Food & Drink

CREAM Coffee & Cocktail Almeria earns Michelin-style recognition

Published October 16, 2025 | Category: Food & Drink

TL;DR: Almeria’s CREAM Coffee & Cocktail has received a “Michelin-style” recognition from the prestigious Top Cocktail Bars guide — the only venue in the province to earn it.

CREAM Coffee & Cocktail puts Almeria on Spain’s cocktail map

At number 2 on Rambla Alfareros Street, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee meets the rhythm of a cocktail shaker. In this small yet vibrant space, CREAM Coffee & Cocktail has achieved something remarkable — being the only establishment in Almeria to receive a Michelin-style distinction from Top Cocktail Bars, the renowned guide to the best mixology venues across Spain and Portugal.

Local media such as La Voz de Almeria describe it as the “Michelin star of cocktails” — an accolade that rewards not just drinks, but also service, creativity, atmosphere, and sustainability. Across Andalusia, only Málaga’s Chester & Punk bar shares this level of recognition, placing CREAM among the elite cocktail destinations on the Iberian Peninsula.

From local dream to national recognition

Founders Carlos López, Javier Cantón, and later Roberto Garrido opened CREAM in 2020 — “the worst possible time and place,” as they admit. But what began as a risky idea during the pandemic has grown into one of Almeria’s proudest success stories.

“We never imagined it,” recalls Javier. “François Monti, one of the most respected figures in the cocktail world, visited us unexpectedly. Soon after, we found out that CREAM would receive the star. It was a rush — a dream come true.”

The recognition follows earlier praise in 2023, when CREAM was listed among Andalusia’s top venues. Now, in 2025, coinciding with its fifth anniversary, it has officially joined the guide’s starred category — a jump that local media describe as “the equivalent of moving from being listed to earning a Michelin star.”

Five years, three days of celebration

To celebrate this milestone, CREAM has planned three special events this week. On Thursday, October 16, a Guest Bartending night will feature collaboration with the NOIR cocktail bar. On Friday, October 17, the team unveils a brand-new menu, “Cositas de Almeria”, inspired by local icons such as tapas culture, the Americano at Amalia, and even the province’s greenhouses. Finally, on Saturday, October 18, they’ll host their Caffeine Party — an afternoon event mixing coffee, DJs, and giveaways, described as the first of its kind in Almeria.

Sustainability and a new rhythm

With citrus fruits from the Cantón family farm and local greenhouse produce, CREAM’s philosophy is built on minimizing waste and using zero-mile ingredients. But sustainability extends beyond ingredients — it’s part of their work culture. “Our team members work 37 hours a week. We want them to have balance and happiness. We’ve also redefined when Almeria drinks — we open in the afternoon, giving people a reason to enjoy cocktails before sunset,” they explain.

Perhaps that’s the real secret: creating a space where every customer feels at home. CREAM blends Almeria’s deep love for tradition with a spark of innovation — and now, with this recognition, the city officially has its own cocktail star.

For more updates from across the province, visit our Towns & Villages category.

Food & Drink

Roquetas de Mar markets – fresh produce, weekly stalls

Published September 26, 2025 | Category: Food & Drink

TL;DR: Planning to shop like a local? Roquetas de Mar offers two excellent fresh-produce markets (Mercado de Abastos in Roquetas centre and the municipal market in Aguadulce), a large weekly Thursday market at the new fairground, and seasonal night markets by the sea. Here’s how to choose, when to go, and what to buy.

Roquetas de Mar markets: fresh produce, weekly traditions

1) Why Roquetas markets matter
2) Fresh markets (versmarkten): where locals buy daily
3) The weekly Thursday market (mercadillo semanal)
4) Night markets (summer)
5) Tips for visitors: timing, etiquette, what to buy
6) Related reading

1) Why Roquetas markets matter

Markets are the quickest way to understand Roquetas de Mar’s food identity: sea meets greenhouse. You can taste seasonal tomatoes with real aroma, pick up peppers, cucumbers and aubergines grown in the Poniente belt, and then walk a few stalls down for fresh fish, olives and cheeses. If you’re mapping out a culinary visit, bookmark our Food & Drink hub and don’t miss our feature Roquetas de Mar gastronomy: A new European food status for the bigger picture.

