Almeria

About the area

The Costa Almeria consists of 200 kilometres of coastline on the south east corner of mainland Spain. It's not one of the better known Spanish resort areas although tourism has started to make an impact on a handful of beachside villages dotted around the coast either side of the city of Almeria.

Brits come to this particular area if they’re seeking uncluttered beaches and an altogether more relaxed sun and sand holiday than can be found in other more lively Spanish resorts.

Places of Interest

Los Millares

Los Millares is 20km North West of Almeria between the villages of Gador and Santa Fe de Mondujar and was thought to be the location of the first Spanish metalworking culture dating back to 1800BC.

Velez Blanco

Velez Blanco is a small whitewashed village 6km north of Velez Rubio at the foot of a rocky hill. At the top of the hill is a castle built by the Marquis of Velez Blanco in around 1510. Although the exterior is still a piece of stunning Renaissance architecture, the interior is a shadow of it’s former self. In 1904 the castle was sold to George Bluementhal, an American millionaire, who ripped out the interior. Plans are in discussion to carry out a complete reconstruction of the original using marble from nearby Marcael.

Mojacar

Mojacar is one of the least built up towns in Almeria consisting of white houses, quiet beaches and beautiful natural surroundings. Interesting things to see include:

• La Puerta de la Ciudad (Gates of the city)
• The Renaissance church of Santa Maria
• The Castle of Mojacar.

Tabernas

The ‘Desierto de Tabernas’ measures approximately 11,625 hectares and lies North of the city of Almeria. It is the only desert in Europe and has been used as the backdrop for a number of famous films.

Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata

The natural park of Cabo de Gata was created in 1987. It is the first terrestrial/marine park in Andalucía, and cobres 38,000 hectares of dry land and 12,000 hectares of land under water. There aren’t really any towns in this area, just small villages scattered around. One of these villages is San Miguel de Cabo de Gata. It has a large lake filled with flamingos. The Faro de Cabo de Gata (lighthouse) sits on the cape’s tip, ando n a clear day the mountains of Morroco can be seen. Scuba divers and snorkellers are also attracted to the area due to a 2km stretch of seabed in the park.

Travel

Rail Travel

You can get to almost anywhere in Spain by taking a Rail Europe train.

If your trip consists of train travel in Spain, Portugal or both, Rail Europe has a pass to suit your travel needs.

If you would like to travel to Spain and 2 to 4 other countries, be sure to check out their Eurail Selectpass.

If you would like the flexibility to see up to 16 other countries then the Eurailpass is for you.

Ports in Almeria

Club de Mar de Almeria

Puerto Deportivo Almerimar

Puerto Deportivo de Garrucha

Puerto Deportivo de Villaricos (La Esperanza)

Almeria Airport

Almería Airport (LEI) is located about 10km east of the city center . It is a modern airport, with arrivals and departures taking place on the main ground floor.

Regular national and international flights arrive and depart at the airport. National airfare is provided by Iberia Airlines while EasyJet flies from and to the UK. Numerous charter companies fly to and from the airport, making it the second most important airport in terms of foreign tourism in Andalucia.

Local bus line 20 links the airport with the city centre, the fare price being €0,90. There are buses every half-hour in the daytime and every 45 minutes in the evening. Taxis are available to take you into the city centre - the average fare is €15. Car hire is available, the major companies Avis and Europcar are available.

There is signed access to the airport from the A7 "Motorway of the Mediterranean", through the AL-17 dual carriageway. The A7 links to many cities along the coast of Spain.

Education & Childcare

Childcare

Pre-school education in Spain is not obigatory and not all children can gain a place due to the high demand. English speaking guarderias are more common in the major cities and on the Spanish Costas and Islands. Below is a list of creches in Almeria.

Casa de Colores

0-6 years old
Carretera de los Parrales, s/n
04740 Roquetas de Mar
Tel: +34 950 348 566

Guarderia F. Tonucci

From 0-6 years
Tulipan 8
04720 Aguadulce
Tel: +34 950 340 081

Guarderia Infantil Las Marinas

Open from 7:30-19:00 all year around.
Plaza Las Marinas 8
04740 Las Marinas, Roquetas de Mar
Tel: +34 950 333 121

Escuela Infantil Mofly

From 7:30 till 20:00
Colonizacion 1
04110 Campohermoso
Tel: + 34 950 385 498/950 385 513

Language Schools

Below is a list of language schools in Andalucia.

INSTITUTO ANDALUSI DE ESPANOL

Our Spanish Language courses enable you to combine a great holiday with learning Spanish. We offer quality accommodation as well as cultural activities and excursions. With small class sizes and highly trained native Spanish teachers, we will help you enjoy learning Spanish in Spain.

Calle Reino de Leon 10,
29018 Malaga - Andalucia
Tel: +34 952 206 128
Fax: +34 952 292 759
Web: www.andalusi.org

K2 INTERNACIONAL DE ESPANOL

Spanish language and culture courses, DELE exam preparation, accommodation service, extra activities, excursions and flamenco. Come to meet us, learn and enjoy by the sea in the city of Cadiz.

Calle Ancha 8, 2ª Derecha
11001 Cadiz
Tel: +34 956 212 646
Fax: +34 956 212 356
Web: www.k2internacional.com

Schooling & College

Education is obligatory for all children aged 6-16 if the parents are legally resident in Spain, and is free from pre-school to 18 years. However as pre-school is not obligatory, not all children can gain a place.

State School Education

State education is free, but parents must usually pay for school books (which are expensive, although they are provided free in certain cases), school supplies and extra curricular activities. For most Spanish children, school starts with nursery or pre-school at the age of 4 or 5.

Compulsory education begins at six years of age in a primary school and lasts for ten years. At the age of 16, students receive a school-leaving certificate, which determines the course of their future education.

Attending at a local state school helps children integrate into the local community and learn the language and is highly recommended if you plan to stay in Spain indefinitely. Although it may not appeal to them initially, if given the choice later, many foreign children prefer to attend Spanish school and become part of the local community. Changing from a private school to a state school can cause problems at a later date as a teenager could find it hard to adjust.