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  How to get to Almeria

Almeria is a relatively young resort on the Mediterranean Sea, attractive for its long white sandy beaches and diverse nature. Also, the resort gained popularity due to the opportunity to diversify its stay with active sports, since the local nature combines sea and mountains, i.e. There is an opportunity to do both water and underwater sports, as well as climbing and hiking. The city is located on the Costa de Almeria of the same name in the province of Andalusia, it has its own airport, which, however, accepts only local flights.

How to get to Almeria from Madrid

The distance between Madrid and Almeria is nearly 600 km. The fastest way to cover this distance is to use iberia Airlines Flight (travel time is a little over an hour). Almeria Airport is 10 km from the city center. There is a bus line between the airport and the city. You can also get to The journey takes about 15 minutes.

In addition, you can also get from Madrid to Almeria by train, however, the duration of a direct trip will take about 6 hours. Flights are operated several times a day. There are also options with a change in Seville, but then the travel time increases in direct proportion to the duration of the transfer. You can specify the scheduleat railway service .

How to get to Almeria from Malaga

Malaga and Almeria are located 200 km from each other. Almeria is located to the east, the sea here is considered warmer, and this is another plus in the treasury of the advantages of this resort.

There is no direct railway connection between Malaga and Almeria, you can only get with a change in Antequera, so the travel time with a minimum transfer time will be from 4.5 hours. Oddly enough, a faster and cheaper way to get from Malaga to Almeria is to use the local bus company Alsa. Travel time, depending on the time of day, will be from 2.5 to 4.5 hours, flights are direct, without transfers in other cities. Schedule - on the carrier’s website Alsa.

You can also take a taxi from Malaga Airport to Almeria. Travel time will be approximately 3 hours. You can order a taxi directly at the Malaga airport at the information desk in the arrival terminal, or in advance via the Internet on the transfer booking website .

Matt Kieffer / Almeria

  Almeria Hotels

The city has both chain hotels of popular brands and small hotels with individual design and atmosphere. In general, the level of service of Almeria, despite the youth of the resort, corresponds to the level of service in the largest tourist centers in Spain.

Avenida Hotel, 4 stars

The hotel is located near the central promenade of the city with its shopping centers, boutiques and restaurants. The nearest beach is about 3 km, to the train station - about 2 km. The hotel has its own restaurant, there is a private paid parking (reservation is required). Luggage storage is available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.

The hotel has rooms of different categories from economy options to junior suites and suites. In the rooms you can find everything you need: a TV, a safe, air conditioning, a hairdryer, a telephone, a TV, a minibar. Depending on the type of room, the price may include breakfast, half board or full board (specify when booking). The hotel received the best ratings for the cleanliness and comfort of the rooms, as well as for the price-quality ratio of the services provided.

The front desk is open 24 hours a day. Standard check-in is from 14.00, check-out is until 12.00. You can find out more about the availability and cost of hotel accommodation for specific dates on the booking website Booking.com.

Plaza Vieja Hotel & Lounge, 4 stars

The hotel is located in a historic building, within walking distance of the Almeria Fortress and beaches. The hotel features a local restaurant, luggage storage, and a tour desk. Paid private parking is available nearby. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.

In the hotel you can find rooms of different categories: standard, junior suites, suites. The rooms have air conditioning, TV, safe, hairdryer, telephone, minibar. Breakfast, depending on the type of room, may be included in the price, or paid extra. The hotel received the best reviews for the location and staff.

The hotel has a 24-hour front desk. Check-in is from 15.00, check-out is until 12.00. You can find out more about the availability and cost of hotel accommodation for specific dates on the booking website Booking.com.

Nuevo Torreluz, 4 stars

The hotel is a 5-minute walk from Almeria's main historical attractions, and a 20-minute walk from the nearest beach. The hotel has 2 restaurants, a tapas café and a bar with a terrace. Private paid parking is available. Wi-Fi is free. There is a luggage storage, tour desk, car rental.

