Roquetas de Mar like many Spanish holiday resorts has developed from a traditional fishing village in to a modern holiday resort. This has been accomplished by developing one side of the town now filled by modern hotels and other tourist infrastructure such as souvenir shops, bars and restaurants. The rest of the town has developed at a different pace and has managed to retain some of its original charm. The settlement itself dates back to Roman times, while the maze of narrow streets reflects its Moorish history.

Roquetas de Mar is situated 25 km west of Almeria and 160 km east of Malaga. It is one of the few resorts in Europe where the rainfall is scarce. Its wide, sandy beaches, the nautical sports, restaurants and hotels make for an unforgettable holiday. Roquetas de Mar is also known for its golf courses and water sport activities.

Who Goes There?
The resort is popular with Spanish, British and German holidaymakers and appeals to a wide variety of people. Families with small children will enjoy the beach, water sports enthusiasts can partake in many activities while couples can take pleasure in the relaxed atmosphere of this traditional resort.

Shopping
In the main tourist district of Roquetas de Mar there are the usual selection of gift shops selling holiday souvenirs and mementoes and pottery. On Thursdays there is an outdoor market. For more serious shoppers a visit to the Gran Plaza shopping centre is a must.

Restaurants/Cuisine
For dining out following the promenade is the thing to do. Roquetas de Mar is lined with tapas bars and restaurants. Fish including ’catch of the day’ are prevalent on the menu’s of most restaurants especially the many dedicated sea food specialists.

Nightlife
Roquetas de Mar caters mainly for families 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.

Weather
Holidaymakers here will enjoy long hot summer days and a mostly dry, pleasant winter sun.

Beaches
The beach, two miles long, is of sand and shingle and is rarely over crowded. The promenade bordering the beach has many shady palm trees as well as a large number of bars and restaurants.

Activities
There are good facilities for water sports including wind surfing and sailing. The modern complex of Gran Plaza has over 100 shops a multi screen cinema (with dedicated English language screens) a bowling alley, an amusement arcade, restaurants and cafes. Entertainment for children includes a park with inflatables, crazy golf and a water park.

Attractions
Locally 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 nearby city of Almeria, with its good shops, chic boutiques and pavement cafes along the wide avenues will provide you with an interesting visit. Golfers enjoy the local course the Club de Golf Playa Serena as well as the chance to play three other nearby courses, La Envia Golf, Alboran Golf and Golf Almerimar all are within easy travelling distance by car.