar has the usual selection of gift shops selling holiday souvenirs and mementoes including fans, leather goods, table linens, jewellery and pottery. There is an outdoor market on Thursdays.
The promenade in Roquetas de Mar is lined with tapas bars and restaurants. Fish, fresh from the day’s catch and simply cooked, features on the menu of most restaurants. There are many restaurants serving international cuisine at reasonable prices. Local wines are pleasing to both the palate and the pocket. Children are always given a warm welcome in Spanish restaurants.
