San Juan de los Terreros is a charming Andalucian village within Pulpi municipality on the Almería coast, near the border with Murcia. It was built as a fortified stronghold on the coast, and today an 18th century castle sits on the headland, 150 metres above sea level and offering fabulous views over the Mediterranean Sea.
San Juan is well-known for its beautiful beaches and small coves with crystalline shallow waters just waiting to be discovered. Opposite the coast are two small islands, Isla Negra and Isla de Terreros, both protected natural monuments.
The village has barely 1,000 inhabitants, and you will not find any mass tourism, but it has all key amenities for visitors.
Beaches
As noted above, San Juan de los Terreros has stunning beaches and picturesque coves and bays, its seawater is crystalline, and the eroded cliffs and mountains along the coastline provide the area with a magical air.
The local beach, Playa Calypso, offers some watersports facilities, while Playa de los Cocedores consists of a natural swimming pool with shallow waters, ideal for families with small children.
Within walking distance of the village are even more secluded and unspoilt beaches, tucked away in small bays for those seeking peace and quiet.
Golf
The neighbouring Murcia region’s mild climate makes this area an ideal destination for golf-lovers, who can enjoy playing at any one of 22 golf courses virtually throughout the year, with facilities to accommodate golfers of every level.
In Almería, the nearest golf course, just a five-minute drive away, is Aguilion, while within 30 minutes are Desert Springs in Cuevas Del Amanzora, Valle del Este in Vera and Marina Golf in Mojacar.
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Cuisine
The fertile inland plains produce an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables, seafood is caught daily by the local fishing fleet, and farmed meat and game are brought down from the mountains, ensuring a rich culinary selection to suit every taste – with rice being prominent.
San Juan offers a variety of tapas bars, restaurants and wooden-built beach bars. Near the castle is a highly-recommended grill-restaurant where you can dine while enjoying spectacular views over the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding area.
Fiestas
In honour of its name, San Juan the village celebrates its patron saint’s day on 24 June, with a “sardinada“, a beach festival, fireworks and a dip in the sea at midnight. On 16 July, Virgen del Carmen celebrations, honouring the patron saint of fishermen, include a procession to the seashore.
People interested in attending other popular celebrations are advised to visit Pulpi, the closest town.