Roquetas del Mar has become a popular tourist seaside resort. It was once a sleepy, little fishing village with Moorish alley-like streets and white washed houses that cling to the hillside. It's a picturesque village that still retains most of its old world charm.

Tourism is big business here. There are hotels and apartment blocks everywhere. They completely dominate the skyline, especially along the sandy beaches beside the village.

Along the holiday strip you'll see hundreds of shops selling all kinds of local crafts, restaurants, bars and a huge variety of outdoor activities on offer; everything from scuba diving and sailing to horse riding.

There's also a superb 18-hole golf course here, at Playa Serena. And, for true sun and nature lovers, there's a nudist beach.

Historical sites well worth checking out the ruins of the medieval Castilla de Santa Ana. Bird watchers should head off to Las Marinas salt marsh and Punta Entinas beaches. They're just a few miles south of Roquetas and provide ample opportunities to see flamingos, egrets and avocets.