Property and local area description
Summary
Laguna Beach is a brand-new apartment complex on the western side of Almerimar, in the Andalucian province of Almeria.
There are two communal swimming pools (with a pool bar), a children's play area, and tennis courts. The complex is less than one hundred yards from the beach, which extends for more than 7km around the bay. The large marina, with its shops, bars, restaurants, and supermarket, is just 5 minutes drive away, as is the 18-hole golf course. The two-bedroom apartment, which can accommodate up to 6 people, was completed at the end of 2006, and has been stylishly and comfortably furnished. It is situated on the first floor, with access via stairs or lift, and enjoys a commanding view over the pool, the gardens and the lake, as well as views of the sea and the distant mountains.
It is decorated to a high standard, and features tiled floors throughout, while all rooms are fitted with ceiling fans for your comfort. Air-conditioning is fitted in the lounge and bedrooms, and this can also provide heating if required out of season.
The small town of Almerimar is situated in the South East corner of Spain, in the province of Almeria, the most easterly province of Andalucia. The 120km of coast that make up the Costa de Almeria are amongst the warmest and sunniest in Europe, with over 3000 hours of sun each year. Winter temperatures are mild, (it can reach 20°C even in January), yet it is not too hot even in the middle of summer. Although formerly considered part of the Costa del Sol, the Costa de Almeria is totally different to the over-developed areas further west, and offers unspoilt beaches, National Parks, and mountains. From the beaches in the south, 1 hour's drive can take you to the snowy mountains of the Sierra Nevada, or to the only desert in Europe, the Desierto de Tabernas.
Almerimar is a modern resort, centred around a large sports marina, with over 1000 berths. Around the marina can be found many restaurants, tapas bars and pubs, to suit all tastes and pockets. There is free parking at both ends of the marina, and a stroll around the harbour makes a very pleasant walk in the evening before dinner.
There are several banks, a doctor's surgery, a pharmacy, a Church, an excellent supermarket and many other essential services in the nearby marina area.
There are two internet cafes with PCs which can be used, or you can take your own laptop and connect there for e-mail access. One of the restaurants also provides wi-fi internet access.
The town centre is approximately 2km from the apartment so a rental car is useful, though not absolutely essential. Almerimar makes an excellent base to explore this region of Andalusia, and a car would allow the visitor to take advantage of the many destinations in the area.
Things to do
Few areas can offer such a wide variety of activities, from the relatively gentle – walking, cycling – to the more adventurous - sailing, windsurfing, skiing, parasailing, and hang gliding.
Tennis and Padel Tennis (a Spanish version of tennis played on a smaller, walled court) are both available on site. The area immediately around Almerimar is flat, making for very pleasant walking and cycling. There is a paved promenade all the way along the beach, which makes an ideal spot for a gentle stroll in the evening. To the east of the town, the nature reserve of Punta Entinas – Sabinal is a facinating location, with a wild life of all kinds, including flamingos.
For the more adventurous, the hills and mountains of the Alpujaras and Sierra Nevada are just a short drive away.
There is a sailing school in the marina, offering tuition. Windsurfing is also available, as is kite surfing, which is very popular. There is also a Rowing centre on Lago Victoria.
There is an equestrian centre at the far eastern end of Almerimar.
Roquetas de Mar, a few minutes drive to the East, is a family holiday resort which has three main areas: the town (pueblo), the port and the urbanisation where holiday apartments, hotels and tourist facilities are located. Roquetas has 3 km of beautiful blue flag beaches which are clean, quiet and safe.
The city of Almeria is well worth a visit. During the 9th and 10th centuries, the city was a very important centre, and the remains of the Moorish fortress, the Alcazaba, are very impressive. The narrow streets of the old town, and the cathedral, contrast with the many 19th century buildings, and with the wide avenues of the modern city.
Around an hour’s drive from Almerimar is the ancient city of Granada, where you will find the Alhambra, a series of palaces and gardens built during the moorish occupation of Spain in the 14th C.