Santa Ana Castle, one of the top things to see in Roquetas de Mar
The Santa Ana Castle originally began as a watchtower in the 16th century. It was built to protect the production and shipment of salt from the surrounding salt flats from the attacks of pirates and enemies. With time, due to its important strategic location, it developed into a castle.
In the 17th century the Castillo de Santa Ana was destroyed by several earthquakes and Ottoman attacks. Unfortunately, the economic downturn in Spain at that moment meant that there were no funds for its restoration.
Although the castle was finally rebuilt in the middle of the 18th century, it was again destroyed by an earthquake in 1804. Only one of the towers survived.
It wasn’t until the end of the 20th century (1997 - 2003) that the Santa Ana castle was rebuilt again.
Today it can be visited for free. It hosts art exhibits, conferences and summer concerts. However, the main highlight of the visit is getting to the top of one of the towers to enjoy the marvelous views of the Costa de Almeria.
If you are in Roquetas, you can’t miss a visit to the Castillo de Santa Ana.
2
LIGHTHOUSE OF ROQUETAS DE MAR
Sunset over the lighthouse of Roquetas de Mar
The lighthouse of Roquetas is located next to the Santa Ana castle. Both monuments together make up the most picturesque and photographed corner of Roquetas de Mar.
The building was erected in 1863 and worked as a lighthouse until 1945. After that, it served as the house for the person in charge of the port.
When the new port buildings were finished and the tenant moved out, the Faro de Roquetas de Mar was handed to the government and renovated.
Since then, it houses temporary exhibitions: paintings, sculptures, photographs, etc.
3
PORTS OF ROQUETAS & AGUADULCE
Fishing & pleasure boats in the port of Roquetas
The Fishing Port & Marina of Roquetas de Mar is located in downtown Roquetas, halfway between the village of Aguadulce and the popular Serena and Urbanizacion beaches.
The port of Roquetas is at the heart of the local fishing tradition, which has been of great importance to the town since its foundation. Still today, fishing is an essential economic activity on which many local families depend.
The port of Roquetas also has a marina with space for pleasure boats and a yacht club, the Real Club Naútico Roquetas de Mar.
There is a variety of bars and restaurants in the area, making it the perfect place to enjoy some of the freshest fish. Moreover, the Puerto de Roquetas de Mar is surrounded by two beautiful beaches: La Romanilla to the east and La Bajadilla to the west.
The tradition of the Roquetas Port contrasts with the modern facilities of the Aguadulce Marina. Among others, here you will find several marine shops, a diving club called Buceo Aguadulce and a yacht club.
This lively area is also home to several bars and restaurants.
As with the port of Roquetas, you don’t need to go far to get to the beach, since the Aguadulce beach is right next to the marina.
4
PUNTA ENTINAS-SABINAR NATURE PARK
Flamingos in the Punta Entinas-Sabinar Nature Park
The Punta Entinas-Sabinar Nature Park is a 15km-long strip of protected coastline just outside of Roquetas de Mar. Made up of marshes and dunes, a visit to this unique nature preserve is one of the top things to do in Almeria.
Among the dunes you will discover both fresh and salt water lakes. Some of the latter are actually abandoned salt pans.
Even in the middle of summer, the beach along Punta Entinas-Sabinar is often deserted. Its isolation makes it an ideal spot for birdwatching. More than 150 bird species have been sighted here: waders, flamingos, the rare Audouin’s gull, etc.
Autumn is the best time to visit for birdwatching, since it’s when many migrating birds stop in the area.