Balerma: Beach, Maritime Tradition and Seaside Festivals

Between Dark Sand and Coastal History

Along Balerma’s shoreline, beach, promenade and maritime local history come together. The Paseo Marítimo de Balerma runs along the entire shoreline. Playa de Balerma is an urban beach with moderate waves. Its surface consists of a mixture of sand and pebbles; the sand is dark. Water sports are practised at Playa de Balerma.

The Torre de Balerma stands on the seafront promenade. The tower was built in the mid-18th century to defend the coast of the former Kingdom of Granada. Its location on the promenade connects the historic structure with the coastal area, while its original purpose was coastal defence. A visit here combines local history with the beach area.

Maritime Tradition and Gastronomy

Balerma preserves a maritime tradition that remains present in local life and gastronomy. Numerous bars and restaurants offer fresh fish and seafood. The Club Náutico Balerma offers opportunities for fishing. This gives travellers interested in local cuisine and maritime themes a twofold way to engage: through gastronomy and through a specific activity on the water.

Festivals and Dates in Balerma

The annual calendar also brings established events to the beaches and the town. On 23 June, bonfires are lit on Balerma’s beaches for the Noche de San Juan. On 16 July, Balerma celebrates the Fiesta of the Virgen del Carmen. Balerma also celebrates the Fiesta of the Virgen de las Mercedes. It includes a procession and the carrying of the Virgen out to sea from the beach in front of La Lonja. The dates and customs differ, but each remains connected with Balerma and its maritime surroundings.

For 2026, the Carrera Nocturna Balerma is another specific event scheduled to take place. It will be held for the thirteenth time and is part of the XI Circuito de Carreras Populares de El Ejido. The event is scheduled for Saturday, 11 July 2026, at 21:00 in Parque El Palmeral. Alongside the religious and seasonal festivals, a running event is therefore also part of Balerma’s public calendar.

Virtual Insights into the Fishing Tradition

At the Centro Sociocultural de Balerma, the Cápsula del Tiempo de Realidad Virtual Balerma presents the town’s maritime and fishing tradition through virtual reality experienced communally. The offering is temporarily closed. This status is part of the cultural venue’s context: the historical and fishing perspective is present as a theme, but the virtual presentation is currently unavailable. When planning, you can distinguish the visible places along the shore from the time-specific festivals and the temporarily closed cultural offering.

More Destinations

More destinations include Alhama De Almería, Terque, Fiñana, Berja, Llano de Los Olleres, Guazamara, Lucainena De Las Torres and Huesa.

For the higher-level travel overview: Almeria.