Where is Vera Playa?
Vera Playa is located to the north of the main tourist resorts of Garrucha and Mojacar on the Costa Almeria in Spain.
Vera Playa is the beach area which stretches from Puerto Rey to Villaricos but the actual town of Vera (also known as Coto de Vera) lies slightly inland and is a lovely historic village well worth a visit.
The co-ordinates for getting to Vera Playa with satellite navigation are 37°15’N 1°52’W.
Vera Playa is unique in Spain in that it is not quite your normal beach resort because of a designated section which is one of Europe’s leading naturist and nudist beach destinations.
Vera Naturista is actually a tiny area in ‘El Playazo – the beach of Vera Playa that is designated to naturists. The rest of El Playazo, Playa Quitapellejos, Playa Puerto Rey and Las Marinas Playa are conventional beaches.
How To Get To Vera Playa – Airport Transfer Options
The nearest airport to Vera Playa is Almeria Airport which is an hour transfer away by car and a distance of 85 km.
Some tourists also fly into Murcia Airport and then hire a car to get to Vera Playa which is 141km away and a journey time of about 1 hour 45 minutes.
Alicante airport, which is a little further north of Murcia airport, is also a good option with many low-cost flights from airlines such as EasyJet and Monarch.
The distance to Vera Playa from Alicante is 211 km with a transfer time of two hours and 15 minutes.
Shuttle Direct is a well-known airport transfer company. We did a price check in June and found that the cost of a transfer from Almeria to Vera Playa would be £30.44 one way in a shared shuttle bus.
If you paid £36.97 you could have a private transfer in a car which effectively would be like taking a taxi.
We did the same price check from Murcia airport to Vera Playa and got quotes of £92.41 one-way for a shared shuttle bus and £184.82 one-way for a private taxi transfer.
At these sorts of prices it would be more economical to hire a car from either Murcia or Alicante.
Vera Playa Beaches and Naturalism
Vera Playa is Europe’s most popular naturist resort and here holidaymakers can enjoy a truly naturist experience.
Although it is legal in Spain to be naked on any beach without fear of arrest, what is nice about Vera Playa is that it is a designated nudist beach and the area behind the beach and the road to Villaricos/Palomares is officially designated as a naturist zone.
People who are not naturists do visit Vera Playa and can also go into these designated areas so do be aware that not all apartments, hotels or beaches are naturist-only.
It just makes for a more relaxing holiday if you are in the company of a lot of other fellow naturists rather than being stared at by people who have clothes on (these are known as textiles).
The main beach of Vera Playa (Playa el Playazo) is over two kilometres long and consists of sand and pebbles, and because of the fabulous Vera Playa weather, the beach is busy much of the year.
There are five beaches which have earned the prestigious European Union blue flag for its 8km of white sandy beaches: Las Marinas, Puerto Laguna, Pueblo Laguna, Puerto Rey and El Playazo.
Holidaymakers and locals can truly enjoy a naturist experience as there are over two thousand privately owned apartments, naturist hotels as well as bars, pubs and restaurants where naturists can truly experience a twenty-four-seven naturist experience.
To see what Vera Playa is all about why not have a look at a webcam? You won’t see any naked bodies because the webcams are slightly fuzzy but you can see how nice the area looks.
The Vera Playa naturist zone is a perfectly respectable area (not at all sleazy) where you can simply enjoy the natural feeling of being naked and nude. This is not a swingers resort!
We cannot say what goes on behind closed doors but in the open you will see many Spanish families who enjoy the nudist beach. For them it is a way of life.
You may also like to read our page on the naturist resort of Costa Natura near Estepona on the Costa del Sol.
Below is a video with footage of the hotel and beach:
Hotels in Vera Playa
Popular Vera Playa hotels include the Vera Playa Club Hotel, Zimbali Playa Hotel, the Sercotel Valle Del Este Golf, the Vera Beach Club and the Aparthotel Marine Rey.
The Vera Playa Club Hotel is the only naturist-specific hotel where guests are expected to be naked in the swimming pool area. The hotel is not open during the winter months so do check directly with the hotel.
The Hotel Vera Playa Club has option of rooms with different options for bed and breakfast, half board and full board. The buffet restaurant has good feedback from previous guests.
Contact Details:
Address: Ctra Garrucha a Villaricos s/n 04620 Vera (Almería) E-Mail: vera@playasenator.com Telephone: +34 950 467 475.
Below is a map of Vera Playa and specifically the exact location of the Vera Playa Club Hotel.
Apartments in Vera Playa
Natsun, La Manera, Bahia de Vera and Vera Natura are self-catering accommodation options where you can stay in one of the privately owned apartments and save money if you are on a budget by eating in.
Pueblo Salinas is a popular gated community (urbanisation) with plenty of apartments for rent near to Vera Playa.
See the video of Pueblo Salinas below:
In Spain the word urbanisation designates a specific developments of houses in a group, similar to what we would we would know in the United Kingdom as a development or housing estate.
