The best things to do in Roquetas de Mar (“Roquetas” for short) include strolling the seafront. It has one of the widest and cleanest beaches on Spain’s southern coast. There’s even a beautifully tiled promenade you can use to enjoy the Mediterranean seascapes. The well-developed and sunny beach resort town is mostly uncrowded, which can be a big bonus if you’re looking for some peace and quiet.

Roquetas is a great choice if you’re travelling as a family, with a few great features to keep even the youngest family member happy. We’ve compiled all the great things to do in Roquetas de Mar in a day or two, which includes some of the top sightseeing, shopping, dining, recreational and nightlife highlights of this Andalusian seaside resort.

What are the best things to do in Roquetas de Mar?

  • 1

    Playa Serena

    Serene and spotless beach with a paved boardwalk

    Playa Serena
    • Couples
    • Photo

    Playa Serena is one of Roquetas de Mar's most beautiful beaches. It's a great place to take in the seaside charms of the resort town. The beach is more shingly than sandy; typical of Roquetas’ coast. However, it’s panoramically wide, stretching for around 6 km along the calm blue Mediterranean Sea. 

    The beach is spotless and well-maintained, as is the palm-lined and hexagon-tiled promenade that runs parallel to it. You’ll find a good mix of beach bars, as well as numerous public showers and footbaths along its length.

    Location: Paseo del Mar, Roquetas de Mar, Almería, Spain

    Map

    photo by Leandro Kibisz (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 2

    Castillo de Santa Ana

    Ocean views from a 14th-century castle

    Castillo de Santa Ana
    • History
    • Photo

    Castillo de Santa Ana is a striking landmark just south of the marina in Roquetas de Mar. The restored medieval castle houses an art gallery with regularly changing exhibitions. This makes it a great spot to escape from the summer heat, especially as entry is free. 

    Take the lift to the top, where you can enjoy the seaside town’s Mediterranean seascapes from a different angle. Right next door is a lighthouse museum and an open amphitheatre, where music concerts, fairs and shows are also regularly held.

    Location: Av. Roquetas de Mar, Roquetas de Mar, Almería, Spain

    Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 1 pm and from 5 pm to 8 pm

    Phone: +34 950 3202 28

    Map
  • 3

    Grand Plaza Shopping Park

    Roquetas’ main shopping centre

    Grand Plaza Shopping Park
    • Families
    • Shoppers

    The Parque Comercial Gran Plaza (Grand Plaza Shopping Park) is snuggled between the urban and coastal areas of Roquetas de Mar, catering to both locals and visitors. It houses a hypermarket where you can source your holiday essentials or simply stroll and shelter when it’s hot or rainy outside. The food court offers plenty of dining options and there’s a playground with a bouncy castle where the kids can have a fun time.

    Location: Carretera de Alicún, Roquetas de Mar, Almería, Spain

    Open: Monday – Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm

    Phone: +34 (0)950 3287 32

    Map
  • 4

    Mario Park

    Splashing fun for the whole family

    Mario Park
    • Adventure
    • Families

    The Parque Aquatico Mario Park is Roquetas’ main waterpark, where you and your family can enjoy a splashing day out in the summer sun. It’s just up the main Reino de España road from the Grand Plaza shopping centre. 

    It’s not the largest of waterparks, but it does feature a wave pool with an artificial beach, “race track” slides where you can slide side-by-side, and several long spiralling tubes for thrill-seekers. Younger kids can enjoy their own dedicated pools and play areas.

    Location: Paraje las Salinas, 10, Roquetas de Mar, Almería, Spain

    Open: June–September: daily from 11 am to 7 pm

    Phone: +34 950 3275 75

    Map
  • 5

    Karting Roquetas

    Buckle up and put the pedal to the metal

    Karting Roquetas
    • Adventure
    • Families

    Slightly away from the seaside resort and tucked inside Roquetas’ urban area, this small but exciting racetrack lets you channel your need for speed in a fun and secure way. It’s not just for adults, as they also have smaller karts specially built for kids in their garage. 

    Total beginners are welcome, as they have medium-speed karts alongside their souped-up race models. The circuit looks simple, but there are some tight corners where you can hone your racing lines.

    Location: Km 5, Ctra. de Alicun, Roquetas de Mar, Almería, Spain

    Open: Friday from 12 am to 12 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 10 am to 10 pm

    Phone: +34 666 5942 24

    Map
  • 6

    Museo Aula de Mar

    Marine education with interactive exhibits

    • Families
    • History

    The Aula del Mar (roughly “Classroom of the Sea”) is Roqueta de Mar’s marine sciences museum that’s just a short stroll from the marina. The exhibits include aquariums with live specimens. 

    A gallery with ancient terracotta treasures from the nearby Posidonia barrier reef features historical items that hark back to Roquetas’ seafaring and fishing heritage. Replicas of rare cetaceans and dolphins hang from the ceilings, and some interactive games can provide you with a fun break.

    Location: Calle Puerto, Roquetas de Mar, Almería, Spain

    Open: Tuesday–Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm and from 5 pm to 7 pm, Sundays from 11 am to 1 pm

    Phone: +34 663 9999 58

    Map
Ari Gunadi | Compulsive Traveler