Located on the coast of the Alboran Sea (the westernmost part of the Mediterranean Sea), the city of Almeria has experienced more than one shake-up in its long history: it was captured, liberated, destroyed and rebuilt. It was shaking here in the literal sense of the word: earthquakes are not uncommon in this seismically troubled area. But nothing could stop Almeria from becoming what it became - a tourist Mecca in the south of Spain.
- The unofficial symbol of Almeria is the Indalo, a man holding a rainbow. His image was found in Cave of Inscriptions (Cueva de los Letreros) near the city.
- Almeria became the last city Andalusia , which Franco’s troops were able to conquer.
- During the Franco dictatorship, one of the largest political prisons in southern Spain was located in Almeria. It was called El Ingenio and was located in a former sugar factory.
- On Paseo de Almeria there is a monument to John Lennon, who participated in the filming of the film How I Won the War in Almeria in 1967.
At the junction of worlds
The first people settled on the territory of modern Almeria back in Neolithic times. Later, the Phoenicians and Romans appreciated the favorable location of the settlement with direct access to the sea. But the most important page in the city's history is associated with the Arab period. It was thanks to the Moors that Almeria got its name. According to one version, in Arabic it sounded like “al-Mariyyāt”, which means “mirror of the sea”. According to another, “al-miraiya”, that is, a watchtower. Indeed, the first tower of the future Alcazaba, a huge fortress even by modern standards, was built in 955 by the Cordoba caliph Abd ar-Rahman III. This date is considered the official birthday of Almeria.
So the “land” Emirate of Cordoba got its own port - at that time one of the largest in the Mediterranean and equipped with the latest technology. This tasty morsel passed from the Moors to the Christians and back several times, and only in 1489 finally surrendered to the Catholic kings Isabella and Ferdinand.
Almeria, which found itself part of medieval Spain, faced a “dark streak”. Firstly, during the era of great geographical discoveries, the city’s port did not participate in any way in expeditions to the New World; overseas wealth passed through Cadiz and ended up in the pockets of local businessmen. Secondly, at the end of the 15th and beginning of the 16th centuries, the city experienced several strong earthquakes that destroyed entire areas and, worst of all, the port. All this slowed down the development of Almeria until the end of the 19th century, when the province began to mine iron ore and grow grapes and citrus fruits for sale.
Almeria flourished after Franco: American directors came to the neighboring Tabernas desert to make cult films; aromatic tomatoes ripened in greenhouses all year round and were exported throughout Europe; and most importantly, tourists have discovered the region. With 108 sunny days a year, Almeria is one of the sunniest cities in Europe. There is never frost here, and the water temperature in winter is higher than the air temperature. The place can also boast stunning landscapes, because the city is located in the most photogenic location - at the junction of mountains and the sea, nearby there are natural parks and historical monuments created by the hands of previous generations of Almerians.
History in stone
The main attraction of the city, of course, is the Almeria Fortress (or Alcazaba). Today it is the second largest in Spain among the surviving fortifications built during the Arab conquest. Unfortunately, numerous wars and sieges, as well as earthquakes, destroyed many of the walls and buildings of the castle, but even now one can appreciate the scale of the entire project.
The Alcazaba consisted of three levels. On the first floor there was a military camp, where ordinary townspeople lived during hostilities. Nowadays there are gardens on this site, which offer stunning views of the city and the sea. On the second level there was a palace of rulers, a mosque, baths and shops. The third, highest level was built by Christians, who placed artillery here. All three parts of the fortress are surrounded by a powerful wall five meters high and three meters wide and connected by stairs and passages.
The oldest surviving non-military and non-religious building in Almeria is the Hospital of Santa María Magdalena, built in the 16th century and undergoing significant architectural changes two centuries later. Therefore, the building has elements of both Baroque and Neoclassicism.
If we return to the military theme, the fortress wall that surrounded the whole of Almeria was demolished only in 1855, and in its place the main avenue of the city appeared - Paseo de Almería. This wide picturesque street with numerous cafes, restaurants, shops, banks and offices is the main commercial and cultural artery of Almeria.
