The Latest Spanish Property News from Kyero.com
September 18th, 2006
The thin sanded beaches of Roquetas stretch out along 16 km, indifferent to the traces left behind in history by the ancient Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans or by the eight centuries of Arabian rule. All of them are part of the collective memory of this old town, although its most outstanding architectural jewel, the Castle of Santa Ana, dates from the 17th century.
Perhaps there is no better way to get the taste of local history than by becoming familiar with the local gastronomy. In this respect, Roquetas de Mar also honours the second part of its name: the taste of its dishes is the taste of the sea. Different kinds of fish and shellfish, wisely mixed, acquire a new and spicy dimension when a zarzuela (seafood fish casserole) is cooked. The vegetables from the area are also of excellent quality ?in fact we are talking about an area referred to as la Huerta de Europa (the Orchard of Europe). But above all, if you want to take part in the locals’ and visitors’ favourite hobby, tour the bars when the sun is at its highest and try the great variety of hot or cold tapas that are served with small glasses of wine or beer. If these culinary expeditions last longer than expected - which happens quite often - your body will demand to skip the main meal and go straight to take the nap that the Spanish call siesta.
However, Roquetas does not rest on its laurels. Although still faithful to its fishing and agricultural tradition, it has grown impressively, to the point of having nearly 70,000 inhabitants today and being one of the main destinations on the coast of Almeria. It offers a wide range of possibilities as regards leisure, culture and shopping at competitive prices.
In a privileged environment for sports in general, water sports lovers will find a superb setting for surfing, sailing, and scuba diving here. Don’t worry if you lack the experience or the equipment, there are courses for everyone. Golf lovers will be happy to know that there is also a great course for them - an 18 hole one. As a quieter alternative, large open spaces, including a nature reserve, invite you to go for a walk and admire the flora and fauna all around.
In terms of cultural entertainment, activities are also endless as you can enjoy music, theatre, cinema, etc. The amphitheatre, which looks on to the sea, stands out on its own and offers open air performances during summer nights.
When night comes, the hubbub of clubs and discos takes over the streets that are swarmed with people and fun. Then it is time for a different kind of expedition and adventure. From the trendiest and busiest pubs to the most elegant and quiet ones, Roquetas’ night life captivates those who embrace it.
Listen to the sound of the waves and notice the quaint Andalucian accent (you will laugh with the locals once you manage to understand them). Behold the beauty of a sunset. Breathe the sea air in the leisure harbours. Enrapture your palate with the local specialities. Shake hands with locals, who will easily become your friends, because Roquetas is a place to be experienced with all your five senses.
Story from spanishpromotions.com


