Fishing Port of Garrucha

The Almeria province, long appreciated by Spaniards from Madrid and the North, is now very much on the list of destinations for the discerning holiday maker.

This is mainland Europe's warmest and sunniest region, with over three-thousand hours of sunshine a year. Until recently Almeria was less accessible than some other Mediterranean destinations, a fact which has undoubtedly helped to shield it from the excess of mass tourism and led it to become the unspoilt, peaceful place it is today.

The province is steeped in history which can be dated back to Phoenician times and before; a past reflected in its picturesque towns and villages.

Along the coast fishing prospers and a local speciality is the "Gamba de Garrucha" (local prawn) renowned throughout Spain.

The focal point of the small, friendly town of Garrucha is its attractive working harbour, where the day's catch is auctioned each afternoon at the quayside fish market.

On each side of the harbour the magnificent, wide, sandy beaches stretch as far as the eye can see and the aquapark is just five minutes' drive away.

The town provides year round facilities and, as one would expect, a particular attraction is the number of excellent seafood restaurants.