Once a traditional Spanish fishing town, Roquetas de Mar is a popular holiday centre visited by tourists throughout the year. The old coastal town dates right
back to Roman times and is a maze of narrow, Moorish streets, surrounded by modern hotels and shops. There are many examples of its wonderful history, including the remaining tower of Castilla de Santa Ana and a number of 16th to 18th century fortifications along the Roquetas coastline. The restored church of la Virgen del Rosario built in 1789 features an outstanding altarpiece depicting the
life of the Virgin Mary, painted in 1957 by Jesus Perceval.
Although modern, Roquetas de Mar still preserves its classic Spanish charm and authentic ambience. It is a very popular resort set against a beautiful mountain backdrop with a fine, uncrowded, sandy beaches stretching for miles.
It has many excellent restaurants serving spectacular mouthwatering Spanish dishes. There are lively bars, shops and a bustling fishing harbour. For nature lovers, the salt marsh at Las Marinas five kilometres south of Roquetas, attracts flamingoes, little egrets and avocets, and at Punto Sabinas, bird watchers may be lucky enough to spot the crested lark or great grey shrike.
|
