9 Best Things to Do in Roquetas de Mar

A great way to take in the seaside charms of Roquetas de Mar is on Playa Serena, one of the resort town’s most beautiful beaches. It’s more shingly than sandy; typical of Roquetas’ coast. However, it’s panoramically wide, stretching for around 6km along the calm blue Mediterranean Sea. The beach is spotless and well-maintained, as is the palm-lined and hexagon-tiled promenade that runs parallel to it. You’ll find a good mix of beach bars, as well as numerous public showers and footbaths along its length.

You can find this striking landmark just south of the marina. The restored medieval castle houses an art gallery with regularly changing exhibitions. This makes it a great spot to escape from the summer heat, especially as entry is free. Take the lift to the top, where you can enjoy the seaside town’s Mediterranean seascapes from a different angle. Right next door is a lighthouse museum and an open amphitheatre, where music concerts, fairs and shows are also regularly held.

The Parque Comercial Gran Plaza (Grand Plaza Shopping Park) is snuggled between the urban and coastal areas of Roquetas de Mar, catering to both locals and visitors. It houses a hypermarket where you can source your holiday essentials or simply stroll and shelter when it’s hot or rainy outside. The food court offers plenty of dining options and there’s a playground with a bouncy castle where the kids can have a fun time.

The Parque Aquatico Mario Park is Roquetas’ main waterpark, where you and your family can enjoy a splashing day out in the summer sun. It’s just up the main Reino de España road from the Grand Plaza shopping centre. It’s not the largest of waterparks, but it does feature a wave pool with artificial beach, “race track” slides where you can slide side-by-side, and several long spiralling tubes for thrill-seekers. Younger kids can enjoy their own dedicated pools and play areas. Tickets start from €23. 95 for adults and €16.95 for kids (95–150 cm).

For educational family fun, head up to Aquarium Costa De Almería, right next door to Mario Park. Even though it’s compact, the aquarium has a good collection of marine exhibits, including a touch pool where the kids can handle starfish and small, docile rays. Its oceanarium has sharks that you can book a cage dive with. If that’s too extreme for you, take a walk through the underwater tunnel, with the sharks gliding overhead. Tickets are around €17 for adults and €13 for kids under 14. 

Slightly away from the seaside resort and tucked inside Roquetas’ urban area, this small but exciting racetrack lets you channel your need for speed in a fun and secure way. It’s not just for adults, as they also have smaller karts specially built for kids in their garage. Total beginners are welcome, as they have medium-speed karts alongside their souped-up race models. The circuit looks simple, but there are some tight corners where you can hone your racing lines. Tickets are around €14.

If you’re a meat-lover looking to try some Spanish cuisine, this restaurant next to Roquetas’ beachfront promenade is a great choice. Besides pizzas and pasta and a range of traditional Spanish dishes cooked in their wood-fired oven, they offer the famous whole suckling pig from Segovia, known as Cochinillo Segoviano (around €20 a serving). You can also enjoy a host of Mediterranean seafood dishes, such as lobster risotto and Valencian fideuà (similar to paella, but with pasta instead of rice). Good for families, they also have a special kids’ menu with dishes from €6.

Roquetas de Mar’s marina can be a great place to chill and relax with Mediterranean Sea views, and with a refreshing cocktail or cold pint at hand. There are a few great bars to choose from, such as La Cantina, Mojito Beach, The Clan, and HeartBreak Aguadulce. Most have a wonderful view of the calm port as a bonus. Some have terraces, where you can enjoy your drink with the sea breezes, and with the neatly parked yachts upfront.