Sweet water, sweeter vibes. This laid-back Costa Almería resort sits between dramatic cliffs and a gorgeous Blue Flag beach, with one of Spain's biggest marinas and over 320 days of sunshine a year.
Good to Know
🌡️ One of Europe's sunniest spots – over 320 days of sunshine and highs of 29°C in summer, 17°C in winter
💰 A caña (small beer) costs €1.50-2.50, meals around €10-15 – and some bars still do free tapas with your drink
🎬 The nearby Tabernas Desert is Europe's only desert and doubled as the Wild West in Indiana Jones, Lawrence of Arabia, and countless spaghetti westerns
✨ Top Reasons to Visit Aguadulce
🏖️ Blue Flag beach – 2km of golden sand with calm, shallow waters and lifeguards on duty in summer
⛵ Buzzing marina – waterside restaurants, bars, and sunset views
🏛️ Ancient history – Roman ruins at Torrequebrada and archaeological sites dating back to the Bronze Age
🌴 Palm-lined promenade – stroll from the marina to the beach with ice cream stops and sea views
🌅 Authentic Spanish vibes – late-night tapas, flamenco sounds, and a properly relaxed Mediterranean pace
🏨 Where to Stay
For Families
Playadulce is a popular 4-star seafront hotel surrounded by gardens with outdoor and heated indoor pools. There's tennis, minigolf, and the El Torito Beach Club opens during peak season. Kids' entertainment and a baby corner make it a solid family pick.
ATH Andarax sits in the centre of town, about 500m from the beach. It's a calm, well-reviewed option with an outdoor pool and buffet restaurant – brilliant for families after easy access to shops, bars, and the promenade.
For Couples
Hotel Aguadulce offers apartment-style suites with private kitchens, king-size beds, and sea-facing terraces overlooking the bay. There's an outdoor pool, gym, and massage parlour – proper good for a relaxed couples' escape.
Moon Dreams Portomagno is right on the beachfront with five seasonal pools, a Vitalmar spa, and modern rooms with balconies and sea views. Tennis courts and a gym round out the facilities.
🎯 Top Things to Do in Aguadulce
Best Things to Do in Aguadulce for Families
🏊 Hit the Blue Flag beach – shallow, calm waters perfect for little ones, with lifeguards, sunbeds, and plenty of sandcastle space
🐠 Visit Roquetas de Mar aquarium – just 7km away, brilliant for a rainy day (if you ever get one)
🏛️ Explore the Torrequebrada ruins – mysterious Roman remains right behind the beach that predate the Roman conquest of Spain
🍦 Stroll the promenade – 2km of palm trees, ice cream stops, and playground areas connecting the marina to the beach
Best Things to Do in Aguadulce for Couples
🌅 Sunset drinks at the marina – wander among the yachts and find a waterside table at one of the 764-berth harbour's restaurants
🏔️ Day trip to Cabo de Gata – volcanic cliffs, hidden coves, and turquoise waters just 20km away
💆 Spa day – book a couples massage at one of the hotel spas, then tapas and local wine for dinner
🏰 Explore Almería's Alcazaba – one of Spain's largest Moorish fortresses, just 10km away with incredible Mediterranean views
Best Things to Do in Aguadulce for Groups
🍻 Centro Comercial 501 – the local nightlife hub with bars like Maracas 501 and clubs like Caramelo going until the early hours
🚤 Water sports at the marina – sailing, jet skiing, parasailing, and scuba diving all on offer
🤠 Tabernas Desert day trip – Europe's only desert, where spaghetti westerns were filmed. Visit Mini Hollywood for the full cowboy experience
🍤 Seafood crawl – Bacus for upmarket dining, Chiringuito J. Emilio for beachfront cocktails, and Nuevo Amarre for fried fish
Best Things to Do in Aguadulce for Culture Vultures
🏺 La Ribera de la Algaida – protected archaeological site between Aguadulce and Roquetas de Mar with Bronze Age, Roman, and Moorish remains
🕌 Almería's Alcazaba – 10th-century Arab citadel, one of the largest in Spain, with views stretching to the sea
🛍️ Calle de las Tiendas – Almería's historic shopping street with ceramics, leatherwork, and traditional crafts
📜 4,000 years of history – Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, and Moors have all left their mark on the Costa Almería
🗓️ When to Visit Aguadulce
☀️ Summer (June–August) | 26–31°C
Peak beach season with guaranteed sunshine and sea temps hitting 24-25°C. The resort buzzes with beach clubs, entertainment, and promenade nightlife.