However, Paseo de Almería is a favorite place of local residents; tourists, of course, prefer the embankments, especially Parque Nicolás Salmerón - a green area separating the city from the port.
Since Almeria is primarily a port city, tourists prefer to enjoy beach holidays and the beauty of nature in the unique natural park Cabo de Gata-Níjar, located just 30 km from the city. 63 kilometers of pristine beaches, numerous hiking trails, a lighthouse, coral reefs, more than a thousand rare or endangered species of animals and many cozy hotels - all this has made the nature reserve famous far beyond the borders of Spain.
Taste of the South
Almeria, like other famous cities in Spain, attracts tourists from all over the world. This city and port in the south of Spain, in Andalusia, in Roman times was called Portus Magnus - “Great Port”, and later the Arabs called it “Mirror of the Sea”, as it was one of the most important ports of the Iberian Peninsula. Read more about what to do in Almeria in this article.
Spain has long been a favorite holiday destination for Russians. Sun, sea, ancient architecture, good cuisine and famous boutiques - this is the combination that makes Spain the ideal holiday destination. Most tourists prefer the outskirts of Barcelona, Valencia or Madrid. Many go to Marbella. And only a few were lucky enough to visit Almeria - a real pearl of the Spanish Mediterranean. The city of Almeria is located in the province of the same name, Almeria, whose population is more than 600 thousand people. About 160 thousand people live in the city of Almeria itself.
Until recently, Almeria was practically unknown to Russian tourists. In the spring of 2012, the first official acquaintance of Russian tour operators with this province took place. The guests were amazed by Almeria's tourism potential. The province is located at the southeastern tip of the Perinean Peninsula. The tourist season here lasts 300 days a year; the beach season lasts until the end of October.
The length of the beaches is truly endless - white sand, black volcanic, pebble, shell. There are beaches for children - with small and calm bays, gay beaches, nudist beaches and entire nudist villages. In the early 60s, Almeria was discovered by Hollywood directors, attracted by the sunny climate and picturesque landscapes. Next time you're watching an old Hollywood Western, take a closer look at the landscape - it's probably not Texas, but Almeria. In the vicinity of the city, in memory of those times, there remains the Mini-Hollywood amusement park, where, among the real scenery of cowboy cities and Indian wigwams, shows with shooting, chases and canak are regularly shown.
Sights of Almeria
For lovers of excursions and history, Almeria will open the gates of the ancient Arab fortress Alcazaba. In its dim cellars and sunny courtyards, tourists will get acquainted with the centuries-old history of the province. It was built in the 13th century, but was partially destroyed.
Ornithologists from all over Europe travel to the reserve Cabo de Gata watch flamingos and pelicans. Golf fans enjoy playing on some of the best courses in Spain.
Extreme sports attract thousands of tourists from all over the world to the karst caves around the city. Diving, fishing, hunting, mountaineering, surfing, sailing - this is just a small list of what you can do in the province of Almeria.
For families with children there is a Water Park in Vera, an Oceanarium in Roquetas de Mar, amusement parks and performances on the beaches.
Youth tourism is concentrated in city of Mojacar. This place is famous for its mega-discos, which attracts young people from all over the province. Mojacar has been a favorite holiday destination for the British for several decades.
The resort of Almeria is located in the southeast of Spain. It is the main city of the coastal province of the same name in the autonomous region of Andalusia. Although still relatively young, but at the same time promisingly developing and prosperous, this resort attracts more and more tourists every year. They come here for a great vacation, which will be provided by beautiful beaches, a mild climate, amazing nature, developed tourist infrastructure and the unique history of the region. Almeria is preferred by tourists who enjoy an active holiday, plus lovers of a variety of entertainment and excursions to attractions.
The essence of the resort - the main cultural and tourist center of Andalusia - is fully reflected in the names given to this area by the Romans: Portus Magnus (“Great Port”) and the Arabs: Espejo Del Mar (“Mirror of the Sea”). The second name, extensively revised by local residents, became the basis for the name of the resort. Moreover, it is not in vain that Almeria, glorified by poets, is called “the lover of the sun” - it caresses her like no other corner of Europe.
