Things To Do
in El Ejido

El Ejido is a modern coastal town in Andalusia’s Almería province, built around expansive greenhouse agriculture and a growing hospitality scene. It offers long sandy beaches, a relaxed Mediterranean vibe, and easy access to natural parks like Punta Entinas-Sabinar and Cabo de Gata. The town blends practical, service-oriented development with proximity to historic Almería and the stark beauty of the Almería coastline.

Expect sunny days, wide boulevards, and plenty of outdoor spaces to enjoy the sea and sun year-round.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore the Beaches of El Ejido
morning
:

Start your day with a refreshing walk along the beautiful beaches of El Ejido, soaking in the sun and the sound of waves crashing against the shore. Enjoy a beach breakfast at one of the local chiringuitos, where fresh seafood is served with a view of the Mediterranean. Take a swim in the warm waters or simply relax on the sand to embrace the coastal wonders.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, venture into the town's vibrant center, visiting local shops and cafes to immerse yourself in the Andalusian culture. Explore the Parque Municipal, where you can stroll through lush greenery and admire the fountains and playgrounds. Sample local delicacies at a nearby market for a taste of the region's culinary riches.

evening
:

As the sun sets, find a cozy restaurant where you can indulge in a traditional Spanish dinner, featuring tapas and regional wines. Stroll along the promenade, enjoying the balmy evening breeze and captivating reflections on the water. To end the day, find a bar where you can sip on a cocktail and listen to local musicians playing live.

day 2
Visit the Eco-Almeria Park
morning
:

Kick off your day with an exciting trip to Eco-Almeria Park, where you can learn about the region's biodiversity in natural surroundings. Enjoy educational tours that showcase local flora and fauna, and snap a few photographs of the stunning landscapes. Have a picnic breakfast within the park to fully savor the immersion in nature.

afternoon
:

After your nature excursions, take a guided tour of the agricultural fields in the area, renowned for their innovative farming techniques and greenhouse systems. Engage with local farmers who reveal their sustainable practices and how they contribute to the region's economy. Delight in tastings of fresh produce that highlight the extraordinary flavors of El Ejido's cuisine.

evening
:

Return to El Ejido for a relaxing evening at one of the local bistros, where you can try a hearty plate of paella or other traditional dishes. As the stars come out, stroll through the town center, where weekly markets often showcase handmade crafts and artisanal goods. Wind down with dessert and coffee at a charming café, enjoying the laid-back atmosphere.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee$2-4
🍷Wine (glass)$3-6
🛏️Mid-range hotel per night$70-120
🛒Groceries (weekly for two)$60-120

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Coastal location with easy access to beaches
  • Strong agricultural surroundings and fresh produce
  • Seasonal tourism can bustle in summer
  • Limited nightlife options in some parts of the town
  • "Hola" - Hello
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Gracias" - Thank you
  • "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
  • "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "La cuenta, por favor" - The check, please
  • "Una cerveza, por favor" - A beer, please
  • "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in El Ejido

Visit one of these nice places.

Aguadulce Beach Promenade

Long sandy beach with palm-lined promenade and golden sunsets over calm waters.

Punta Entinas-Sabinar Natural Reserve

Wetlands and dunes great for bird photography, especially at sunrise.

Roquetas de Mar Marina

Colorful boats, pier, and reflections against the sea.

Culinary Guide

Food in El Ejido

Traditional Andalusian flavors meet fresh seafood and garden produce in El Ejido, with simple preparations that highlight regional ingredients.

El Ejido Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Arroz a la Almeriense

A regional take on rice with tomatoes, peppers, and sometimes seafood or meat; best found at local family-run eateries in El Ejido.

Must-Try!

Gazpacho Almeriense

A hearty cold soup variant with almonds and vegetables; a refreshing starter in warm weather.

Pipirrana

A fresh tomato, cucumber, onion, and green pepper salad often served with tuna or hard-boiled eggs.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Local de El Ejido

A bustling weekly market offering fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, bread, and regional snacks.

Coastal chiringuitos & street stalls

Casual stalls and beachside bars serving fried fish, calamares, and sandwiches along the Aguadulce and Roquetas de Mar coast.

Climate Guide

Weather

El Ejido experiences a hot, dry Mediterranean climate with mild winters. Summers are very sunny and can reach the mid-30s to 40°C; winters are mild (10-15°C) with occasional rain. The coast moderates temperatures, offering comfortable days most of the year.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Dining Etiquette

Greet with a friendly hola; tapas culture; wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat.

Siesta & mealtimes

Lunch around 2-3pm and dinner after 9pm; plan activities accordingly.

Safety Guide

Safety

Generally safe for visitors; common-sense precautions against petty theft in crowded markets and beaches. Stay hydrated in summer heat and watch driving while navigating rural roads; sunscreen and hats recommended.

Tipping in El Ejido

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is common but not obligatory; rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is appreciated.

Payment Methods

Cash and cards accepted widely; contactless payments common; some markets may be cash-only.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Very hot, long days; sea breezes help near the coast. Stay hydrated, use sun protection, and visit beaches early morning or late afternoon.

Nightlife Guide

El Ejido at Night

The nightlife in El Ejido is relaxed and family-friendly, with beach bars (chiringuitos) along the coast and casual tapas spots in town. In nearby Roquetas de Mar and Almería, you’ll find larger bars, live music, and clubs, especially during summer weekends. Expect a vibrant but not overpowering scene focused on socializing and enjoying coastal views.

Hiking in El Ejido

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Sierra de Gádor foothills trail

Gentle to moderate hikes with views over the Almanzora valley and surrounding towns.

Cabo de Gata – Níjar Natural Park (nearby)

Coastal hiking with volcanic formations, beaches, and dramatic scenery; longer trips can lead to viewpoints over the Mediterranean.

Airports

How to reach El Ejido by plane.

Almería International Airport (LEI)

Closest airport, about a 30-40 minute drive from El Ejido; connections to Madrid, Barcelona, and some European cities.

Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP)

Major international airport about 2 hours by car; good for international connections.

Granada-Jaén (GRX)

Smaller airport about 2.5-3 hours by car; possible for regional flights.

Getting Around

Walkability

El Ejido has a walkable town center with pedestrian-friendly streets and a scenic coastal promenade. The old town and market areas are easy to explore on foot, while some beaches require a short drive or bike ride. For longer trips, public transport and car rental are common.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Agricultural workers and families

A large portion of the population is involved in greenhouse agriculture and related services.

Local families and retirees

A mix of long-time residents and retirees who enjoy the coastal lifestyle.

Temporary/seasonal visitors

Seasonal workers and tourists who come for work or holidays, especially in summer.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport in the region, with local teams and casual play in parks.

Golf

Several courses nearby, including Almerimar Golf Club, offering coastal scenery.

Water sports

Surfing, paddle boarding, and sailing along the coast are popular in season.

Transportation

Traffic

Public transport includes buses and a growing network; car travel is common with traffic typical of tourist seasons. The A-7 coastal highway and A-92 connect El Ejido with other Andalusian cities. In town, streets can be busy during market days and summer weekends; taxis are widely available.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting El Ejido.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Choose dishes centered on vegetables, legumes, and grains; ask for no meat or seafood, and consider paellas with vegetables, gazpacho, and salads.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Spain has robust healthcare; residents and visitors can access public healthcare with a health card. There are primary care centers in El Ejido; hospitals are in Almería city. Private clinics and pharmacies are widely available; carry travel insurance and know emergency numbers (112).

Discover Spain

Read more in our Spain 2025 Travel Guide.

Spain Travel Guide