Vera is one of the most complete destinations on the eastern coast of Almeria. Located about 95 kilometres north-east of the provincial capital, it combines a historic town centre with character, long sandy beaches and one of the most important naturist zones in Europe.
What makes Vera special is precisely this dual character: on the one hand the old town, rebuilt after the earthquake of 1518, with its fortress-church and quiet streets; on the other, several kilometres of coastline where textile and naturist beaches sit comfortably side by side. It is an ideal choice for families as well as for visitors looking for sun, sand and a sense of freedom.
If you are travelling from Malaga or the Costa del Sol, Vera offers an attractive beach holiday with its own identity, while also serving as a convenient base for exploring Mojacar, Garrucha and the Cabo de Gata Natural Park.
*Opening times of monuments and beach conditions can change. We recommend checking current information locally.
The area around Vera has been inhabited since ancient times. There are remains of Carthaginian and Roman settlements, and above all of an important Moorish town. Old Vera stood on the Cerro del Espiritu Santo until a powerful earthquake destroyed it in 1518.
After the disaster the town was rebuilt between 1520 and 1524 on its present site, with a regular rectangular layout, eight defensive towers and two gates. At the centre rose the Iglesia-Fortaleza de la Encarnacion, designed not only as a church but also as a stronghold against possible attacks by Barbary pirates.
For centuries Vera lived from agriculture and fishing. Significant growth came in the second half of the 20th century, first through mining and later, decisively, through tourism. From the 1970s and 1980s onwards, Vera Playa and its naturist zone developed into one of Spain’s best-known naturist destinations.
Vera offers an appealing mix of historic heritage, beaches and outdoor activities.
The most emblematic building in Vera. Construction began in 1521 after the earthquake of 1518, and the church has the appearance of a fortress with its four solid towers. It was intended to protect the population from raids. Inside, the altarpiece and the spacious interior stand out. It stands on the Plaza Mayor, the heart of the old town.
The site of the old Moorish Vera destroyed by the 1518 earthquake. Excavations have revealed remains of houses, defensive structures and everyday objects. From the hill there are fine views over the surrounding countryside and the coast. It is one of the most rewarding viewpoints in the municipality.
Built in 1879, Vera’s bullring is one of the oldest in Spain. It forms part of the town’s historic heritage and can easily be seen from the outside while walking through the old centre.
The former municipal wash-house with the Fuente de los Cuatro Canos (Fountain of the Four Spouts) belongs to Vera’s hydraulic heritage. It offers an interesting glimpse into everyday life in earlier times and is a good example of popular architecture.
The old town of Vera preserves the regular street plan of the 16th century, with quiet lanes and squares. The Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) stands in the central area and is a useful reference point for orientation and tourist information.
Vera has several kilometres of fine sandy coastline. The main areas are:
Vera is well known in Europe for its naturist zone. Here you will also find the Hotel Vera Playa Club, the first naturist hotel in Spain. The peaceful coexistence of textile and naturist sections is one of the distinctive features of the destination.
As well as the beach, Vera and its surroundings offer water sports such as windsurfing and diving, plus walking and mountain-bike routes. The town makes an excellent base for visits to the Cabo de Gata Natural Park, the gypsum karst of Sorbas, the Tabernas Desert, or the nearby towns of Mojacar and Garrucha.
Vera celebrates several traditional festivals throughout the year:
Exact dates can vary slightly from year to year. Check the official website of Vera Town Hall (www.vera.es) for the current programme.
Vera lies about 290 kilometres from Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport. The drive along the A-7 (Autovia del Mediterraneo) takes approximately 3 to 3 hours 20 minutes, depending on traffic. It is a straightforward and comfortable route along the Almeria coast.
Picking up a hire car at Malaga Airport allows you to reach Vera comfortably and then move freely between the beaches, Mojacar, Garrucha or the interior of Almeria.
Hire a car at Malaga Airport
If you prefer not to drive, you can book a private transfer from Malaga Airport or from your accommodation on the Costa del Sol to Vera. Ideal for families or when travelling with luggage.
Book a transfer from Malaga Airport*No credit-card details or advance payments are required. We recommend booking in good time.
Bus connections from Malaga involve changes in Almeria or other towns and usually take more than 4½ hours in total. Car hire or a private transfer are clearly the more practical and comfortable choices.
Partly yes. The northern section of El Playazo beach is one of the most important naturist zones in Spain and Europe. The other beaches (Puerto Rey, the southern part of El Playazo and Las Marinas) are textile. Both areas coexist respectfully.
By car on the A-7 the distance is about 290 kilometres. The journey takes approximately 3 to 3 hours 20 minutes, depending on traffic.
The main ones are El Playazo (with both naturist and textile sections), Puerto Rey and Las Marinas-Bolaga. All are sandy beaches with facilities in high season.
The Iglesia-Fortaleza de la Encarnacion, the Cerro del Espiritu Santo (site of the old Moorish Vera), the 1879 bullring and the historic wash-house with the Fuente de los Cuatro Canos are the most interesting points.
Yes. A hire car is the most practical way to reach Vera from Malaga and then move freely between the different beaches or nearby towns such as Mojacar and Garrucha. Public transport is less flexible.
The patronal festivals in honour of the Virgen de las Angustias take place in early June and include the Moors and Christians performance. The fair in honour of San Cleofas is usually held in late September.
Credit cards accepted
