Vera

Big clean beaches with all the services, large sandy sea beds and a well taken care of urban environment give this coastal enclave a most important attractiveness for tourism.

Another one of Vera's treasure is to be able to brag about being a gastronomic paradise.

The residential area on the coast of Vera, also called 'Vera Mar', runs from north to south or vice versa, parallel to the nudist beach, el 'Playazo', to the water amusement park, and to the beaches which are situated next to the ocean walk. Vera nowadays isn't just famous for its nudist beaches, but also for many other things.

The beaches of Vera: This is the privileged coast area of east Almeria. It consists of a 5 kilometre long, wide sandy beach, with fine, white sand, well looked after and clean, with crystal clear water, and in the background lie the beautiful mountains. These beaches deserve the blue flag, which is a European quality distinction.

In the north you can find those beaches which are kept in one part as nudist beaches and nudist areas, with accommodation, hotel, camping and residential areas which are currently subject to extension.

Further south lies the beach called 'El Playazo'. Thousands of meters of sandy beach and silence. It stretches up to the river mouth of the river 'Antas' with its damp region and water areas. Here, as mentioned above, a small lagoon is formed and surrounded by reeds and plants. This is the habitat of a diverse bird fauna, a unique ecosystem in Europe, which is used by migratory birds between Africa and Europe as a resting place.

Further south the wonderful and quaint ocean walk runs parallel to the beaches of the towns: 'Villajarapa', 'Puerto Rey', 'Peublo Laguna', 'Las Marismas' and 'Mar y Ciels'.

The Town: The town of Vera is very prosperous, sunny and has many stores. Vera is rich in its handicraft and the amount of tourist is constantly increasing, because of its well-know cuisine. There are fancy restaurants, as well as the popular Spanish 'Tapas' (small rations).

The Friendliness and hospitality of the almost 7000 inhabitants of Vera make this town especially attractive for residents and guests. There is a street market every Saturday.

For sight-seeing the most important sights are: the church 'La Encarnacion', which was built in the XVI century in a modern style, and it's alter painting is in baroque style. Opening hours: afternoons. The Royal Hospital 'San Augustin', which was also built in the XVI century, the monastery 'Las Victoria', the chapel 'Espiritu Santo', as well as the historic town museum and the fountain called 'Cuatro Canos'. There is a wonderful look out point which had been a medieval settlement. The view from the 'Plaza de la Gloria' square is wonderful.

Easter Week: The highlights of the Easter Week in Vera are: The special event on Sunday before Palm Sunday, which indicates the beginning of the Easter Week, and also the processions and pilgrimages, in which the figures of the Virgin 'Virgin de las Angustias' and of Christ 'El Nazareno' are carried to the church. When the Easter processions have finished, the regions figures or shrines are taken back to their respective church or chapel on Good Friday.

Handicraft: The pottery of this region has its origin in ancient times, and has got a long tradition. Particular and sometimes strange pottery pieces are made, like for example a sort of jug with four beaks or openings, called the 'Four Beak Jug' (Jarra de Cuatro Picos). It has got a round shape, like a balloon with a thin waist and a long neck. On top it has got four 'beaks' or 'openings' in order to drink out of it. Among this pottery or ceramics handicraft you can also find a funny sort of jug called the 'Tricky Jug' (Jarra Trampa). This jug has got a trick, as it has five 'false openings'. If you try to drink out of it, you will spill all the water. If you like, you can visit several pottery shops and their handicrafts contacting the Tourist Information Office: Plaza Mayor, phone number: Tel: (0034) 950 393142. Fax: (0034) 950 393144