FORGET the Costa del Sol – there is a nearby resort that is cheaper, hotter and has less rain.
Costa de Almería, while not a ‘hidden gem’ per-say, is often overlooked as a holiday destination compared to the popularity of its famous neighbour.
A huge draw is it having a much better climate – with a ‘desert’ coastline due to its proximity to Taberna Desert, the only one of its kind in Europe.
This means a lot less rain too with just 1mm in May compared to the Costa del Sol‘s 15mm, a drop of 93 per cent.
This also means 3,000 hours of sunshine a year which is far more than the UK’s average of 1,350.
Travel experts at First Choice have also found some much cheaper deals too, from as little as £281 for a week’s stay (nearly half the price of a holiday in nearby resorts).
Dining out is affordable too – the experts say that meals are around €30 (£26), half the price of ones in nearly Marbella.
And pints can be found for €3.50 (£3), especially in Mojacar.
These cheap prices mean you could save up to €455 (£394) on food and drink during a week’s stay.
Kevin Nelson, Managing Director at First Choice, said: “Costa Almería quietly delivers some of the most reliable spring sunshine in mainland Europe, yet it hasn’t caught up in price.
“That gap between weather and cost is what makes it stand out.”
It was even named in easyJet’s Cheap Beach Index last year, coming in third place.
So it’s drier, sunnier and cheaper – making it a no brainer for another holiday.
When it comes to things to do there, there are far fewer high rise hotels so you can enjoy the more traditional towns.
A popular spot is Mojácar – a pretty village that fans of Indiana Jones and Game of Thrones might recognise.
Or it is home to La Isleta del Moro in Almeria, dubbed ‘Little Mykonos‘ for its similar white buildings.
There is the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park, a protected area with volcanic geology, hidden coves and huge unspoiled beaches.
Otherwise visit Roquetas de Mar, beachfront town with lots of shops, bars and restaurants.
A unique attraction is Oasys (formerly known as Mini Hollywood) which is found in the Tabernas Desert in Almeria.
Being persuaded to even move there? A Place in The Sun presenter Craig Rowe named it as a great alternative to buy a place abroad on a budget.
He told Sun Travel: “Costa Almería in Spain is really good, especially for anyone on a lower budget.
“It’s not overly developed yet, so the airport links aren’t as strong as what you would get from somewhere on the Costa del Sol.
“But it’s great for someone who would want to buy somewhere and get good bargains that’s authentically Spanish.
“But there are things you have to compromise on – in terms of flying, you have to bear in mind there aren’t that many flights.
“But in years to come there could be, as it’s expanding and very up and coming.”
Here are some other alternative holiday destinations, according to the experts.
And one woman has revealed the lesser-visited Spanish island to go to.
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