For sunshine, shimmering seas and a slice of authentic Spain, try Agua Amarga

 

A pretty town on the south east coast of Spain, Agua Amarga offers stunning blue seas and alfresco dining at friendly tapas bars.

Just 40 minutes from Almeria Airport, visitors weave through the famous Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park to reach this charming holiday spot.

Surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountains, this is the only region in mainland Europe with a hot desert climate.

The beach is a long stretch of burning sand lapped by a cool sea. Towering rockfaces overlook the shore at either end.

 

A couple of down-home, family friendly restaurants and bars make a useful refuge if the sun gets too intense.

In the town by day, you can visit easy-going boutiques and authentic tapas spots centred around a little square.

By night, the town takes on a new energy.

People eat late here, even kids.

By 10pm, the central square comes alive – with each restaurant offering al fresco seating for guests to enjoy the balmy evenings.

The offering at these places is simply-cooked, generous and delicious seafood fare.

It is more authentic than many other towns and cities along the Andalusian coast.

Real Las Villas

If you are lucky enough to be staying at Real Las Villas, you will happily burn off the daily feasts with walks back along the beach.

These sugar cube apartments on the west side of Playa Agua Amarga  are comfortable, with all necessities provided.

The seven villas, each providing accommodation for between six and eight guests, also have private parking and a pool.

The balconies over look the beach, offering a perfect place to watch the sun go down.

A short descent down the rocky hills leads guests to Real Beach – a private bar, lunch and dinner spot.

There is also a chillout area with comfortable loungers that look out to the glistening waves.

Stop by for the beach club’s regular barbecues paired with punchy cocktails, which are a perfect match for the sunny weather.

This haven is designed as a place of pure relaxation. So, children under the age of 12 are not permitted. But that's no bother with the beach just metres away.

For details about Real Las Villas read here.

To read the full review in the Mayfair Times read here.