2) Fresh markets (versmarkten): where locals buy daily

Mercado de Abastos (Roquetas centre). The municipal market in town is the everyday choice for residents. Located at Ctra de Alicún, 3, it opens roughly 07:00–14:00 and hosts dozens of permanent stands: fishmongers, butchers, charcuterie, fruit & veg, bakeries and small cafés. It’s compact, efficient and ideal for a morning shop. Official information lists the address and opening window, along with the number of stands (around 69). :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Mercado municipal de Aguadulce. In the Aguadulce district, the municipal market focuses on the same essentials: fish and seafood, seasonal vegetables, fruit and pantry staples. It’s convenient if you’re staying closer to the marina or the beach there. The local tourism listing confirms the market and contact details for visitors. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

When to go: Early. Stalls are best stocked first thing in the morning, and fish counters move quickly. For a coffee-and-shop routine, arrive around 09:00–10:00, do a full loop of the hall, then buy on the way back.

3) The weekly Thursday market (mercadillo semanal)

Roquetas hosts one of Almeria’s largest open-air weekly markets every Thursday morning, now at the new fairground between Avenida Reino de España and Avenida Unión Europea, opposite the Gran Plaza shopping centre and near the Teatro Auditorio. The municipality inaugurated the site in 2024–2025: a 30,000 m² multi-use space with ~945 parking spots and capacity for ~300 ambulant stalls. The Thursday market moved here in February 2025. Expect a broad mix: fresh produce, olives and nuts, cheeses, spices, plus textiles and home goods. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Practical window: Typically 09:00–14:00. Go early for produce (better selection, easier parking); late morning is livelier but busier.

4) Night markets (summer)

In peak season you’ll find evening craft & leisure markets along the seafront (not every night, but regularly in July–August), especially around Aguadulce’s marina. They’re more about atmosphere than daily shopping—think crafts, accessories and beachwear—yet you’ll often find regional delicacies (honey, nuts, olives) to take home. Several listings note a typical 19:00–00:00 window in summer at/near the marina promenade. Always verify locally, as vendors and dates can change year to year. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

5) Tips for visitors: timing, etiquette, what to buy

Cash first, cards second. Many stalls take cash; some accept cards but don’t count on it.
Ask for seasonality. Vendors will tell you which varieties are at their peak—especially tomatoes and peppers.
Fish market basics. If you’re buying seafood, ask when it landed and whether they can clean/fillet it. Bring a cooler bag in summer.
Taste before you buy. Olives, nuts and dried fruit vendors often offer samples—just ask politely.
Go early for produce, late for vibe. Morning is best for the freshest selection; evenings (summer markets) are about strolling and atmosphere.
Parking & access (Thursday market). Use the new fairground lots and follow municipal signage. The layout is wide and stroller-friendly. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

6) Related reading

Want the broader culinary story behind these markets? Read our feature Roquetas de Mar gastronomy: A new European food status for how fishing and greenhouses shaped today’s food culture.

Sources

Food & Drink

Roquetas de Mar gastronomy: A new European food status

Published September 26, 2025 | Category: Food & Drink

TL;DR: Roquetas de Mar is staking a claim as a European food reference. Built on centuries of salt, fish and land use, the town now combines horticultural powerhouses, fishing traditions and modern gastronomy. A recent reverse mission and the MareTerra congress put this heritage on stage, aligned with the Ciudad Gastronómica Española 2025 strategy. Here’s the full story — past, present and future.

Roquetas de Mar gastronomy: from salt pans to a European food status

1) Historical roots: salt, fish and land
2) Recent drivers: mission, congress, recognition
3) The agri-economy of Almeria: figures and role
4) Gastronomic culture and traditions
5) Evolution of menus and culinary styles
6) Sustainability, innovation and challenges
7) Looking ahead: where Roquetas is headed
8) Visitor’s guide: practical tips

1) Historical roots: salt, fish and land

Roquetas de Mar’s connection to food goes back two millennia. Roman sources mention its salt pans and fish-based products such as garum, exported throughout the empire. Over the centuries, artisanal fishing remained central. By the 20th century, land use shifted dramatically with the rise of plastic-covered greenhouses — a hallmark of Almeria’s agriculture today. These layers of history explain why Roquetas gastronomy balances seafood and horticulture so naturally.