The hotel has standard or superior rooms, as well as junior suites. Inside you can find a TV, safe, air conditioning, hairdryer, telephone, minibar. Breakfast, depending on the type of room, may be included in the price, or may be paid separately (specify when booking). The hotel received the best ratings for its central location and cleanliness of the rooms.

Reception is open 24 hours a day. Check-in is from 14.00, check-out is until 12.00. You can find out more about the availability and cost of hotel accommodation for specific dates on the booking website Booking.com.

AC Hotel Almeria, a Marriott Lifestyle Hotel, 4 stars

The hotel is located in the historic city center, within walking distance from the main attractions of the city. The hotel can offer its guests a rooftop pool, gym, restaurant. There are also several tapas bars nearby. Free Wi-Fi is available at the hotel. Paid parking spaces are available (reservation is required).

The hotel has standard and superior rooms in which you can find air conditioning, telephone, hairdryer, radio, satellite channels, minibar. Breakfast, depending on the type of room, may be included in the price, or may be paid separately. The hotel received the best ratings for its central location and cleanliness of the rooms.

Reception is open 24 hours a day. Check-in is from 15.00, check-out is until 12.00. You can find out more about the availability and cost of hotel accommodation for specific dates on the booking website Booking.com.

Hotel Costasol, 3 stars

The hotel is located in the city center, on the main boardwalk. Beach, public transport, city attractions - all this is within walking distance. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi. Public parking can be found nearby (parking is paid, reservation is not required).

The hotel has rooms of different categories, all of them are equipped with TV, safe, air conditioning, hairdryer, telephone, mini fridge. Breakfast, depending on the type of room, may be included in the price, or may be paid separately. The hotel features luggage storage and a tour desk. The hotel received the best ratings for its location.

Reception is open 24 hours a day. Check-in is from 14.00, check-out is until 12.00. You can find out more about the availability and cost of hotel accommodation for specific dates on the booking website Booking.com.

  Almeria Attractions

Almeria is a resort on the Costa de Almeria of the same name, located between two other major tourist centers - Valencia and Malaga and competing with them for the right to be called the best holiday destination in southeastern Spain. Almeria has incorporated the natural color of the area with its mountains and vast beaches, as well as the novelty of entertainment and the services offered at the resort.

Almeria is considered a relatively new resort place, therefore, the infrastructure of the city developed according to new models. In the resort you can find many new, made in the style of high-tech hotels. However, lovers of Spanish traditions in architecture will also not be disappointed. Another tangible advantage of Almeria hotels is their moderate price tag compared to the more famous resorts in the area.

The Almeria coast is washed by the Mediterranean Sea, which, in general, is somewhat colder than in Valencia, but clearly warmer than in Malaga. The swimming season lasts from late May to late September. The climate of Almeria is typical Mediterranean.

Among what to see in Almeria, it is worth highlighting two main groups of attractions - these are historical monuments and natural monuments. Of course, a separate article is the beaches of Almeria, some of the best on the entire Spanish coast, marked by honorable blue flags. In the aggregate, it is these factors that make the resort so popular with tourists.

In the old part of Almeria, many historical sights have been preserved, the most famous of which are the fortress Alcazaba  on the hill of St. Christopher and encarnacion Cathedral on Cathedral Square. Alcazaba, built in the 10th century, has survived to this day in excellent condition. Inside the fortress you can find your streets, houses and a mosque (the Alcazaba was built during the rule of the Moorish caliphate). The parameters of the Alcazaba can easily be compared with the parameters of the Alhambra itself in Granada, this historical complex is so magnificent.

Encarnacion Cathedral belongs to the 15th century of construction, it is located on the central square of the city. The cathedral is made in the classical Gothic style and impresses with its size and grandeur. Other historical monuments of Spanish Almeria also include the church of Santiago (15th century), the Arab water supply (11th century), the Basilica of Our Lady of Mar del Mar, the Clarissock monastery, the church of St. San -Juana.

