Costa de Almeria, is a land of breathtaking contrasts, harmoniously blending art, history and nature. It has a vast expanse of coast, with lovely beaches and secluded coves. The tiny villages with their white washed houses, and winding streets are evidence of its Moorish past.

This is Spain before the age of package tourism. Space to breathe, open coutryside, white pueblos dotting the hills, small fishing villages, busy little market towns and welcome stretches of quiet, clean beaches, none of them overcrowded. Inland, cutting through the desert plateau are rich fertile valleys where the warm winter sun ripens fruit and vegetables in abundance.

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The Almanzora valley in which both Villaricos and El Marques are situated is enfolded by an infinite amount of vivid mountain ranges; the golden Sierra Cabrera, the orange Filabres, the black Almagreras, and beyond the purple Seguras and snow capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada itself.

Almeria today is a city of around 150,000 inhabitants and is enjoying economic and urban expansion, with its principal business and leisure activities centering around the sea. Its dry climate and mild temperatures are well known to benefit those who suffer from ailments such as arthritis, rheumatism and asthma.

Approximately 25 kilometres east of Almeria is the Cabo de Gata-Nija nature reserve, covering an area of some 34,000 hectares, which contains breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, with fantastic rock formations.

Each village has it's own fiestas; a time when locals return from all over the world to their home pueblos. In the village of Turre, young and old alike let their hair down to dance sevillanas and fandangos as local bands play lively, traditional music. Villaricos is famous for its fire-cracking 'Tore del Fuego', the sea going 'Virgin of Carmen' and the customary Easter parades.

The region offers a wealth of leisure activities for all tastes such as swimming, sun bathing, fishing, scuba diving, wind surfing, golf, tennis, lawn bowls, horse riding and some superb walks. For boating enthusiasts there is a new marina at the nearby village of Garrucha and for skiers just a few hours drive will take you to the famous ski slopes of Sierra Nevada.

The food in this area is outstanding with local fish, cheese, wine and olive oil exceptional. Bars, restaurants, cafes and pizzerias abound.