2) Recent drivers: mission, congress, recognition

In 2025 the town council, with the Almería Chamber of Commerce, launched a reverse mission bringing European food editors and chefs to see Roquetas first-hand. Chef Estefanía Marchal led showcookings showcasing fish and greenhouse produce. Immediately after came the first MareTerra (Huerta y Mar) congress in Aguadulce, a two-day public event with tastings, demos and a swordfish ronqueo. These initiatives support Roquetas’ title as Ciudad Gastronómica Española 2025, consolidating its European profile.

3) The agri-economy of Almeria: figures and role

Roquetas sits within the Poniente Almeriense, one of Europe’s most productive agricultural belts. Greenhouses here produce tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and aubergines year-round. Exports exceed several billion euros annually, with Germany and the UK as key markets. The sector employs tens of thousands across the province and drives parallel industries: packaging, logistics and R&D centers like LABCOLOR. Roquetas’ gastronomy thus reflects not only local culture but also a vital European food supply chain.

4) Gastronomic culture and traditions

Culinary traditions are inseparable from community life. Annual tapas routes highlight local creativity in bite-sized dishes, while feria celebrations feature grilled sardines, paellas and communal meals. The sea’s bounty, from red mullet (salmonete) to pargo, is celebrated in beachside chiringuitos. Inland products — olive oil, almonds, honey — complement coastal flavors. Together, these create a cultural script where gastronomy is part of fiestas, rituals and identity.

Traditional staples like cuajadera (oven-baked fish with vegetables) or rice “de mar” remain anchors. Yet Roquetas’ younger chefs are experimenting with modern techniques: light smoking of fish, emulsions with local olive oil, or pairing greenhouse vegetables with global flavors. Gastro bars reinterpret tapas with flair, while still grounding them in provenance. Visitors can experience both ends of the spectrum: rustic fried-fish platters and Michelin-inspired tasting menus.

6) Sustainability, innovation and challenges

Almería’s greenhouses are global case studies in efficient water use and closed systems. Roquetas builds on that by pushing sustainability into hospitality. Local bars and restaurants join programs such as Hostelería #PorElClima, targeting energy savings and waste reduction. Challenges remain: balancing mass tourism with ecological footprints, adapting to climate pressures, and ensuring fair labor in agriculture. Still, transparency is high — many cooperatives welcome visitors, turning production sites into educational stops.

7) Looking ahead: where Roquetas is headed

The success of MareTerra signals that gastronomy is now central to Roquetas’ tourism strategy. Expect annual editions, stronger international press coverage, and tie-ins with sustainability networks. The town aims to extend its narrative: from “sun and beach” to “sun, beach and gastronomy.” For visitors, that means more curated experiences — from chef-led tours of the market to public ronqueo demonstrations. In the long run, Roquetas seeks to anchor itself in the European culinary map alongside cities like San Sebastián or Lyon, but with its own sea-and-greenhouse identity.

8) Visitor’s guide: practical tips

Markets: Start at the municipal market to see produce and fish culture in action.
Chiringuitos: Book seaside for fried fish, especially red mullet and pargo.
Events: Time your visit with the next MareTerra congress or local tapas routes.
Menus: Ask for cuajadera, seafood rice, or greenhouse vegetable dishes in season.
Etiquette: Reserve early for showcookings; arrive before Spanish peak dining times for easier seating.

Not just a coastal resort

Roquetas de Mar is no longer just a coastal resort — it is a gastronomic story rooted in salt pans, fishing boats and the innovation of greenhouses. By opening its doors to experts and citizens alike, the town is redefining itself as a culinary hub. For more features and guides, explore our Towns & Villages section.

For more updates from across the province, visit Latest articles.