We left Catral and moved down south about 300 kms to the Almeria area. Without having done any real research apart from looking at the site we were booked into, we were so disappointed to see that the area is home to miles and miles of plastic poly tunnels, artificially growing the “out of season” fruit and vegetables that the British demand. We were informed that the site was on the beach, this part is true. It did not mention that the beach is a pebble based dirty scrubland, it is surrounded by mountains, filled with poly tunnels, and the local towns are run down and in a poor condition. The air smells of chemicals, the roads thunder with lorry noise and there is little or no tourism.

The view from the site into Balerma, with snow capped mountains in the background.

Balerma is full of part built buildings, pot holed roads, filthy beaches and very few restaurants or bars.

The view of the site from the beach.

The access road to the site.

View from the road above the site.

Mountain view.

We learned that due to the poor soil conditions in this area, about 20 years ago farmers learned all about hydroponics, growing plants in water, using the warmth of the sun to create a steamy warm environment to help them grow and adding chemicals to ensure “normal growth” during their life. However, if you buy a tomato in December, that has been grown in Spain, chances are it’s life has been in a poly tunnel, in water, with chemicals added. It will have colour and size but little flavour. 80% grown here is exported to the UK!! Strawberries in time for Christmas. Cherry tomatoes and courgettes in January. Green beans and red peppers all year around. Grown here in artificial environments.

Our pitch was not as described either, we had to occupy two pitches and were charged accordingly. The area is being used as a base only, to leave the trailer here and travel down to Nerja for Christmas, and to explore the surrounding area before moving on south.

We have established that the Costa del Sol is a haven for caravanners and owners of motorhomes, crammed into every scrap of land they could think of, in car parks, on rough ground and in organised camp sites. This means……no space for us! Not one!!

A motorhome park at a nearby harbour.

Beautiful boats in the harbour.

So you can probably gather, we are not enamoured with this area. In fact we find it quite demoralising and depressing. We are planning to bypass the whole Malaga area, having spent many a New Year in and around the area with my parents and the kids over the past few years, we know it’s not that special. Looking forward to moving down towards Marbella!’,