What to see in the vicinity of Almeria

In the suburbs of Almeria there are several interesting natural monuments at once, the most visited of which are Cabo de Gata National Park  and tabernas desert. Cabo de Gata Park is an untouched corner of nature, where all year round there is always only one time of the year - summer, so we can say that summer lives here.

The park consists of kilometers of white sand beaches, several fishing villages scattered from each other, lonely fortresses and towers, semi-deserts, in which amazing representatives of the flora live and unusual representatives of the fauna grow. The place is separated from civilization by mountains, so the winds do not reach here, and an unusual microclimate reigns here. Cabo de Gata is one of the most visited national parks of Andalusia.

To travel freely in national and natural parks near Almeria, it is recommended to rent a car, this will allow you to explore the most remote corners of the parks that are not accessible by public transport. You can rent a car in Malaga, there are rental offices both in the city itself and at the arrival airport. Cost quite low in the country, this is due to the great competition between the rental companies. For a rental it is enough to have a passport, an international driver’s license and a credit card for payment. You can get from Malaga to Almeria by car in less than 2 hours on the highway number A7.

The Tabernas Desert, or Almeria Desert, is located between two mountain ranges, which is why precipitation and moisture practically do not reach here. Here you can feel like in some African desert, while being territorially in Europe. The Tabernas desert is a rocky, seemingly lifeless territory, although, in fact, representatives of local flora and fauna live here. The size of the desert is almost 300 square meters. km, and the daytime air temperature reaches 45 degrees.

Beaches of Almeria

The beaches of Almeria have gained their fame far beyond the borders of Spain itself, and all thanks to their amazing qualities and properties. The beaches of Almeria are multi-kilometer white sand territories marked with the insignia - the Blue Flag - as a symbol of the cleanest beaches in the world. Since the beaches of Almeria have been ennobled relatively recently, their equipment exceeds all the expectations of tourists: beaches are extremely well-groomed, with sunbeds, umbrellas, changing cabins and toilets, showers and playgrounds.

The best beaches of the coast are considered Las solinas  and La almadrava. Here everyone can try themselves in any active sport, since the beaches are equipped with everything necessary. Jet skis, catamarans, sailing ships, bananas and other pleasures are provided to guests of Almeria.

In addition, along the coast in the city there is a promenade for hiking. There are also many trendy cafes, tapas bars and restaurants serving local cuisine. The resort infrastructure is considered one of the most comfortable for a beach holiday.

TOURIST RESPONSES:

Almeria is located in southeastern Spain, about a couple of hours drive from Granada. This coastal city is not big, but not small - about 190 thousand people live here. If you are lucky enough to be in this beautiful town, then be sure to visit the following attractions.

Archaeological Museum of Almeria (Museo de Almeria)

The fact that the city needs an archaeological museum, the authorities thought about this in the early 19th century. Painfully many exhibits have accumulated. For example, by 1837, 196 paintings, a whole mountain of ancient coins and a number of tombstones, as well as jewelry and dishes that were used during the period of Arab rule in Spain, were collected from different monasteries in the district. But all this good remained to lie “not for the eyes of men,” the museum was not opened. And later, some of the exhibits "spread" throughout Spain, to other museums, and some went abroad.

The museum was opened in 1933, and it was located in the building of a research institute. The first artifacts that were placed there were finds during excavations in Almeria itself and the surrounding areas. Forty years later, the museum was specifically expanded (thanks to cooperation with local cultural sources) and even moved to the building of the College of the Holy Virgin Mary del Mar. After another 20 years, the new museum building was built, quite modern, with spacious rooms, clear lines and a minimalist design. And there he is to this day. In the museum you can admire the finds from the Paleolithic era to the period of Moorish rule on the Iberian Peninsula.

How to get there:calle Federico García Lorca stop (buses 2, 6, 7, 12, 18); Delegación Provincial de Salud stop (buses 2, 5, 6, 11, 20 and 30). The nearest parking is Avenida García Lorca and Rambla del Obispo Orberá.

