The old Renaissance town of Vera is about 10 kilometres inland from the Almería coast, but the municipality extends to the coast where in the 1980s a new tourist resort, Vera Playa, was built.
It is a major summer holiday destination that also attracts many tourists who practise naturism. The old town’s charm is enhanced by its historical roots and a wonderful mix of little shops, tapas bars and cultural attractions.
History
Historically, Vera started as a Carthaginian, Roman and Moorish settlement near Villaricos on the coast, but it was moved inland by the Muslims to the Cerro del Espiritu Santo (Holy Spirit Hill) during the early Middle Ages, where it was completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1518. A few years later it was rebuilt in its current location, with the Nuestra Señora de Encarnación church as a central focus within its new fortified walls.
Beaches
Vera has approximately eight kilometres of white sandy “Blue Flag” beaches with all modern facilities provided. Vera Playa is one of Europe’s leading naturist and nudist beach destinations. However, except for a designated part of Vera’s main beach, El Playazo, within a protected naturist zone, all the other five beaches are conventional “textile” beaches.
Besides the customary watersports facilities such as surf and diving schools, Vera has a water park, Aquavera, with slides, wave pool and mini-golf.
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 is Vera’s 18-hole course, Valle del Este Golf & Spa Resort.
More info here
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.
Both the old town and the attractive promenade on the coast offer a wide array of restaurants and tapas bars to suit all tastes and budgets.
Fiestas
Vera hosts several annual celebrations, including Carnival, The Old Lady’s Day, Holy Week, Celebration of the Reconquest and Día de San Anton, as well as a fiesta in honour of its patron saint, San Cleofás, during the last week of September.