Restaurants and Bars in Vera Playa: A Local's Guide

Eating and Drinking in Vera Playa

One of the great pleasures of a Vera Playa holiday is the food. From beachfront chiringuitos serving fresh seafood to traditional Spanish tapas bars, the area offers a surprising variety of dining options for a small coastal community. Here is our local guide to the best places to eat and drink.

On the Beach

Chiringuito Natsun

The iconic beach bar of the Vera Playa naturist zone. Located right on the sand, Natsun serves fresh fish, paella, tapas, and cold drinks. It is one of the few clothing-optional beach restaurants in Spain. Open from spring to autumn, it is the social hub of the naturist community — a place where regulars meet, visitors are welcomed, and the paella is consistently excellent.

Try: The mixed fish platter (parrillada de pescado) or the chiringuito-style gambas al pil pil. Expect to pay 12-20 EUR per person for a meal with drinks.

Beach Bars on El Playazo

Several seasonal chiringuitos operate along El Playazo beach during summer. These are textile (clothed) establishments, but the atmosphere is relaxed and the food is good. Try the sardine espetos grilled over open flames — a true Andalusian specialty.

In the Commercial Zone

The commercial strip along Avenida del Mar, between the naturist zone and the textile area, has a cluster of restaurants and bars:

El Verano Restaurant

A reliable all-rounder with a large terrace, offering international and Spanish dishes. Good for families, with a kids menu and generous portions. The price-quality ratio is excellent.

Tapas Bars

Several small bars along the commercial strip serve traditional Spanish tapas. In Almeria, tapas are still often served free with your drink — a tradition that survives in the smaller towns. Order a cana (small beer) or tinto de verano (red wine with lemon soda) and enjoy whatever the kitchen sends out.

In Nearby Towns

For a wider selection, venture to the surrounding towns:

Garrucha (10 minutes)

This fishing port is famous for its red prawns (gambas rojas de Garrucha), considered among the finest in Spain. Head to the Paseo del Malecón and pick any restaurant along the harbour — the seafood is universally excellent. A plate of gambas rojas will cost 15-25 EUR depending on size and season.

Mojacar Pueblo (20 minutes)

The white hilltop village of Mojacar offers upscale dining with spectacular views. Several restaurants serve creative Mediterranean cuisine in atmospheric settings among the narrow streets.

Vera Town (15 minutes)

The inland town of Vera has a thriving tapas scene. Bar El Terreno and Bar Juan are local favourites for generous free tapas. Thursday is market day — pick up fresh produce, olives, and local cheeses.

Cooking at Home

Most holiday rentals in Vera Playa have fully equipped kitchens. The local Mercadona supermarket (5 minutes by car) is well-stocked, and the weekly markets in Vera (Thursday) and Garrucha (Friday) offer fresh local produce.

Local specialties to cook:

Fresh fish from the Garrucha fish market (lonja)
Almerian salad (ensalada almeriense) with tomato, pepper, and salt cod
Gazpacho or ajo blanco (cold almond soup)
Migas (a traditional dish of fried breadcrumbs with peppers and grapes)

Supermarkets and Shopping

Mercadona — 5 min drive, full-service supermarket
Lidl — 10 min drive, in Vera town
Local shops — Several small shops in the commercial zone for daily essentials

For the best dining experience in Vera Playa, book a rental with a sea-view terrace and enjoy breakfast watching the sunrise over the Mediterranean.