Hospital of St. Mary Magdalena

This building is located in the center of Almeria, not far from the Cathedral. It should be noted that this is the only building of civil architecture of the 16th century that survived in Almeria. The construction began thanks to Bishop Diego Fernandez Villalan. The building was built for almost 9 years and ended in 1556. The construction was led by well-known architects and architects of the region.

The hospital complex consists of 3 structures - a hospital, a chapel and a shelter. Together, these three buildings in the Renaissance style form a composition in the form of the Latin letter U. Of course, from the 16th century the building was rebuilt and reconstructed a couple of times, however, the main facade, untouched once, facing the north is of particular value. The southern part of the hospital (which was completed by the 18th century) was built in the neoclassical style. Interestingly, its lower floor is made of large hewn stones, and the upper one is made of small pebbles, while the corners are laid out of brick. The chapel with one nave was finished in 1885. The shelter was built 8 years earlier than the chapel. This is a two-story building with a pretty patio. Of course, such an old and beautiful building is today cherished and cherished. The hospital of St. Mary Magdalene is considered a cultural monument of Almeria.

Address:Plaza Doctor Gómez Campana

Alcazaba Fortress

This fortress stands on a picturesque hill in Almeria. “Alcazaba” translated from Arabic “al-qasbah” means the construction of the city walls. This castle was erected at the end of the 10th century, and today it is the largest fortress of the period of Moorish rule in the Pyrenees. Since the hill on which the fortress stands is quite high, the fortress withstood many attacks of enemies and has been preserved quite well to this day. In 1477, the fort was taken by the Christian king Alfonso VII, but after some time the Arabs again recaptured their native walls. However, several years later, at the end of the 15th century, the fortress finally passed “under the wing” of the Christian royal family. In the early years of the last century, the fort was restored. The fortress consists of two rows of fortified walls, behind which there is a triangular palace, terraces, orchards. An interesting water supply system is a well, a fountain and a water tank. Also on the territory of the fortress are two museums dedicated to the history of the fortress. Since 1933, the fortress is considered a national architectural heritage and since then it has the status of a monument. This fortress is located 600 m from the Cathedral of Almeria (if you follow the north-west along the street Ramon Castilla Perez).

Cathedral of Almeria (Catedral de la Encarnacion de Almeria)

This cathedral began to be built in 1522, almost immediately after the terrible earthquake that wiped out the city temple. The cathedral in the late Gothic style was finally completed by 1564. It is interesting that the architect (very famous at that time, built more than one building in the city) brought into the external and internal appearance of the cathedral the elements characteristic of the Renaissance.

On the facade of the cathedral you can see the turrets, battlements and buttresses (the protruding part of the wall, which are characteristic for the most part of the Romanesque style of architecture) - because of this, the temple looks very powerful, almost like some kind of fortress. By the way, he really performed a defensive function once and in him sheltered from Arab attacks. Well, from the pirates. The portal in the Renaissance style is impressive: it is an arch with columns and niches, with bas-reliefs on military subjects. Inside, in the main chapel, the retablo (Spanish altar to the ceiling) in the Gothic and Baroque styles attracts attention. And on the facade of the chapel you can see the bas-relief, which even became a symbol of the city - it depicts the sun with a human face and wavy ribbons instead of rays.

Address:Plaza de la Catedral, 1

Los Millares

This is the oldest settlement 17 km from Almeria. The city, spread over a territory of 2 hectares, was supposedly created in the 4th century and lasted until the end of the 2nd century BC. The town on a high plateau near the Andaras River was home to 1 thousand people in its best times. They learned about the existence of the settlement in 1891, when they began to build a railway in that area. Excavations were immediately organized, which are slowly underway today.

The town was quite traditional, with walls that protected local residents and a cemetery. Scientists suggest that the locals were actively engaged in agriculture, the production of ceramics and even processed metals and smelted copper! On the territory found a lot of weapons, tools made of stone and copper, jewelry, dishes, even fragments of fabrics. That is, life here once boiled and seethed. Today, these are only gloomy ruins.

