Andalucia Diary – Seasonal Travel Notes

It’s strange, but upon my second visit to Almeria and its protected Cabo de Gata coastal park,
I am really revising my opinion of the place.  Before I came here for the first time, about two weeks ago, I had my prejudiced views.  Rafa is set to spend more time here in the immediate future for work and I didn’t like the idea that somehow life was moving me away from my new comfort zone on the Costa del Sol.  I like the green, park-like environment of Marbella, the restaurants & bars, the shops of course and the fact that is established, close to great countryside and also to airports. 
Almeria on the other head I feared was going to be a dusty construction site, populated by basic locals and rude, fat white English people wearing whites socks with their cheap sandals.
Well, my first trip did confirm an element of my initial fears, but also showed me an area that really is relatively undiscovered.
This weekend has further confirmed to me what the place has to offer, both in terms of lifestyle and also in terms of business opportunities. Almeria Capital is thriving, with a strong Spanish identity. On Thursday night we went out for drinks and tapas, late, and the city streets on the old district were packed. I love the fact that in Spain, well after midnight one can sit outside in summer in a t-shirt and enjoy the atmosphere.
Friday afternoon we drove to the Cape Natural Park, to the east of Almeria.  Its rocky coastline has not been allowed to be developed, so affords a glimpse of what the whole coast must have been like.  Forests of towering aloes
gave way to stony cliffs covered in small alpine-style plants and dwarf palms.  The water is exceptionally clear , so you can see the sealife below.
We stayed Saturday night in San Jose, once a small fishing village, now relaxed resort in the heart of the coastal park area. The village is growing, but still retains a lovely atmosphere, hippy and sleepy – it reminded me a little of the Tarifa area, west of Gibraltar.
I started posting a few pics in a new photo album, Costa Almeria, so take a look if you want to see a little about the natural environment.
For business, I think the opportunities are promising in Almeria , as we want to expand the areas where we can offer our Home Finder service.
With routes opening up from Northern Europe to Almeria airport, and a great choice of property from city urban lofts , contemporary golf resort, to sleepy beach side cottages and distinctive desert homes.

Be the first to like.

Like

Unlike