Costa de Almería
From San Juan de los Terreros to Mojácar: long, open beaches, white villages and sun almost all year round.
Living on the Costa de Almería, from San Juan de los Terreros to Mojácar
Here the sea is wide, the beaches long and the light very strong. From San Juan de los Terreros to Mojácar the coast keeps what others have lost: espeto beach bars, with that Andalusian art and soul you feel in every dish and every conversation, white villages and an almost desert landscape, with far less building density than in other parts of the Mediterranean.
It is one of the coasts with the most light and sun in Europe, with a rising market. It is chosen by those looking for the south as it has always been: sun almost all year round, long uncrowded beaches and the rhythm of a white village and an espeto beach bar. And to all this is added its architecture and Moorish influence, which you breathe in the white villages and in the old town of Mojácar.
Areas within Costa de Almería
Each has its own character, its own prices and its own kind of buyer. If one of them interests you, ask us about it.
Vera Playa
Kilometre after kilometre of open sand, clear skies almost all year and the freedom to live the beach your way, clothed or naturist. The light here is different.
Puerto Rey
Villas with lawns a few steps from the sea, tennis in the morning and a beach walk at sunset. The feeling of a quiet private urbanisation with a club atmosphere.
Garrucha
The boat arrives, the fish market sounds and at the harbour you eat the red prawn almost with your feet on the quay. A fishing town that is still a fishing town: local life does not leave in September.
Mojácar village and beach
From the white village you see the whole sea at sunset; below, the long beach and the hotels. Narrow streets with artists, balconies with flowers and dinners with a view.
Valle del Este
A resort with an 18-hole golf course, quiet streets and Vera beach a few minutes away. You live between lawn and sea, with the security of a well-kept community.
Villaricos and Cuevas del Almanzora
A fishing village with Phoenician history, beaches with few bathers and a landscape of dry riverbeds and desert that changes with the light. For those who want quiet and authenticity. Palomares is a step away, between the greenhouses and the sea.
Why people fall in love with the Costa de Almería
A coast that resembles the Spain of old.
Long beaches, few buildings, grilled-fish beach bars and white villages up high. A slower pace, which attracts those fleeing the overcrowded coast.
Light and nature.
The Tabernas desert and the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, a Biosphere Reserve, are just over an hour away. It is an area for those who want nature and silence as well as the beach.
Good fish and reasonable prices.
Imagine dinner at a beach bar with your feet in the sand, while a few metres away the espetero threads sardines onto canes and grills them over a fire, in a boat filled with sand and embers. That is the espeto: fish grilled like a barbecue, but on a boat, with the sea behind and smoke that smells of salt. And the port of Garrucha, famous for its red prawn, makes eating here an outing in itself.
What people ask us most about the Costa de Almería
Where is the Costa de Almería?
It is the stretch of the Almería coast that we cover, from San Juan de los Terreros, just past Águilas, to Mojácar: Pulpí, Vera, Vera Playa, Puerto Rey, Garrucha, Mojácar and Turre. Further south lie Cabo de Gata and the capital, areas we do not cover as estate agents. It lies in Andalusia, at the border with Murcia. Almería airport is about 95 km from Vera, and Murcia-Corvera is another good gateway. In addition, works are progressing on the high-speed AVE line that will reach Vera, with its own station: high-speed rail will bring this coast closer to Murcia and the rest of Spain.
Why choose the Costa de Almería?
For its long, open beaches, its light and sun, a rising market and favourable Andalusian taxation. We recommend it to those who want sun, space and tranquillity, and a life with the sea as a backdrop at a more reasonable price than on other coasts.
What types of property are there?
Apartments and villas in developments in Vera Playa and Puerto Rey, village houses in Mojácar and Turre, properties in developments with golf courses, and new builds. And here something does stand out: you can get a seafront villa at a more reasonable price than in other parts of the coast, such as the Costa Blanca.
How much does it cost to buy a property here?