Well Vera Playa actually has naturist urbanisations where you can buy a villa or apartment. Many owners of these apartments then rent them out to cover their running costs when they are not using it themselves.
The Bahia de Vera urbanizacion is specifically a naturist urbanization of villas and apartments.
Natsun Vera Playa
The Natsun urbanisation (urbanizacion in Spanish) was the first Naturist Urbanisation and is right at the frontline on the nudist beach so the location is excellent.
Some of these apartments can be pretty basic and dated. British owners will generally equip them with more items that we consider as essentials in comparison to Spanish owners. Check the inventory and photos before you book.
The Natsun apartment complex is made up of the original apartments El Cano 1 and 2, El Cano III are newer apartments and La Medina are bungalows.
You can contact the Natsun reception and make a booking directly with them.
Natsun Address:
Aptdo. 129 – Ctra. Garrucha-Villaricos s/n E04620 Vera (Almería) ESPAÑA Recepción: C/ Aguamarga 1, Vera-Playa
Telephone: +34 950 467 027
E-mail: natsun@veraplaya.es
Natsun Co-ordinates for GPS 37º 13′ 31,00″ N 01º 48′ 12,00″ W
Real Estate Agents
Whether you’re looking for a place to rent or to stay at permanently, you can take advantage of the services from the real estate agents in Vera who are more than willing to help you in finding your ideal residence.
You can contact Almeria Property Investments (almeriapropertyinvestments.com, Tel. +34 950 460 874) and NICLA Property Consultancy (https://www.nicla-casas.com/, Tel. +34 950 133 508).
Vera Playa Weather
Vera Playa is of course at its busiest during the months of July and August but one can also make the most of the weather at a better price during the months of June, September and October, but bear in mind of course that even in the winter you can enjoy the Vera Playa naturist experience and get that all over tan.
Costa Almeria is known to be one of the driest areas in the whole of Europe and is desert in places.
What To Do and See
Vera
The actual town of Vera is slightly inland and is perfect for people wanting to be busy and find something to do instead of sun bathing on the beach.
Historically one of the most important commercial centres in this region, Vera was once known as Baria and was situated near the sea near Villaricos. Legend has it that Queen Isabel climbed to the top of the hill, fired an arrow and ordered that Vera be built where it landed.
Built in the 16th Century there are many historic buildings to see mostly located in the main square of Plaza Mayor. These include the Church de la Encarnación (built in 1520) with its four great towers and designed to act as a fortress to repel the attacks by the Moors.
Parque Acuatico
This water park is a must for families visiting the Vera Playa area. As well as the flumes and rides there are three large pools where you can relax or enjoy the waves as well as have lunch. Parque Acuatico is open from May and closes mid-September.
Shopping
The Puerto Ray development is close to Vera Playa and is a shopping complex with supermarket.
Golf
There are many courses in the area such as Valle de Este but the most famous is the desert course at Desert Springs. The Indiana course has been designed by famous golfer Peter McEvoy and rivals the desert courses in Arizona and California. Mind out for the cacti!
Sports
Vera Playa has plenty of holiday options for the active and sporty. You can go horse riding, go-karting, walking or learn to paint and draw.
Of course most activity centres around water-based pursuits such as wind-surfing, sailing, jet-skiing, kite-surfing, fishing and scuba-diving.
Take a drive south and you can enjoy the unique landscape and scenery of the Cabo de Gata Natural Park, the Sierra Alhamilla Mountains as well as the Tabernas desert with the Mini-Hollywood theme park which has a Western movie theme. This was the location of film sets such for the famous spaghetti westerns starring Clint Eastwood.
Are there any international schools nearby?
In Vera, there is a private school known as Colegio ValdeSerra which has an excellent reputation for its extensive and rounded curriculum. This includes moral education, new technologies, artistic education and sports training. They are exactly located at Avda. Alhambra, 2, Cruce Puerto Rey – Ctra. Vera a Garrucha, 04621 Vera with telephone number +34 950 462 115.
Moving to Vera
If you are thinking of moving to Vera, then you must read our expat interview with Claus van Mierlo of NICLA Property Consultancy below:
Vera is still typical Spanish. It has tradition and its fiestas are still celebrated like they did it many years ago. The population is mainly Spanish, although at Vera Playa, the coastal strip of the town, you will find an international mix. In summer, Vera and its playas are well known to tourists from all over the world and also to the people from Jaén and Madrid, who have their second homes in Vera (Playa), come down to celebrate their holidays. So in July and August, you will find many tourists, but outside the holiday season it is very nice to live here.
Would the area not suit certain types of people, i.e. are there any possible downsides?
People who are looking for McDonalds won’t be very happy in Vera. The Costa de Almería is a region where nature and tradition are the most important things. Here you will find chirinquitos on the beach and original (Spanish) restaurants where you can taste the famous local food. This is an area to drive around on a bike, go hiking in the mountains or in the nature reserve of Cabo de Gata, go to one of the numerous sandy beaches or visit monuments, caves, etc.
