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Holidays in this gorgeous area of Costa Tropical in Andalucia should definitely be on your bucket list if you enjoy a touch of Spain already favoured by the locals. Located on Spain's south-eastern flank, just about 40 klm from Almeria, Roquetas de Mar is not quite the average Spanish tourist resort, although the clever visitor is slowing beginning to discover its charms. 

A holiday in Roquetas de Mar centres around the string of wonderful beaches, fronted by a 13 klm stretch of palm-fringed promenade, lined with an array of atmospheric cafe bars and bustling restaurants. Choose a beach to suit your style as the breezy beach at Playa de las Salinas is great for windsurfing, the sand dunes at Punta Sabinal are worth a trip, and the Playa de Cerrillos is a naturist haven. 

Roquetas de Mar is essentially a local fishing town and is renowned for the fishing village traditions that still exist. A natural extension is the local gastronomy which obviously emphasises the richness of the ocean. Fresh fish and shellfish are plentiful and delicious. A holiday in Roquetas de Mar is also heaven sent for lovers of tapas. There are great tapas bars everywhere! 

Some options for sightseeing around Roquetas de Mar include hiking and nature trails in Punta Estinas Sabinar Natural Park or a trip to Almeria. The Moorish fort of Alcazaba in Almeria has ruins and dungeons to explore, and the Cathedral with its Gothic ceiling is simply lovely. You can even swing a few clubs at the 18 hole Playa Serena Golf Club (one of the flattest in the country). Sightseeing in Roqetas de Mar itself offers plenty of appeal as the 18th century Church (Iglesia de Nuestra Senora del Rosario) and 16th century Santa Ana Castle and Roman ruins provide superb examples of local architecture and historical interest. 

Holidays in Roquetas de Mar offer the best of both worlds. There are lots of amenities for the tourist, yet the resort is not over-commercialised. The local "essence" is still evident, so Roquetas de Mar will appeal to a wide audience of seasoned travellers who love Spain and enjoy the local flavour and colour that remains.