Roquetas de Mar Almeria Spain, Andalucia. Descriptions and photographs. towns Almeria

Roquetas de Mar

Distance to the capital (Km): 19
Local Inhabitants: Roqueteros
Number of Inhabitants: 40582
Postal Code: 04740

Situated on the southwest of Almería, Roquetas de Mar was once a traditional fishing village. Founded by the Phoenicians and Greeks, was named Turaniana during Roman times. This town, a true gem of the area, combines the facilities of a city with the relaxation of beach life.
Its history, still visible in the Castillo de las Roquetas and the Watch Tower, is a courageous one. Even the English attempted to invade in 1705 only to be sent away with a flea in their ear by the ferocity of the local people.
Modern Roquetas was formed from 1737 onwards by a few inhabitants of Félix and Vícar who helped to establish agriculture in the area. Intensive greenhouse farming has now earned the area the nickname of ‘the larder of Europe’. Together with farming, tourism forms a major part of the local economy, with its well-maintained beaches, wonderful services, nature reserve and complex of beaches, dunes and lakes this town has something for everyone.

Places of Interest
Church of Nuestra Senora del Rosario, 17th century
Castle of las Roquetas
Roman and archaeological remains
Cerrillos Watchtower
Fishing port and market

Festivals
Virgen del Carmen and St Ann, 24th – 27th July
Virgen del Rosario, 4th – 7th October
Festival of the Moragas (beach parties), 29th December

Gastronomy
Being rich in seafood and in fresh, locally grown fruit and vegetables, the local food is a combination of the two. Tarbinas (Potatoes, garlic, onions and red peppers). Arroz a banda (rice with squid ink). Sardines.

Town Hall
Tel 950 338 585
Email alcaldia@aytoroquetas.org