The nature of Almeria amazes with its contrasts: there are many kilometers of beaches of light gray sand, and majestic cliffs, either smoothly descending to the sea, or abruptly falling above it. In contrast to the greenery of some areas, there are rocky deserts without vegetation and rivers with dry riverbeds: the nature of this resort seems untamed and wild.
Almeria is famous for its many kilometers of white sand beaches and a huge number of beautiful shells.
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How to get there
It is very easy to get to Almeria by air: there is an airport of the same name, where direct flights from Iberia airline arrive. The cost of a ticket will depend on the season: the most expensive flight will cost in June-August - 370 to 500 EUR in both directions. During the period August-May, tickets will cost from 330 EUR.
If you want to visit not only this, but also other resorts in Spain, you can get here by flights with transfers in Barcelona and Madrid. Aeroflot planes fly to Madrid from Moscow every day. From Madrid you can get to Almeria by bus (ticket price 28-50 EUR).
Prices on the page are as of November 2018.
Search for flights to Malaga (closest airport to Almeria)
The resort is characterized by a mild Mediterranean climate. Almeria holds the record for the number of sunny days per year. And there is very little precipitation here, and it lasts only a few days somewhere between November and February. Therefore, you can get a beautiful tan in the Almeria resort at any time of the year. The average annual temperatures in Almeria's Mediterranean climate are +15-25 °C. The air temperature in winter reaches from +5 °C to +12 °C, the water at this time of year has a temperature from +5 °C to + 8 °C. In March-June the temperature here is approximately 23 °C, in July it reaches 28 °C, and the sea warms up to 23 °C. You can swim here until late autumn, because the water temperature does not drop below 18 °C until November.
Beaches
Almeria is famous for its many kilometers of white sand beaches and a huge number of beautiful shells. The beaches of Almeria, like many Spanish beach areas, are characterized by the Blue Flag of environmental cleanliness. This means that the beach season in Spain will not bring any unpleasant surprises to tourists.
The developed beach infrastructure of Almeria will allow you to relax here with maximum comfort. In addition, you can find a wide variety of entertainment here, including water sports (jet skis, sailing catamarans, etc.). Children will also have something to do: the beaches of Almeria are equipped with various children's entertainment attractions.
Along the beach area there is a pedestrian promenade where there are numerous restaurants, cafes, shops and souvenir shops. The most popular beaches on the coast are Las Salinas and La Almadrava de Monteleva. In addition, there are “wild” beaches - for example Playa de Macenas, where you can enjoy a secluded swim, disconnected from the outside world.
Maps of Almeria
Shopping and shops
Shopping lovers will also not be deprived, because there is a huge number of a wide variety of shops and shopping centers. And a fascinating walk through the souvenir shops will end with the purchase of a huge number of gifts for family and friends.
Popular hotels in Almeria
Entertainment and attractions in Almeria
Among the attractions of Almeria, it is worth seeing the Cathedral, built on the site of the ruins of the Muslim Almedina Mosque in the spirit of late Gothic. In the old days, the cathedral was called the Cathedral-Fortaleza (Catedral-Fortaleza), since behind its mighty walls the entire population of the city could hide in the event of a raid by the Berbers or Turks.
It is also worth visiting the ancient Alcazaba fortress, Plaza Vieja (17th century) and the city hall building located on it (a monument of civil architecture of the 19th century). Fans of religious attractions will note the Monastery of Santo Domingo, the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Convent of Las Claras and the Cathedral of Santa María de la Encarnación. In addition, there is the Archaeological Museum, the Houses of the Marquises of Torrealta and Cabra, and the Palace of the Viscount of Almansa.
6 things to do in Almeria
- Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Wild West, forgetting that you are in Spain.
- Go on a photo hunt through architectural landmarks.
- Pedal on a bike ride through the most beautiful nature reserve.
- Buy souvenirs.
- Relax on the beach.
