Send Gift Baskets to Roquetas de Mar, Spain

Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans visited the Roquetas de Mar coast in ancient times, taking advantage of the resources of the area later used by Arabs.

Phoenicians founded Roquetas de Mar on the Algaida Rivera (between Roquetas de Mar and Aguadulce), naming it Turan, forming a colony of commercial exchange. It was known as Turaniana during Roman times and was mentioned in traditional sources like Antonino’s Itinerary. The population of this town was forced to abandon it due to great floods and settle in Roquetas de Mar today.

During the time of Al-Andalus, when the Arabs arrived, Sultan Yusuf began the exploitation of the saltworks. As a result of continuous attacks, he constructed the Los Bajos Tower (demolished by the English in 1811), Cerrillos Tower, and Roquetas Tower, which housed Santa Ana Castle.

Roquetas de Mar became dependent on Almeria after it was conquered by the Catholic Monarchs in 1489. Roquetas de Mar was invaded by the English in 1705 to advance toward Almeria, but they were forced to flee due to the fierce defenses staged by its inhabitants.

Roquetas de Mar obtained independence as a municipality belonging to Enix, with an agriculture and fishing economy. 

Throughout the 20th century, Roquetas de Mar transformed, first with the exploitation of the two saltworks and later with intensive agriculture, which has been its primary source of wealth ever since. Tourism has also been developed in Roquetas de Mar, making it one of the main pillars of the economy.

In 1964 Aguadulce was designated a Center of National Tourist Interest, which began tourism development. Roquetas de Mar and Playa Serena urbanizations were constructed a few years later.