There is a home here for almost every dream: from very accessible apartments to seafront villas and exclusive properties worth several million euros. Tell us how you imagine your life on the coast and we will show you what suits you.
Is it a good area to invest in?
It is one of the best areas to invest in, because it is a rising market with the AVE arriving in Vera on the way. Holiday rental can also be used where there is year-round demand, and above all the appreciation of the asset over time is what counts. Many of our clients enjoy their home when they come and, when they are away, leave it in our hands to make it profitable.
What lifestyle can you expect?
A long beach in the morning. At midday, fish at a beach bar, with espetos, or grilled red prawns from Garrucha. In the afternoon, a stroll through Mojácar's white old town and dinner there, with the sea as a backdrop. And if you prefer to cook at home, in Vera you can pop to the local fishmonger and buy red prawn, quisquilla shrimp and the best fresh seafood, brought in that same morning, to prepare on your terrace. It is an authentic and essential way of living that you won't see anywhere else.
What is life like in winter?
Winters are mild and bright: in January the average temperature is around 12 °C, with highs of 17–18 °C, and with so much sun winter is lived on the terrace. The towns and villages carry on with their everyday life, and the second-home and golf developments slow down a little.
Is it suitable for families moving to Spain?
Yes. It is a quieter area with less educational provision than others, but there is an international school (Valdeserra, in Vera), state and state-subsidised schools and public healthcare in Vera and Mojácar. And over time an increasingly international community is forming, at the pace of ever-growing demand. Schools and healthcare below.
What makes this coast special?
Its architecture and Moorish influence, visible in the white villages and in Mojácar, and Vera Playa, a leading naturist destination, with textile and naturist areas clearly separated so everyone can enjoy the beach in their own way.
Is it a good place to live long term?
For those seeking sun, nature and tranquillity, yes. It is one of the coasts that is most enjoyed, with more essence and more Mediterranean spirit.
First purchase in Spain? We answer the NIE, the regional purchase taxes and getting a mortgage as a non-resident.
Where to eat in Costa de Almería
The places we recommend by name: where we have breakfast, where we have lunch and where we end the day. A personal selection by CALA, not a directory.
Pulpí and Garrucha
Vera and Vera Playa
Mojácar
Healthcare and hospitals
The area is covered by Andalusian public healthcare (SAS) and by private services in Almería and on the coast.
Vera, Garrucha and Mojácar
Primary care from the Andalusian Health Service in each municipality.
The public hospital closest to the Vera area.
In Almería city
The province's main hospital.
Private hospital in the capital.
Private hospital in the capital.
Private, bilingual and international schools
Each municipality has state and state-subsidised schools. For an international curriculum, private provision is limited.
Near Vera and Mojácar
International school with teaching in English.
Others
Besides the international school, Vera, Mojácar, Garrucha and Turre have state and state-subsidised schools, some with bilingual teaching. They are a good option for those settling all year round who want their children to join local life and learn Spanish. For an international curriculum, the widest choice is in Almería city.
Ten reasons to choose the Costa de Almería
- Long, open beaches with low building density.
- Espeto beach bars and that Andalusian soul.
- Plenty of light and sun almost all year round.
- Cabo de Gata-Níjar and the Tabernas desert just over an hour away.
- Garrucha: fish and red prawn.
- A rising market, with the AVE on its way to Vera, and seafront villas at a more reasonable price.
- Favourable Andalusian taxation.
- Vera Playa, a leading naturist destination, with separate areas.
- Mojácar and its white old town above the sea, with Moorish influence.
- Its pace: slower and calmer, with a Mediterranean essence.
Properties in Costa de Almería
Tell us what you are looking for and we will send you what fits, including properties not yet published.
Download the complete guide
The PDF guide gathers taxes, purchase costs, neighbourhoods and local tips for the Costa de Almería.
Speak directly with John Lomax
One person from start to finish. No switchboards, no sales teams: I answer you myself, in English or Spanish, usually within two hours during working hours.