- Go crazy at the water park.
Among the natural attractions, the Cabo de Gata Nijar Nature Reserve deserves attention. To explore all the beauties of the reserve: lakes with clear water, palm trees, flower beds and feathered inhabitants of the reserve (especially the mysterious flamingos), it is better to rent a bicycle.
The desert near Almeria is very similar to the landscapes of Colorado - that is why a typical town from the times of the Wild West was built here for the filming of European westerns - now there is an interesting amusement park on this site. Cafe-saloons, exciting shows, a huge zoo where more than a hundred species of animals live, do not leave tourists indifferent.
In Almeria, in front of the town hall there is a monument to John Lennon. The long-suffering bronze monument was repeatedly attacked by vandals, who chipped off pieces of it as souvenirs. And once they even broke the neck of the guitar. The resort administration plans to dismantle the monument erected in memory of the fact that it was in Almeria that John Lennon wrote the famous song “Strawberry Fields Forever”.
Leisure
The picturesque mountains of Sierra Cabrera attract ski lovers, the wide and flat fields of Almeria attract golf lovers (equipment can be rented), clear sea water and a unique underwater world attract fans of water sports and scuba diving. The latter will especially like the Parque Acuatico Mario Park water park not far from Almeria, in the town of Roquetas de Mar, which has many water slides, 6 swimming pools, artificial waves and a jacuzzi.
The Spanish city of Almeria was founded in the 10th century by the first caliph of Andalusia, Abd al-Rahman the Third. Initially there was only a watchtower and powerful fortress walls.
In 1931, this fortress on the hill of St. Christopher, due to its high historical, artistic and cultural value, was included in the list of historical and artistic heritage. It is one of the largest Muslim monuments in this area. Thanks to this fortress with a thousand-year history, you can learn how architecture developed during the Muslim rule in Spain.
The fortress walls here are very strong. Their thickness is about 3 meters, and their height is 5.
The fortress is located almost in the center of Almeria in the Fish Quarter. It is located at different levels. Outside the walls of the fortress there are streets, houses, buildings and a mosque. The fortress had both military and civil significance. It had an excellent view of the sea and the surrounding area.
Tabernas Castle
Tabernas Castle, built during the 11th-12th centuries, is considered one of the most mysterious castles in Almeria.
Currently, the castle is a ruin, but despite this, it never ceases to amaze with its power and grandeur. Millions of tourists come to this place to experience the mysterious, unexplored history of Tabernas. Some historians suggest that the fortress served as a summer residence for the Duke of Alba.
The battlements of the fortress are square in shape. Getting to them is not easy, since the castle is located on a hill, where there are no special paths. Climbing up to the ruins, you can admire the mesmerizing view of the city and be transported in your mind to the times of the kings who lived here.
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Cabo de Gata National Park
Cabo de Gata is a natural park covering an area of 9 thousand hectares, a corner of extraordinary nature, saturated with clear mountain air and showing no signs of civilization. There are untouched steep coastlines, clear sea and snow-white sand. The most secluded beaches are Carnaje and Enmedio.
Cabo de Gata is one of the driest ecosystems in Europe. There is no winter here, thanks to which you can meet amazing representatives of both flora and fauna in the park.
Within the park there is a small resort town called San Jose and several fishing villages scattered throughout. As for the cultural heritage: archaeological objects from the Copper Age and Neolithic, from the times of the Roman Empire, Arab structures - tanks and farms, castles and medieval fortresses have been preserved in the territory of the park to this day.
Nicolas Salmeron Park is located between the port and the city. This green oasis, consisting of two parts - Old and New parks, appeared in 1860. The part now called the Old Park was developed by 1890 by José Maria de Acosta. Many hundred-year-old trees were planted in it, ponds were dug and many benches were placed.
After the proclamation of the Second Republic, the park received the name of Nicolas Salmeron, a famous native of Almeria, one of the presidents of the First Republic. After the Civil War, the administration allocated another part of the land for the park, which became known as the New Park
The New Park is also full of ponds and fountains. It was designed by Guillermo Langlais Rubio. It was created in the 1970s to celebrate Spain's Maritime Week.
