Aguadulce: your Costa de Almería escape

Hotel Moon Dreams Portomagno: Beachfront Fun for Everyone

Hotel Moon Dreams Portomagno is the perfect pick for a lively seaside escape on the Costa de Almería. Set directly on the beachfront, it gives you immediate access to the promenade and the Mediterranean, with bars, restaurants, shops and public transport just steps away.

Enjoy five outdoor swimming pools, a varied buffet with live cooking, and high-seasonentertainment for both adults and children. It’s an ideal choice for families who want to mix relaxation and fun in one easy, sunny setting.

Just a short stroll from Aguadulce Marina, the hotel places you right in the heart of the action, day and night.

A cheerful, well-located hotel made for carefree holidays by the sea.

Full Board at the hotel: how meals are organised

If you book your stay with Full Board, please note the order of the meals included, so you can plan your stay with complete peace of mind.

• Your stay will begin with lunch on the day of arrival.
• Your stay will end with breakfast on the day of departure.

The hotel specifies that this order cannot be changed, as restaurant capacity is carefully managed to ensure smooth service for all guests.

• Good to know: This only applies to the restaurant service. Please check the key collection and check-out times to organise your stay comfortably.

Curiosities of Aguadulce

Aguadulce has its name for a reason, and it’s not just a marketing idea from the 1960s. Discover some of the most fascinating facts that make this beautiful corner of Almería so special:

• The mystery behind the name (water that isn’t salty)
  It’s called Aguadulce because fresh water springs emerge right by the seashore. In the past, sailors took advantage of these natural filtrations from the Sierra de Gádor to refill their drinking water supplies without having to sail far from the coast.

• The “Kilometre Zero” of Spanish tourism
  Aguadulce is part of tourism history. In 1964 it was declared the first Centre of National Tourist Interest in Spain. In many ways, the modern sun-and-beach holiday model that we know today began right here.

• A Hollywood base by the sea
  Thanks to its proximity to Tabernas, Aguadulce, in Almería, became the perfect coastal base for Western film crews. Stars such as Harrison Ford, Clint Eastwood and Steven Spielberg stayed here while filming in the desert, seeking the refreshing sea breeze after long days under the intense heat.

• The “shield” microclimate
  Protected by the Sierra de Gádor, Aguadulce enjoys a unique microclimate. While strong Poniente or Levante winds may sweep across other parts of Almería, the sea here is often calmer and the air noticeably milder.

• A hidden treasure beneath your feet: Ribera de la Algaida
  Nearby lies the archaeological site of Turaniana, home to the remains of a Roman settlement. Even more remarkable is its Posidonia reef, one of the few natural monuments of its kind in the Mediterranean, forming an underwater ecosystem that helps keep the water exceptionally clear.

Almería is one of Spain's best-kept secrets. Tucked away in the far south-east of Andalusia, between the Mediterranean and a landscape of desert and mountains, this sun-drenched city combines a remarkable Moorish heritage, a relaxed seaside atmosphere and some of the wildest, most unspoilt beaches in the country. It's also one of the sunniest places in Europe, which makes it a great choice almost all year round.

Almería suits travellers who like variety. Couples will love the quiet coves and long sunsets, while families can spend one day building sandcastles and the next exploring film sets in the desert. It's an authentic, unhurried slice of southern Spain that still feels refreshingly undiscovered.

Make sure you visit:

Begin at the Alcazaba, the great Moorish fortress that has watched over the city for more than a thousand years. Wander through its gardens and walls, then make your way up to the highest point for sweeping views over the rooftops and the bay. Back down in the old town, stop at the cathedral, an unusual building that was designed to be both a place of worship and a fortress against pirate attacks.

To see a very different side of the city's history, book a guided visit to the Civil War shelters, a network of tunnels beneath the streets. Finish your day with a stroll along the seafront, past the old Cable Inglés, an iron loading pier that has become one of Almería's most recognisable landmarks.

Beaches we think you'll like:

The city has its own long urban beach, El Zapillo, but the real treasures lie in the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, less than an hour's drive away. Los Genoveses is a wide, golden bay backed by dunes, ideal for families thanks to its gentle, shallow water. Nearby, Mónsul is famous for its striking volcanic rock formations and has featured in more than one Hollywood film.

If you're looking for something wilder, the Playa de los Muertos near Carboneras rewards the short downhill walk with clear turquoise water. Adventurous travellers can head to Cala de San Pedro, which you can only reach on foot or by boat, a true hidden corner of the Mediterranean.

Family-friendly activities:

Children usually love the Tabernas Desert, just half an hour inland, where many classic westerns were filmed. At Oasys MiniHollywood, a cowboy town with live shows and a zoo, the whole family can step onto a real film set. On the coast, the calm water of Cabo de Gata is perfect for a first snorkelling session or a guided kayak trip along the cliffs.

On cooler days, a walk around the Alcazaba feels like a real adventure for younger visitors, and the evening paseo along the seafront is a lovely way to wind down after a busy day.

Local delicacies you have to try:

Almería is one of the few places in Spain where every drink still comes with a free tapa, and you choose it yourself, so a tapas crawl through the old town is a must. Look out for gamba roja de Garrucha, a prized local red prawn, and the province's famous tomatoes, which are full of flavour all year round.

For something heartier, try migas, a rustic dish of fried breadcrumbs often served with peppers and sausage, or a warming bowl of gurullos, a traditional stew made with small handmade pasta.

Make the most of your visit:

Almería is a great base for exploring the coast and the interior of the province. These are some of our favourite trips:

• Níjar (35 minutes): a whitewashed village known for its pottery and handwoven rugs.
• San José (40 minutes): a relaxed seaside village and the perfect gateway to Cabo de Gata.
• Tabernas Desert (30 minutes): Europe's only desert landscape and a film-set favourite.
• Mojácar (1 hour): a stunning hilltop village overlooking the sea.