Balerma combines an urban beach with maritime history: at Playa de Balerma, dark sand and pebbles meet moderate waves, while Torre de Balerma stands on the seafront promenade. Water sports, fishing, local cuisine and several festivals add to its coastal character. When planning your trip, the beach is not the only consideration: the tower’s history, maritime tradition in local life and event dates also matter.

Beach and shoreline

Playa de Balerma is an urban beach. Its surface consists of sand and pebbles, with dark sand, and the waves are considered moderate. The Paseo Marítimo de Balerma runs along the entire shoreline. This means you can consider the beach’s surface and the length of the promenade as distinct aspects of this coastal town. Water sports are also practised at the beach. If you are interested in the beach and activities on the water, both are among the local options.

Torre de Balerma stands on the seafront promenade and adds a historic landmark to the coastal setting. It was built in the mid-18th century to defend the coast of the former Kingdom of Granada. Its construction date and purpose give the tower a specific historical context: it represents not only Balerma’s maritime character, but also the former defence of this coast.

Maritime tradition and local cuisine

Maritime tradition remains present in local life and cuisine. Numerous bars and restaurants in Balerma serve fresh fish and seafood. Individual establishments and their offerings may change. Fishing is another connection with the water: Club Náutico Balerma offers opportunities to fish. Before your trip, check what arrangements apply for taking part.

This connection between the coast and fishing is also reflected in a distinctive cultural experience: the Cápsula del Tiempo de Realidad Virtual Balerma at the Centro Sociocultural de Balerma presents the maritime and fishing tradition through an immersive, shared virtual reality experience. It is temporarily closed, so take this status into account when planning.

Festivals and dates

For Noche de San Juan, bonfires are lit on Balerma’s beaches on 23 June. Annual arrangements may change, so it is worth checking the programme for the relevant date before your trip. The municipal tourism guide for 2025 lists 16 July as the date of the Fiesta of Virgen del Carmen in Balerma. For travel in later years, check the current dates and programme. The municipal tourism guide for 2025 also lists the Fiesta of Virgen de las Mercedes in Balerma. An event listing from 2024 describes a procession and taking the Virgen out to sea from the beach in front of La Lonja; check the current year’s programme.

For trip planning, it makes a difference whether you are travelling for a festival or want to explore the town independently of one. The shoreline, Torre de Balerma and maritime tradition shape the town’s character, while festivals are tied to specific dates and programmes that should be checked each year. This lets you match your interests with your travel dates without assuming that an event date is fixed from year to year.

Discover more destinations: Los Escullos, Abrucena, Vélez-Rubio, Cantoria, Cóbdar, María, Arboleas, Fiñana

Return to the main travel overview: Almeria.