🎉 Feria de Almería (late August) – week-long fiesta with fireworks, flamenco, horse parades, and casetas serving local food
🎵 Cooltural Fest (21-24 August) – major music festival featuring international acts like Franz Ferdinand and Crystal Fighters
🔥 San Juan bonfires (24 June) – traditional midsummer beach celebrations across the coast
🌸 Spring (March–May) | 17–22°C
Wildflowers, fewer crowds, and perfect temperatures for exploring Cabo de Gata and the surrounding area.
🎸 Solazo Fest (early May) – Almería's spring music festival with three days of indie, pop, and rock acts
✝️ Semana Santa (Easter) – stunning processions through Almería city, declared of National Tourist Interest
💐 Cruces de Mayo (May) – decorated cross competitions throughout the region
🍂 Autumn (September–October) | 22–26°C
Still-warm seas (23°C) without the summer crowds – arguably the sweet spot for beach days and exploring.
🍇 Grape harvest festivals (September–October) – wine tastings and village celebrations across the province
🎬 Almería Film Festival (November) – celebrating the region's cinematic history
⛪ Fiesta de la Virgen del Mar (late August/September) – processions honouring Almería's patron saint
❄️ Winter (December–February) | 15–17°C
Europe's lowest rainfall and 6 hours of daily sunshine make this a proper winter sun escape.
🎭 Carnival (February) – street parades and costume competitions in Almería city
👑 Three Kings (6 January) – traditional Spanish gift-giving with parades and festivities
🎄 Christmas markets – nativity scenes and festive markets throughout December
🏝️ Nearby Resorts
Roquetas de Mar – the coast's largest and liveliest resort, 7km south with buzzing beaches and a fantastic aquarium
Almerimar – modern marina resort 30km away with championship golf and excellent water sports
Mojacar – stunning whitewashed hilltop village with 7km of golden beaches, about 90km north
Cabo de Gata – wild natural beauty with volcanic landscapes and some of Spain's best unspoilt beaches, 20km east
Popular Aguadulce hotels
More Aguadulce hotelsWeather in Aguadulce
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Aguadulce has a fabulous Mediterranean climate, with pleasantly hot summers and mild winters. It is officially one of the driest regions in Europe, which means that rain during the winter months is extremely rare and almost totally unheard of in summer. The most marvelous characteristic of the climate in this area, however, is the glorious sunshine, with over 320 days of it each year.
Many people believe it is the long days filled with light that accounts for the cheerful personalities and hospitable nature of the people who are lucky enough to live here. If you want to recharge your batteries, the a holiday in Aguadulce is for you.
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FAQs
How do I get to Aguadulce?
How do I get to Aguadulce?
Almería Airport is about 20km away, with transfers taking 25-30 minutes. We can sort your transfers when you book.
Is Aguadulce good for families?
Is Aguadulce good for families?
Brilliant. The Blue Flag beach has calm, shallow waters with lifeguards during summer, and the promenade has ice cream shops and play areas. Hotels like Playadulce have kids' clubs too.
What's the nightlife like?
What's the nightlife like?
More authentic Spanish than party central – which is exactly the appeal. The marina has waterside bars, and Centro Comercial 501 has proper nightlife spots. The Spanish eat late (dinner from 9-10pm) so everything runs later here.
Can I visit Cabo de Gata from Aguadulce?
Can I visit Cabo de Gata from Aguadulce?
Yes! It's only 20km to the natural park entrance. Playa de los Genoveses and Playa Mónsul are the headline beaches – volcanic cliffs, turquoise waters, and hardly any crowds.
When's the best time to visit?
When's the best time to visit?
June to September for beach weather (high 20s, warm seas). Spring and autumn offer fewer crowds with still-pleasant temperatures. Winter's mild too – warmer than the Canaries sometimes.