What proportion of the local population are Spanish?
In Vera town, I think 85 percent of the population is Spanish and in Vera Playa that will be around 30 percent.
What are your favourite things to do in the area?
Like what I’ve said earlier, go into nature and enjoy what is there to see. As a hobby-photographer, I am always out to explore new places and to discover what is around.
Can you give us some insider tips to the best bars or restaurants?
Spanish restaurant Juan Moreno in Vera is very good and Beach Club Lua in Vera Playa is also a nice place to go. It is very difficult as you can’t argue about taste and one doesn’t always go to the same restaurants.
Are there many facilities such as doctors and dentists, shops etc?
In Vera and surroundings you can find anything you need. Vera has medical facilities like a medical centre, dentists, private doctors, etc. But also all kind of shops, the weekly market on Saturday, which is the biggest in the area, and many bars and restaurants.
Are there smaller villages nearby that you might also recommend?
Next to Vera you will find Garrucha and Mojácar. Together with Vera they actually form one important part of the Costa de Almería. The services in this part of Andalucía is very high and the infrastructure is good. As this part of Spain is only developed since (more or less) 1995, when they opened the A7 motorway, it is all reasonably new and so they knew exactly how they didn’t want it. So here there are no sky scrapers and there is more space between the properties. The Junta de Andalucía had in mind to make this part like the ‘Saint Tropez’ of Spain.
What are the nearest international schools and how good are they?
Colegio ValdeSerra in Vera is an international school where they teach in English and Spanish (colegiovaldeserra.eu).
Is crime an issue for expats?
As there are not so many tourists, there is not so much crime. In summer it gets a little more, but mostly it is about tourist amongst each other.
Coming onto buying property, what is the market like now in terms of prices going up, or down or staying the same?
The property market in and around Vera is moving very fast now. Between January 2015 and the end of March 2016 the average property prices have come up by almost 7 percent and are still increasing.
Is this a good time to buy and are there any repossessions or very cheap properties still available to buy?
As the prices dropped with an average of 37 percent, there is still a long way to go if it gets to the same level again. Prices are still low, so yes it is a good time to buy or to invest. ‘The only way is up’, so basically you can only win when you buy a property now. There are also bank repossessions but those are not the best properties in the market. They are cheap but there is a reason for that.
What urbanisations are there and can you describe each one and how they might differ from each other?
There are so many urbanizations in Vera (Playa). Most of them have apartments with all kind of communal services like swimming pools, paddle and/or tennis courts, indoor pools, sauna, Turkish bath, etc. The good thing about the urbanizations in Vera Playa is that they are never far from the 7-kilometer long sandy beach.
How much are the typical property prices in Vera for apartments, villas etc?
At the moment you can buy an apartment between € 75,000 and €120,000; a townhouse from €85,000 to €165,000 and a villa from €175,000 and up.
Any tips and advice to people looking to buy in Vera or surrounding area?
First of all, drive around and explore the area to find out if and where (which part) you would like to live here. Make sure you know your price range, so do some homework before you start looking for a property. Make a list of what is important for you; things that you would like to find in a property. Most important is to be honest to yourself and to the agent you are viewing the properties with. Tell what you like and what you don’t like, so the selection of properties can be adjusted, but on the other hand: be realistic about the kind of properties and the price range. If you are thinking of buying a villa and you can afford a property of €200,000, don’t try to find something for €125,000 just to see what is available. This is a waste of time because in the end you have to look in the higher price range anyway to find what you are looking for.
I live in Vera for almost 12 years now and it still feels as my home. My life is here and I can say that I am integrated. My advice would be: learn to speak Spanish and all doors will be opened for you!
Claus, thank you so much for taking the time to help our readers with your experiences in Spain. If you want to contact him, you can find his details below.
Ronda de las Buganvillas 22
04621 Vera
Tel: +34 950 133 508
Mobile: +34 628 585 538
Email: info@nicla-casas.com
Website: www.nicla-casas.com
Contact us to be featured – we want more expat interviews for our newsletter and website. You don’t need to be an estate agent, we want to hear from anyone who lives in Spain whether you are working or retired.
Vera Tourist Office
This is located in the town of Vera.
Address: Plaza Mayor 1, 04620, Vera (Almería).
Telephone: +34 950 393 142
Email: turismo@vera.es
Website: www.vera.es
Vera Playa Information – Page Summary – This article gives an overall guide to Vera Playa on the Costa Almeria region of Spain.
Vera Playa is famous in Spain as an area for naturists.
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David Boyd says
Iam considering buying a property in Vera but would like a detailed map of the area with the names of the urbanisations and whether they have indoor and outdoor pools, also who are the best agents who can help English people
Pam Hollowell says
Hi, could you tell me if there is a mobility shop, that hires out mobility scooters, either in Costa Vera or nearby? I will be staying at the Zimbali spa hotel Costa Vera, from 29th September to 9th October 2018.
Thank you for your help.
Pam Hollowell