Helpful answer?

Almeria is a city located in the south-east of Spain (much south of Alicante) in the province of Andalusia. The city itself is not very large, about 200 thousand inhabitants live in it, however there are some attractions worthy of attention.

In my article, I will focus on two interesting places that Almeria offers - on an ancient fortress that may interest those who love history and ancient buildings, as well as on a theme amusement park (which includes a village stylized as the Wild West, a zoo and a mini water park), which is suitable for everyone who likes to have fun - from children to adults.

Alcazaba

One of the main attractions of Almeria is the Almeria Fortress, which is also called Alcazaba (Alcazaba is a defensive structure that is located inside the city and served as the residence for the ruler).

This fortress was laid back in 955 by the caliph, as a defensive structure. In ancient times, Almeria flourished as a port city and engaged in trade.

The fortress was the residence of the Caliphate.

It has several levels.

At the lower level, gardens are now blooming, and before there was a military camp. At the middle level was the government, which controlled the fortress.

The fortress, of course, deserves attention - it still retains the spirit of antiquity, because the walls and buildings have remained with us since its construction. Alcazaba rises above the city, so it offers magnificent views of Almeria, as well as the sea and port. Inside, it is pretty well maintained, there is no dirt and debris. At the entrance, tourists are given booklets in English or Spanish. Inside there are toilets, as well as vending machines for food and drinks (the latter is especially necessary on hot days).

There is a garden with trees in Alcazaba, where you can take a break from the scorching heat.

By the way, the paths inside the fortress are quite rocky, so in order to feel comfortable walking you should wear athletic, and most importantly closed shoes without a heel - best of all are sneakers or gym shoes. Walking in high heel shoes is completely unrealistic, in open sandals or sandals is also not very good - all the dust settles on your feet, and you can easily tuck your leg.

How to get there

You can get to the fortress both by public transport and by personal (that is, by car). It can be reached by bus number 1 (Linea 1), which stops right at the entrance. You can also use the services of a taxi - just tell the taxi driver Alcazaba, and he will immediately understand where you need to.

By car, the fortress can be reached by following the signs to the historical center (Centro Historico) and the fortress itself (its full name in Spanish is Conjunto Monumental de la Alcazaba de Almeria). Unfortunately, there is no parking near Alcazaba, so driving there by car is not very convenient.

From the historical center to Alcazaba is easily accessible on foot - it is located on Allemansor street (calle Almanzor).

Schedule and ticket prices

From January 1 to March 31, Alcazaba is open to visitors from Tuesday to Saturday from 9 am to 5:30 pm, on Sundays and public holidays from 9 am to 3:30 pm. On Mondays (except holidays) access to the territory is closed.

From April 1 to June 15, you can get to Alcazaba from Tuesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., on Sundays and public holidays from 9 to 15:30, on Mondays, Alcazaba is closed (except again holidays.

In the period from June 16 to September 15, Alcazaba can be viewed from Tuesday to Sunday, the same schedule is valid for holidays from 9 to 15:30, if any event takes place in the territory, then the working time is extended until 22:00.

From September 16 to December 31 from Tuesday to Saturday, Alcazaba is open from 9 to 17:30, on Sundays and public holidays from 9 to 15:30.

The cost of tickets for non EU citizens is one and a half euros, for citizens - free of charge.

In general, I would recommend visiting those who are interested in history, antiquities and fortresses to visit Alcazaba. Do not expect too much from her, as there are no tours in Russian and there are not many explanations, so you can only rely on the information in the booklet (it is issued in Spanish and English) and on what you learned from the Internet before visiting fortresses.

Oasys mini hollywood

This is an amusement park that includes a zoo and a water park (all in one bottle), located near Almeria.

