Fancy an affordable break in Spain this spring with guaranteed sunshine? This lesser-known coastal spot might just be the perfect getaway.
While much of the country experiences spring showers in the months leading up to May, one ‘desert coast’ is basking in year-round, near-summer sunshine – and holidaymakers can save over £250 compared to a similar trip in the Costa del Sol.
According to travel experts at First Choice, Costa de Almería is not only sunnier and quieter than popular beach destinations across Spain, it’s notably cheaper.
While a four-night stay in Costa del Sol costs approximately £571 per couple in May, a seven-night break at Best Oasis Tropical hotel in Costa de Almería costs as little as £281 per person, with flights included, in the same month.
When it comes to food and drink, the price gap only widens, with a single beer in Mojácar averaging €3.50 (£3), while a pint in the likes of Marbella cost as much as €6 (£5.20) – a difference of more than 40 per cent.
The lesser-known coastal region of Almería offers year-round sunshine, volcanic landscapes and £3 beers, making it a must-visit above popular Spanish hotspots this spring
A seven-night stay in Costa de Almería (pictured) costs as little as £281 per person, while a four-night break in Costa del Sol can total as much as £571 per couple in May
In Almería, a three-course meal can cost up to €35 (£30) per couple, while meals in Marbella range from €60 to €100 (£51.90 to £86.60) – a difference of up to €65 (£56) per meal.
Over the course of a seven-night stay, this adds up to more than €455 (£394) saved on food alone.
The weather is a welcome bonus, as the southeastern region delivers near-summer conditions weeks before neighbouring areas.
It boasts one of the driest climates in Europe; basking in more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year and seeing just 26 days of rainfall out of 365.
In May, Costa de Almería experiences as much as 1mm of rainfall, compared with 15mm in the Costa del Sol – a whopping 93 per cent less at the beginning of summer.
Almería is one of the continent’s driest climates, where visitors can enjoy more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year
The whitewashed village of Mojácar has featured in Hollywood blockbusters such as Indiana Jones and Game of Thrones
The Gata Cape Natural Park is famed for its dramatic cliffs and hidden coves
The region is recognised as the continent’s only true desert thanks to its proximity to the Tabernas Desert and its geographical placement in the rain shadow of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Beyond its balmy weather and unbeatable value, the area boasts breathtaking natural landmarks, unique landscapes, and a coastline that is largely free of high-rise hotel blocks.
The volcanic coastline of the protected Cabo de Gata Natural Park is famed for its dramatic cliffs, hidden coves and some of Spain’s most photogenic beaches.
Away from the shore, traveller can head into the desert landscapes of Tabernas, where sweeping vantage points sit a short drive away from the whitewashed hilltop village of Mojácar.
The scenic town has served as a prominent backdrop in major Hollywood productions over the years, including Indiana Jones and Game of Thrones.
Travellers can even step into a Wild West-esque world by visiting a preserved film set at MiniHollywood Oasys, which often puts on shows and attractions.
Kevin Nelson, Managing Director at First Choice, said: ‘Costa Almería quietly delivers some of the most reliable spring sunshine in mainland Europe, yet it hasn’t caught up in price. That gap between weather and cost is what makes it stand out.”
‘For sun-seekers looking to dodge spring showers and stretch their spending money further, Spain’s so-called “desert coast” is shaping up to be one of the mainland’s best-value spring escapes right now.’
Source link
CHECK OUT: Top Travel Destinations
READ MORE: Travel News
