Katz & Dawgs Unlimited ™

Almeria
Greenhouses and another marina

July 13

ALM-003 CLISOL GREENHOUSES & ALMERIMAR MARINA

Visit one of the world's largest greenhouse complexes for a taste of its farm-fresh produce, followed by a carefree stroll through the coastal resort town of Almerimar.

From the pier, you will drive southwest along an extraordinarily scenic, somewhat coastal route toward Clisol. Before long, you'll begin to notice a sea of plastic-covered greenhouses that stretches over more than 50,000 acres, making it one of the world's largest greenhouse complexes. Because of its mild Mediterranean climate, this coastal plain has been heavily developed for agriculture over the past 50 years and many of the vegetables that first come to market are grown here, well protected in the greenhouses. During your tour of the greenhouses, affectionately called "Europe's Vegetable Garden," you'll learn fascinating details about the organic, pesticide-free growing methods used here. Besides the visual appeal of seeing endless cucumbers, tomatoes, watermelons, squash and other vegetables, you'll also be able to sample the produce, freshly picked and brushed with extra virgin olive oil. It's a feast for the eyes and the taste buds that you won't soon forget. Your tour continues with a drive to Almerimar, a modern coastal resort town known for its casual atmosphere and water-related activities. Your time here is at your leisure and you may want to meander along the yacht-dotted marina, watch for windsurfers, or even see a fishing boat laden with fresh tuna arriving with the day's catch. After enjoying approximately 75-minutes relaxing in one of southern Spain's most carefree towns, you'll rejoin your coach and drive back to Almeria via a scenic route.

Please note: This tour includes approximately 90 minutes of easy to moderate walking, at times over uneven surfaces. The tour is available to wheelchair guests who have a collapsible wheelchair, are able to make their own way on and off the coach and have an able-bodied companion to assist them. Those with mobility concerns are cautioned to carefully evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability. Weather appropriate clothing; sun cap; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Easy

Duration: 5.00 Hrs

Our guide for the greenhouses showed us that the ground was layered: the top layer was plastic over sand.

The plants were planted in planters.

Lots of samples of the veggies — which tasted great!

Outside the greenhouses, the land was pretty barren.

This marina was in a newly-constructed town, Almerimar

Every evening, we found our Snoopy dog and his new pal, George,
somewhere different in our cabin, thanks to our steward's imagination!