In recent years San José has experienced an increase in the number of visitors and is an easily accessible town from Almería Airport and the Autovía A-7.

To the east to the pueblo is Cala Higuera, overlooked by the bar El Refugio (only open mid- to high season).

Both of these areas are popular with wildlife enthusiasts, hikers, artists and photographers, cyclists and shepherds grazing their goats and sheep.

Amongst the features of Campillo de los Genoveses is a huge fossilised sand dune that once was part of the beach, making this an area of geological importance.

The week leading up to Lent is a time for wild partying in some parts of Spain when the country plays host to Europe’s biggest Carnival festivals.

The celebrations start on Friday night where live music is played in the main square or plaza and there is a drinks tent selling beer, wine and tapas.

[3] Fiesta de San Juan is a festival of ancient origin adapted to commemorate St. John the Baptist.

[5] The nearby Monsul beach has been used for scenes in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade[6] and the music clip 'Ave Maria' from pop star David Bisbal.