Lifestyle
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Almeria has something for everyone...
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Aqua-aerobics, tennis and for when you want to recover from the more energetic activities there are always the aromatherapy baths, leaving you fully refreshed for an evening on the town! Traditional outdoor markets are held at least once a week in most towns and villages, mostly unaffected by the supermarkets as the locals prefer the fresh produce and personal service of the local markets. Designers are everywhere in Spain. Local people producing everything from clothes to pottery. Mango and Zara are worldwide known and originate from Spain and are cheaper than the shops in England!
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Spa's Relaxation and pampering are all you need to consider at the many spa's and health clubs available to both residents and visitors to The Costa Almeria. From massage and saunas, to the benefits of world class gyms and swimming pools, you will find all you need to keep yourself both healthy, beautiful, and pleasantly occupied for your stay in The Costa Almeria. |
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Shopping Shopping in Spain is a pleasurable activity, particularly if you approach it in a leisurely way, punctuating it with frequent breaks for coffee. In small family-run shops especially, people will go out of their way to fulfil your smallest request. Markets sell the freshest of produce and quality wines can be found at almost any grocer. Spain is a world class producer of wine, both in quality and quantity. Better known are the quality reds from Rioja and Ribera del Duero, reds and whites from Penedés and fine whites from Rueda. Leatherwork is still highly regarded among Spain's many traditional crafts. Spanish design has come to the forefront in both fashion and décor. From leather to linguine's; Spain is the place to shop! Traditional porcelain and ceramics, as well as wine and designer clothes. Everything is at your fingertips. The best of the traditional right next door to the latest in fashion. Whatever your tastes you will not be disappointed when you shop in Spain. |
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Opening Hours
Shops usually open at 10am close at 2pm and reopen from 5pm to 8pm.
Bakeries and bars generally open earlier, at around 8am. Hypermarkets and
department stores stay open over lunchtime. Markets are held in the
morning only. In some regions Sunday trading is just limited to the
bakeries (panaderias), cake shops (pastelerias) and newspaper kiosks (quiosco
del periodico), but in many holiday resorts,
shops open Sunday.
Markets Every large town has a daily market (mercado), open from 9am to 2pm. Small towns have one or more market days a week. Markets usually have the best fresh produce, but they sell all types of food, including dried fruits and seasonal produce, such as mushrooms, fruit and game. There are also usually other types of goods on sale, such as flowers, hardware and clothes. Antiques and flea markets (rastros) are held everywhere in Spain.
Larger
Shops Fiestas Every town and village has their own fiesta. Everyone makes an effort to make it an enjoyable day, not only for themselves but also for others that come for the day. Over 3000 fiestas are celebrated every year throughout the Andalucian region. Each town has it's own Patron Saint and yearly procession.
Cuisine The Mediterranean diet is known for being the most healthiest in the world. Enjoying the Almerian cuisine is a fundamental part of the lifestyle! The typical dishes of Almeria are the "Ajo Colorao" ("Red Garlic"), Paprika Broth and several dishes based on garlic, tomato and peppers. Tapas (snacks) is very popular. Popping in and out of bars for a drink and sampling a variety of specialities, including a range of small fish, meat, rice and salad dishes. Each tapas is really no more than a bite, this allows you to have a few before a main meal, or even making a meal out of them and ordering larger portions (raciones)! This is a popular pastime for the Spanish and an excellent way to socialise! Most restaurants will have a "Menu del Dia", this is normally a 3 course meal. The meals are filling and also very reasonable.
Golf Golf in Costa Almeria is enviable, offering almost 365 days of golfing a year. You are never far from a golf course, whether you are in a town, living on a golf complex or on the beach. Please see our Golf page for full details of courses in the area.
Bullfighting A Spanish tradition. The bullfighting season starts from April through to October. The week long events known as Ferias are held to coincide with the yearly fairs of towns in the Costa Almeria province.
Skiing If you enjoy Skiing, the resort of Sol y Nieve is not far away in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It hosted the 1996 World Ski Championships. Europe's highest road runs past the resort at 2100m. The resort is the most southerly ski resort in Europe, as it is so far south the temperatures are usually warmer than other ski resorts. The runs are varying and suit all skiing levels. The ski season is usually December to April. During the rest of the year the Sierra Nevada is open for walkers, hikers and climbers.
Camping Camping is a popular way to enjoy and experience the natural environment. There are plenty of campsites dotted about the Province of Almeria. Most campsites are situated by the seaside or in the natural parks. They are rated First, Second and Third depending on the facilities available.
Caving Something that is not very well known is the variety of natural caves. Some of these are open to the public and worth a visit. You can explore the natural beauty of the caves. Caves can be found at Sorbas, Velez Rubio and Velez Blanco here you have the opportunity to see the caves in their natural state.
Windsurfing Windsurfing is popular in the Costa Almeria, especially in the area of Roquetas De Mar. Lessons are available, it is suited for people of all ages and abilities.
The Costa Almeria really does have something for everyone, enjoy!
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