Almeria

Almeria, located on Spain's southeastern coast, is known for its warm climate and diverse attractions. You can explore the 10th-century Alcazaba fortress, relax on the beaches of Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, or venture into Europe's only desert. The city's culinary scene includes fresh seafood and a tradition of free tapas with drinks. Almeria's landscapes have also made it a popular filming location for many movies.

Exploring the Alcazaba

The Alcazaba, a large 10th-century Moorish fortress, is visible from most parts of Almeria. As you walk up the old stone steps, you'll see panoramic views of the city and Mediterranean Sea. Inside, you can walk through gardens and restored palace rooms that give you an idea of life during the fortress's peak. The Alcazaba is one of the largest Muslim-built structures in Spain, known for its size and detailed Islamic architecture.

Discovering Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park

A short drive from Almeria city brings you to Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, with its rocky coastline and secluded beaches. You can hike on trails along the cliffs and see plants and animals that have adapted to the dry climate. Beaches like Playa de los Genoveses and Playa de Mónsul have clean, clear water and are often less crowded than other Spanish beaches, even in summer. The Cabo de Gata lighthouse, sitting on volcanic cliffs, is a popular spot for photos.

Venturing into the Tabernas Desert

Just north of Almeria city, you'll find Europe's only true desert. The Tabernas Desert's landscape of bare hills and dry riverbeds has been used as a setting for many films. You can visit old Western movie sets like Mini Hollywood, where you might see a staged gunfight show. For a more natural experience, you can take a guided walk through the desert to learn about its ecosystem and rock formations.

Savoring Almeria's Culinary Delights

Food is an important part of any visit to Almeria. The city is known for its generous tapas culture - when you order a drink, you often get a free tapa with it. You can try local dishes like "gurullos" (a pasta dish with meat and vegetables) or "pescado a la sal" (whole fish baked in salt). Because of the warm climate, fresh fruits and vegetables are available year-round. At the central market, you can see colorful produce displays and taste local cheeses and cured meats.

Exploring Almeria's Film Legacy

Almeria's landscapes have been used in many films over the years. The area has been a backdrop for everything from Western movies to big-budget action films. At the House of Cinema museum, you can learn about the area's movie history and see props and costumes from famous films. You can also take guided tours to filming locations in the desert and along the coast, visiting places where actors like Clint Eastwood and Harrison Ford have worked.

Relaxing on Almeria's Beaches

Almeria has over 200 kilometers of coastline with many different types of beaches. In the city, Playa del Zapillo is a long stretch of sand with calm water that's good for families. For a quieter experience, you can go to the coves in Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park. Playa de los Muertos, despite its name meaning "Beach of the Dead," is often considered one of Spain's most attractive beaches, with clear water and tall cliffs behind it.

Visiting the Cathedral of Almeria

In the old town center, you'll find the Cathedral of Almeria, which combines Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles. Built in the 16th century, it looks like a fortress from the outside because it needed to be defended against pirates. Inside, you can see high vaulted ceilings and detailed stonework. The cathedral's museum has a collection of religious art and objects that show the area's Catholic history.