There are parts of Spain that you never see, but are what you expect the real Spain to look like.
Let me explain;
Most people, when asked to describe Spain, think off San Miguel’s, football shirted lads singing “here we go” and eating egg and chips in an English café! (Can never work out why people go to a foreign country and look for English food!)
Of crowded beaches, all night parties, and loud disco type things.
There is an alternative to all this, and that is Almeria, and her surrounding villages.
Situated on the Southern coastal areas of Spain, approximately 150 miles west of Alicante, and 200 East of Gibraltar, Almeria is a traditional Spanish town, yet to be commercialised by the pound hunting barons of the tourist industry.
Although lacking in the culture and finesse of most Spanish Cities, Almeria is a great base to travel from.
Accommodation here is moderately priced and adequate for people with expectations not exceeding the cost of the hotels.
Basically you get what you pay for!
Restaurants are plentiful and varied, mainly to the local taste, and often have pictures on their menus, which does help a lot if you cannot read Spanish.
Priced at an average of £5 per head including cheap wine.
Nightlife is basic, with many pubs staying open until you go.
Entertainment is usually that of 1 man and guitar type stuff.
Quite relaxing and enjoyable.
The main enjoyment about Almeria, is the surrounding countryside, where the Mountains meet the sea!
Hire a car and drive through the Sierras along coastal roads that have more twists than an Agetha Christie novel.
Or go up into the mountains where the road has drops so steep that you are scared to look down.
Either way you are in for an unforgettable experience.
First, along the coastal route you will see industry at work with various mining and quarries, some old and derelict, some modern and still in operation.
The road twists around the sheer cliff drops into the sea, and each turn brings with it more breathtaking views.
Every 20-30 mins, you come across a small village with its own beach and a few Tapas Bars.
In case there are people who don’t know what a Tapas bar is, it is a small café/pub serving various local fish/meat/veg dishes for small amounts of money.
Some even give you free Tapas with your drink, but they usually consist of olives.
You can spend all day at any of these places, just sitting there and enjoying the peace and quiet, and watching the fishermen mend their nets.
On the other hand, you can take the mountain routes!
Only for the brave and competent drivers amongst you.
The views are unbelievable, on clear days you can see for 100’s of miles, and this is not an exaggeration, as I could see the Atlantic sea, which was about 200 miles away!
The little villages you come across are so picturesque, carved into the side of the mountains, and hidden from view.
Here the people are even more friendly, and do give you Tapas (olives and cheese usually) with you drinks free of charge.
They will talk to you all day, and are extremely courteous and polite.
Every now and again, an English restaurant pops up.
Although the cooking style is local Spanish, not Egg and Chips!
These restaurants are a must for the romantics, with views stretching to eternity, candle lit dinners will never be the same.
Here the owners tend to join you if they are quiet, and tell you some great stories.
Now I have purposely not told you the names of any of these places, as the whole idea is to go and discover them yourself.
It is so much better than looking for somewhere you read about.
Take me up on this offer, and you will remember it forever.
Angus