Poniente Almeria

The area known as Poniente Almeriense or Western Almería is located where the mountains of The Alpujarras open up to the Mediterranean Sea. This ancient land is a cross between east and west and a balcony on the sea.
This area in the south west of the province of Almería has been visited by many peoples since the Antiquity, and combines the maritime nature of its coastline with a rural interior, around the mountain range of the Sierra de Gádor.
Places such as the town of Aguadulce, in Roquetas de Mar, the coastal villages around Adra, the dam of Benínar and the village of Enix show us that Western Almería remains a place where Europe and Africa are within reach of each other. These two continents have always been divided and brought together by the same sea, a silent witness to events such as the arrival of the Phoenicians in the 8th Century BC or the retreat of Boabdil, the last king of the Moorish reign of Al-Andalus, to North African shores.

Western Almería is easily accessible by road from the city of Almería and the coast of Málaga and Granada.
The airport and port of Almería are only a few minutes away on the highway Autovía del Mediterráneo which crosses the area from east to west.
The rest of the area is equipped with a network of roads which are ideal for relaxed excursions where one can enjoy the scenery as it changes along the journey.

Western Almería Route from Aguadulce to Punta Entinas - Sabinar

“Excelencia turística”, or Tourism Excellence is the quality tourism brand of the town of Roquestas de Mar. This tour takes us to tourist resorts such as Aguadulce, Playa Serena or Urbanización de Roquetas de Mar and also to the Natural and Reserve Area Punta Entinas-Sabinar, between Roquetas de Mar and El Ejido.
To get to Aguadulce, it is possible to take the highway from the city of Almería, though we recommend the scenic road which follows the coastline, between the sheer cliffs of the Sierra de Gádor and the sea. The pleasure boats of the marina will welcome us to this important tourist town, only ten kilometres from the city of Almería.
According to the locals, the name of Aguadulce, which means “sweat water” in Spanish, comes from the freshwater springs that used to flow on the seashore many years ago.
Nowadays, Aguadulce has an excellent beach where the sea is always calm. It is an unforgettable experience to watch the beautiful sunset as the Mediterranean Sea whispers by.
Strolling on the promenade, enjoying the lively terraces, discos and bars in the long evenings or enjoying the cuisine of the area are interesting choices in this little paradise of the coast of Almería where leisure and fun are abundant.
Aguadulce, with its mild climate and range of tourist services, is the perfect destination to enjoy a great holiday at any time of the year.
The town of Roquetas de Mar used to be a fishing village and has become a symbol of tourism in the province of Almería. Its new model of development focuses on quality tourism with a great respect for the environment.
The town has existed since Phoencian times, but its current location dates back to Roman times. The Moors built fortresses on the coast, such as Torre de Cerrillos, Castillo de Santa Ana or Las Roquetas. Before gaining independence from the municipality of Felix at the end of the18th Century, the town resisted the British invasion in 1705. It is a must to visit the castle, the 18th Century church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario and the fishing port.
Most of all, the town of Roquetas de Mar is a holiday destination with hotels, golf courses, a marina, beaches, nature and plenty of leisure activities.

You will find restaurants, shops, leisure centres and places to practise nautical sports or other activities in the tourist resorts of Roquetas de Mar – with its broad promenade – and Playa Serena – a well kept estate with a golf course on the waterfront.

Experts and tourists alike can enrich their knowledge with a visit to the greenhouses where ecological products are grown using the most modern techniques while respecting the natural environment.
There are also resorts within easy reach of natural areas of great environmental importance, such as Salinas de Cerrillos. These salt marshes were already put to use by the Moors of Al-Andalus, and have been declared an area of special interest for birds (Zona de Especial Interés para las Aves – ZEPA), which makes them very attractive for birdwatchers.
The Natural and Reserve Area Punta Entinas-Sabinar is located next to the salt marshes. It is an ecosystem formed by dunes, beaches and lagoons, which is the nesting area chosen by many birds. Around two hundred species of birds are known to be present in the area. The most representative plants are sabinas (Juniperus Phoenicia) and lentiscos (Pistacia lentiscus). It is one of the best dune formations in the Iberian Peninsula. Visitors should not forget their binoculars to enjoy this splendid gift of nature.
Another example of the natural wealth of this coast is the Posidonia reef known as Arrecife Barrera de Posidonia, which is unique in the region of Andalucía. It is a non-developed coastal area where precious prairies of Oceanic Posidonia grow on the sea-bottom. Not surprisingly, it has been declared a Natural Monument. Here ends this tour of this area of Almería which always has something new to offer, where history, nature and fun combine to make your holidays unforgettable.

Fuente: www.dipalme.org