The whole park is made in the style of the Wild West, there is a saloon, a sheriff’s office, a prison, a cemetery, a Western-style show. Disguised actors walk around the park with whom they can take pictures (for an additional fee, of course). The shows are held in the style of the Wild West, the children really like it, although the plot is rather cruel - there is a gallows and other attributes of that time.

The zoo is rather big and very well-groomed, the animals look happy. In order to feel comfortable in the park, you should take comfortable shoes with you, and if you go there in the summer, you should take as much water as possible, be sure to use sunscreen and wear a hat.

The water park there is small, literally one pool with two slides, but in the heat you can refresh yourself well (especially after taking a walk around the park in the heat).

If you do not tolerate the heat, perhaps you should choose to visit the park in spring or autumn, when the outdoors is not as hot as in the summer and you can safely walk without fear of a sunstroke.

Opening hours and ticket prices

In summer, the park is open to visitors from 10 am to 21, and in winter only on weekends from 10 to 19 hours.

A ticket for adults will cost 22 euros, for children from 3 to 11 years old there is a discount - they can visit the park for 12 and a half euros, there are also discounts for senior citizens.

How to get there

The park is located in the desert, and you can get to it on the highway number 340 a (Spanish Carretera nacional 340 a) 464 km. The most convenient, of course, is to get to the park by car.

The resort of Almeria is located in the south-east of Spain. This is the main city of the coastal province of the same name Costa del Almeria 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 an excellent vacation, which will provide beautiful beaches, mild climate, amazing nature, developed tourist infrastructure and the unique history of the region. Almeria is preferred by tourists who like outdoor activities, plus fans of a variety of entertainment and sightseeing tours.

The essence of the resort - the main cultural and tourist center of Andalusia - fully reflects the names given to this area by the Romans: Portus Magnus ("The Great Port") and the Arabs: Espejo Del Mar ("Mirror of the Sea"). The second name, pretty reworked by local residents, and became the basis of the name of the resort. Moreover, Almeria sung by poets is not in vain called the “mistress of the sun” - it caresses her like no other corner of Europe.

The nature of Almeria is striking in its contrasts: there are many kilometers of beaches of light gray sand, and majestic cliffs, either gently descending to the sea, then abruptly breaking off above it. In contrast to the greenery of individual sites, rocky deserts without vegetation and rivers with dried up beds are located: the nature of this resort seems unbridled 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 Iberia direct flights arrive. The ticket price will depend on the season: the most expensive flight will cost in June-August - 370 to 500 EUR in both directions. Between August and 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 with flights with transfers in Barcelona and Madrid. Aeroflot planes fly to Moscow from Madrid every day. From Madrid to Almeria can be reached by bus (ticket price 28-50 EUR).

Prices on the page are for November 2018.

Search for flights to Malaga (the closest airport to Almeria)

Weather in Almeria

The resort is characterized by a mild Mediterranean climate. Almeria is the record holder for the number of sunny days per year. And there is very little rainfall, and they last only a few days somewhere in the period from November to February. Therefore, you can get a beautiful tan in the resort of Almeria at any time of the year. The average annual temperature of the Mediterranean climate of Almeria is + 15-25 ° C. The air temperature in winter reaches a mark of +5 ° C to +12 ° C, water at this time of year has a temperature of +5 ° C to + 8 ° C. In March-June, the temperature here is about 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 temperature of the water until November does not drop below 18 ° C.

Beaches

Almeria is famous for its many kilometers of white sand beaches and a huge number of beautiful shells. The beaches of Almeria, as well as many Spanish beach areas, are characterized by the Blue Flag mark of environmental cleanliness. This means that the beach season in Spain will not bring tourists any unpleasant surprises.

The developed beach infrastructure of Almeria will allow you to relax here with maximum comfort. In addition, here you can find a large number of a variety of entertainment, 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 amusement rides.

Along the beach area there is a pedestrian promenade with numerous restaurants, cafes, shops and souvenir shops. The most popular beaches of the coast are Las Salinas and La Almadrava de Monteleva. In addition, there are also “wild” beaches - for example, Playa de Macenas, where you can enjoy a solitary swim, breaking away from the outside world.

