Almerimar

Almerimar is a development that belongs to El Ejido, about 20 km to the east. The buildings are modern and not very pretty, but it enjoys a privileged location, right by the sea. El Ejido is the area of Almería with the most greenhouses; however, from Almerimar you can't see them: it's like a separate reality. El Ejido is a wealthy town, thanks to its agriculture, and Almerimar is its private beach.

The marina is very peculiar, nestled right among the streets of the development: each dock is flanked by the buildings themselves, as if the sea had slipped between the blocks. It has grown a lot and has all the necessary services — supermarkets, scheduled buses, etc. — making it a comfortable place to stay.

It's a marina frequented by many foreigners from northern Europe; there are English and German pubs, a peculiar atmosphere that gives it a cosmopolitan yet strange feel.

At the foot of the Alpujarras of Almería, the great mountains can be seen from the marina, and this winter we saw them white with snow, besides making some excursions to the Alpujarras villages. It's worth it: they are a haven of peace nestled between the mountains and the sea.

In the first few days, still without a car — and although communications in the Levante region could be much better — we went up to the house to bring back our immortal Citroën AX. With it we traveled through the mountains and along the coast, besides returning home easily from time to time. That little car became our safe-conduct between two worlds.

Almerimar has its charm. The walks along the long, wide beach were a pleasure, and here we had spectacular sunsets, especially in winter, when the sun is further south and set directly over the sea, dyeing it orange and magenta.

It was a peaceful time. We spent it between maintaining the Azul, walking along the beach, and the occasional visit. The bicycles played an important role: with them we rode along the promenade, went shopping, and felt a little freer. Taking advantage of the car, we went up to the house several times, leaving the Azul alone in the marina. We also took a trip through the Alpujarras when Gaspar, Javier, and Carmen visited us. There was a very interesting nautical store where we found some second-hand equipment: one of the cockpit displays, which was barely readable, the same model and at a reasonable price. Small finds that brighten a sailor's day.

It was a transition period. We ended up here because we had no place in Melilla, but it was fine, with its peculiarities. For example, here tapas are a must: you pay the same for a beer with or without a tapa, so even if you're not hungry, there's no sense in not ordering one. A custom you end up appreciating.

We were here from November to May. In May, when we had a window of better weather, we set sail for Melilla. It was the last time we would be on the peninsula; from now on we were jumping to another continent, still without a fixed course, a destination to reach. The journey will teach us along the way.

Note from the crew
This English version was translated automatically using small, local AI models during our voyage, often without an internet connection. It may contain small errors or quirks. The original Spanish version is the definitive one. We appreciate your understanding — and if you speak English and spot something that could be improved, we'd love to hear from you.