Is the region Mojacar-Vera Playa nice for a 1 week holiday? What is the weather like at the end of December? Are other areas in Almeria more desirable and warmer?

Hi Catara,

Almería is my area so I´m happy to give you my opinion.

You don´t say whether you are coming with your family or what type of holiday you want but here is my general view.

The first thing I would advise is to avoid the mountains as it does get cold particularly at night and small villages do get cut off in the snow from time to time. The second thing is that the Mojacar area is known as a bit of an expat ghetto so if you want karaoke and British bars that´s the place to go, although many of them are closed in the winter and at night. It also faces to the east.

Perhaps I´m a bit biased but I would advise you to look on the other side of the Sierra Gador to either Almería city or the Roquetas de Mar area. Obviously being a city, there is plenty to do over the Christmas period and Almería itself does have a beach. The Urbanisation of Roquetas de Mar is also a bit of an expat ghetto although it´s more Eastbourne than Blackpool as there are lots of retired Spanish pensioners that fill the hotels for most of the winter. The advantage of this area is that there is quite a lot to do. There is a large modern theatre which has traditional Spanish entertainment in the centre of Roquetas and in the Gran Plaza shopping centre there is a cinema and ten pin bowling. You can also visit the Go Karting track if you have kids. This area faces to the south.

It is also worth hiring a car to visit the Cabo de Gata National Park although this can be accessed equally from Mojacar and Almería/Roquetas.

If you need anymore info please feel free to ask.

MIS

sorry for not answering the question in the slightest but.....

I spoke to my father tonight who is staying in Madrid for the three kings (4th - 6th Jan in particular) and he is getting a family room (sleeps 4) for 3 nights at 20Eur per night!

It is booked with travelodge (or spanish equivalent - i'll ask him if anyones interested)

My wife and I stayed in Amsterdam for 2 nights recently and had to pay 390Eur - what a complete rip-off!

Hi Mark,

we fly to Granada (cheapest Ryanair) and plan to rent car and go to Costa Almeria as I have heard that it is the sunniest and warmest.

I go with wife and 2 small kids and we plan to do some mountain hiking and get a bit of Sun tan if possible. I have found some nice complex near Vera Beach (Al Andalous Thalassa) with indoor pool and tennis courts. They do not seem to have karaoke and all that.
We just want 7 relaxing day.

Is Roquetas del Mar warmer and sunnier than Vera Beach?

Thank you.

I would think the temperature would be about the same (you can check on the BBC weather website to get an idea) , but as I said Vera Beach is more exposed to the east. Also, the whole of Almería can be very windy so bring some warm clothing. It sounds like Vera Beach will be OK for you if you don´t want to be too active or need much entertainment.

MIS

Hi Mark,,
thank you again for the advices.

We decided to book in San Jose, at least it will be an interesting experience in Cabo di Gata.

Good choice - lovely unspoilt area and great seafood restaurants!

This is also my area and I have to say that the area between Aguilas and Mojacar is the best part of Spain
Provided you do not go more than 25 mins inland the winter climate is said to be the best in Spain and eventaully we will be spending most of the winter near Huercal Overa

Quieter than the other Costa's but with more potential

If you are thinking of buying then there are lots of opportunities- good 2 bed apartmnents from 127.000 € 2 bed maisonettes from 124.000 € and where we are buying for our winter home 2 bed 2 bath villas start form circa 178.000 € with solar for hot water!
Best beach is at San Juan de los Terreros..yelllow sand and shallow, best Chinese the Wok at Vera PLaya...al you can eat self service for 9.5 € and abottle of wine when you leave!!
The water park is closed in winter so if you are looking for an indoor sports centre with pool then you are better going to Costa BLanca There are Sports Centres and I do know that they are now building a large indoor pool in Huercal Overa

Whilst the sea is still quite warm if you want children to play in it for long a cheap wet suite is a good idea!
We often fly into Granada with Ryanair as they are so cheap and the drive is circa 2 1/2 houyrs to Vera [ go through Tabernas] but is it not busy
Know some good places to stay and if you are going to self cater the supermarkets are good but buy your fruit and veg in the markets
You can even get ' free natural spring water' at the public fountain in Mojacar [ sign post La Fuente publica]
Any more info get in touch
Brian

You never give up do you? FFS, the guy is looking for a nice quiet break over Christmas and New Year for his family.

Hi Brian,

thank you for your message and advices.

I wanted first to stay in Vera Playa or MOjacar Playa. There were plenty of apartments for £150/week - £170/week for Christmas week and the owners seemed to be very willing to negociate further.

We decided to go to San Jose because it might be a genuine new experience as I have only stayed in national parks in Death Valley (California) or Zion(Utah).
We paid £220 for 1 week in a 2 bedroom apt.

BUt we will definitely visit MOjacar. I also reserved now 2 nights in San Juan de los Terreros.

About buying... As long as we can find so cheap rentals and we are still far from retirement, there is no reason to think of buying. Next year we might try other Costa.

Thank you again.

If you would like a cheap christmas holiday you could always go to Haskovo in Bulgaria! http://www.hiday.net/

More spam!

you've got to admit he puts in the effort

not quite as seemless as the links on breakfast television though!

talking of television, did anyone see that programme on bulgarian property...........