Roquetas de Mar is an incredible Mediterranean city with pristine beaches, amazing gastronomy and plenty of fun activities for the whole family. Here are some of the best places to visit in this beautiful town!
One of Roquetas’ most popular beaches is Playa Serena, a 1.1-mile (1.8-kilometer) urban beach where the Mediterranean Sea laps the sand. It is a wonderful place to swim, sunbathe or engage in water sports such as windsurfing and sailing.
1. Playa Serena
Roquetas de Mar is home to many of the best beaches in Almeria and Playa Serena is one of the most popular and beautiful. The beach has a variety of amenities and facilities, including restaurants, bars, and craft fairs.
A popular water park is also located in the town and features wave pools and enormous slides that are sure to please little and big kids alike. The park opens daily from mid-June to September and offers a number of activities that will keep the entire family entertained.
Another beach that is very popular with families and has plenty to offer is Las Salinas. This is a popular beach that is easy to get to by public transport and is very quiet and peaceful.
Another popular activity in Roquetas de Mar is hiking and cycling. There are many walking and cycling routes that you can take to discover the stunning nature surrounding the town and Punta Entinas Sabinar Natural Park is a great place to do this. The hikes are relatively long but you’ll love seeing the natural beauty and wild life around.
2. Mario Park
If you’re a fan of the Super Mario series, you’ll be glad to know that this theme park in Roquetas de Mar has plenty to offer. Designed to celebrate Mario’s storied history, the land is packed with eye-candy and fun references to the video game universe.
Attractions include the groundbreaking Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge ride, a Toad-inspired restaurant and a stocked-up merchandise hub filled with shirts, hats, plush and themed popcorn canisters. There are also meet-and-greets with characters including Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach.
In addition to the augmented reality Mario Kart ride, guests can play other games throughout the park with Power-Up Bands — similar to wands in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter — that they tap when they spot coin blocks or other interactive objects. Tapping these bands in certain spots will unlock a special minigame or Easter egg.
On the ground floor, guests will find two of the most popular Mario characters, Mario and Luigi, as well as a gazebo-like space where Princess Peach waits for visitors. Princess Peach even speaks in English!
3. Gran Plaza Mall
If you're a shopaholic then this is the place to be. With over 50 stores to choose from you'll be spoilt for choice.
This modern shopping complex has everything you could want to shop and dine in one place, from fashion to footwear to food, there's something for everyone! It's also home to a cinema and a range of dining options including restaurants, coffee shops, fast food and more.
What makes this shopping centre stand out is its family-friendly theme and the events that take place throughout the year. You can enjoy Mariachi music, contests and other activities that will keep the whole family entertained.
This shopping mall is currently undergoing major renovations by Chapman Taylor. It is transforming the interiors and expanding the leisure facilities to bring it into the future. The project includes new restaurants, a cinema and a waterfall in the centre of the mall.
4. Playa Serena Golf Course
The Playa Serena Golf Course was established in 1979 and has excellent facilities with a fully renovated 18 hole golf course. The Clubhouse is characterised by high ceilings, open spaces and breathtaking views of the golf course and Sierra Nevada.
Designed by Angel Gallardo and Peter Alliss, the course is one of the flattest in Spain with wide fairways, 9 lakes and greens well protected by bunkers. This course has hosted several national circuit trials and is in excellent condition year-round.
Located in Roquetas de Mar, Playa Serena Golf Course offers free WiFi and a year-round pool. All units are fitted with a terrace, and kitchens include an oven, microwave and toaster. A fridge and a coffee machine are also provided.