ANDALUCÍA - ALMERÍA - AGUA AMARGA - RESTAURANTE LA PALMERA

We often visit the Parque Natural del Cabo de Gata-Níjar in the province of Almería (this park is Andalucía's largest protected coastal area, a wild and isolated landscape, with a hot desert climate).

On this occasion, we went to Agua Amarga, which borders spectacular, barren spaghetti western territory.

This low-key village packs in some cool bars, restaurants, local residents, and fishermen.

Beside a headland of troglodyte caves at the southern end of the beach.

Most of the tourists here are Spanish, with the odd splattering of other Europeans.

There is a small village square and bar/restaurante,

where you can sit under the trees or shaded terrace and enjoy a coffee, beer and a tapa.

The square is surrounded by a few interesting bohemian-style shops and places to hire diving, snorkelling and other beach equipment etc.

There are around six restaurants facing the sea on the pretty beach, which is a little over a quarter mile from end to end so it is a very compact town.

We chose to have lunch at Restaurant La Palmera, where we have eaten before.

The restaurant is part of, Hostal La Palmera. A family-run hotel right on the beach. They have a restaurant on the first floor with rooms on the second floor. The rooms are small but comfortable with a small outdoor seating area overlooking the beach.