On the territory of the park there are magnificent fountains - the Dolphin Fountain, the Fish Fountain, the Rower Fountain, as well as monuments and sculptures.
Rambla de Belen
Rambla de Belem is the main street of Almeria, starting right at the seashore, not far from the marine station. To the west of it extends the old part of the city, where the Cathedral is located. The street crosses the city from south to north and is currently one of the most vibrant and beautiful promenades in Almeria.
It is decorated with various statues, including the outstanding Mercy Statue, built in memory of the victims of the 1891 flood, which is located at the end of the Queen Regent Avenue next to the Round Square. It represents the figure of a woman with a baby grasping her skirt made of iron. A board describing the events is located nearby on a stone pedestal.
Alcazaba Castle
Alcazaba Castle, built in the 8th century, is the largest Moorish fortress on the Iberian Peninsula.
The fortress served a defensive function and protected the city from attacks by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Romans. The castle has several levels, which were possible to navigate using the observation wall. The lowest of them was a military camp, where the entire local population gathered during the siege. Currently there are gardens here.
At the middle level you can see the so-called palace city with trading shops, military towers, a mosque, the preserved wells of the Caliph and the rins of the Almotasin Palace. The upper level was built specifically for military artillery.
Since 1931, the castle has been considered a national monument of the country and is protected by the Spanish government.
The most popular attractions in Almeria with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Almeria on our website.
Individual and group
“Mirror of the sea” - according to the Arabs and “lover of the sun” - according to poets, is perfect for lovers of beach holidays and active entertainment. Over the course of several decades, Almeria has acquired a tourist infrastructure that guarantees the most comfortable holiday. Serene idleness on beautiful beaches can be complemented by visits to local attractions.
Alcazaba Fortress
The history of Almeria begins with the construction of the first tower of the fortress. According to one version, the city received its name thanks to it: “al-Miraiya” means “watchtower”. Unfortunately, the fortress was besieged more than once and suffered from earthquakes, and you can see all its grandeur and splendor - it is the second largest in Spain - only in your imagination. But some buildings are well preserved, unusually picturesque and often “participate” in filming.
Almeria Cathedral
The monumental temple is an excellent illustration of its time: in the 20th century, defense capability played a big role, which was reflected in its architecture. The cathedral is surrounded by a powerful wall that protected the townspeople during attacks by the Berbers.
Paseo de Almeria
The main city avenue, the center of Almeria's commercial and cultural life, was built on the site of the fortress walls. There are many cafes, restaurants, shops and banks concentrated here.
Nicolas Salmeron Park
A beautiful city park separating the city and the port, one of the most popular places among tourists.
Archaeological Museum
A modern complex containing finds dating back to prehistoric times and the Roman era.
Natural Park of Cabo de Gata Nijar
An incredibly beautiful place on the seashore is located 17 km from Almeria. This is a whole complex of entertainment and attractions: several interesting ancient settlements, San Jose - the territory of youth parties, and, of course, a variety of flora and fauna. The park is included in the list of specially protected areas of the Mediterranean and is a UNESCO biological reserve.
Number of inhabitants and famous natives of Almeria
The population of Almeria is about 200 thousand people. Notable natives:
- O. Morales - composer and conductor (1874 - 1957),
- A. Paz - historian (1921 - 2009).
Climate, nature and ecology of Almeria
Almeria is one of the driest and sunniest cities in Europe: there are about 320 clear days a year. In winter, the air temperature during the day reaches +16⁰ ... +17⁰, and in the hottest months from June to September it is +28⁰ ... +32⁰. The beach season begins in July and lasts until the end of September: at this time the water temperature in the sea is +23⁰ ... +25⁰.
Almeria is famous not only for its beautiful endless beaches, many of which have a Blue Flag certificate. It is known for its magnificent golf courses and amazing underwater world, and fans of pleasant frosts and well-equipped mountain slopes will appreciate the ski resort located nearby.