Maps of Almeria

Shopping & Stores

Fans of shopping will also not be deprived, because there is a huge number of a wide variety of shops and shopping centers. A fascinating walk through the souvenir shops will end with the purchase of a huge number of gifts for relatives and friends.

Popular hotels in Almeria

Attractions and attractions in Almeria

Of the sights of Almeria, you should see the Cathedral, built on the site of the ruins of the Muslim mosque of Almedin in the spirit of late Gothic. In ancient times, the cathedral was called the Cathedral-Fortress (Catedral-Fortaleza), since behind its mighty walls the entire population of the city could hide in the event of an attack by Berbers or Turks.

It is also worth visiting the ancient Alcazaba fortress, Plaza Vieja Square (17th century) and the City Hall located on it (a monument of civil architecture of the 19th century). Fans of religious attractions will notice the monastery of Santo Domingo, the statue of the Blessed Virgin of the Sea and the Convent of Las Claras and the Cathedral of Santa María de la Encarnación. In addition, there are the Archaeological Museum, the House of the Marquises of Torrealt and Cabra, the Viscount Palace of Almansa.

6    things to do in Almeria

1. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Wild West, forgetting that you are in Spain.
2. Go on a photo hunt for architectural sights.
3. To pedal on a bike ride through a beautiful reserve.
4. Buy souvenirs.
5. Relax on the beach.
6. Go wild in the water park.

Of the natural attractions, the Cabo de Gata Nihar Nature Reserve deserves attention. To explore all the beauty 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 of the Wild West was built here for filming European westerns - now there is an interesting amusement park on this site. Cafe-saloons, fascinating 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 is a monument to John Lennon. The long-suffering bronze monument was repeatedly attacked by vandals, chopping pieces from it as a keepsake. And once they even broke the guitar neck. The resort’s administration plans to dismantle the monument, commemorating the fact that it was in Almeria that John Lennon wrote the famous song “Strawberry Fields Forever”.

Leisure

The picturesque Sierra Cabrera mountains attract alpine skiing enthusiasts, wide and level Almeria fields - golf lovers (equipment can be rented), clear sea water and a unique underwater world - fans of water sports and scuba diving. The latter will especially like the water park Parque Acuatico Mario Park near Almeria, in the town of Roquetas de Mar, which has many water slides, 6 pools, artificial waves and a jacuzzi.

Almeria is a major port city and a famous tourist destination. It is known for its rich history and some landmarks for this region. People come here to attend exhibitions, to explore the expositions of local museums and ancient buildings.

Alcazaba Fortress

Alcazaba Fortress is Almeria's most iconic landmark. It was built by the Arabs in the 13th century. The construction of the fortress was supervised by Emir Abdarakhman. Later it was completed several times. As a result, this building turned into a huge architectural complex with the highest tower of Torre del Omenaj equipped with an observation deck, from where you can admire the picturesque city views. Near the castle is the village of La Chanka, in which people live not in houses, but in small caves equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay. The local population has been fishing for centuries.

Cathedral

The cathedral is another architectural landmark of the city. It was built in the 16th century. During the Middle Ages, Almeria was constantly attacked by pirates. Residents of the city fled from them in a church that was erected in the form of a castle, and not a religious structure. The temple was repeatedly destroyed. During its restoration, various architectural styles were used, including Classicism, Renaissance and Gothic, elements of which can be seen today in different parts of the cathedral.

Templo de San Juan Church, City Hall and Gador

Guests of Almeria often visit the Temple of San Juan Church. It was built in the XVII century. Near the temple there is a city hall in the form of a beautiful palace with original architecture. In the neighboring town of Gadore, archaeological excavations are still underway. Once upon a time there were prehistoric settlements.

Hospital of St. Mary Magdalene

Tourists should take a look at the building of the hospital of St. Mary Magdalene, which is located next to the Cathedral. It is considered the oldest in Almeria. It was built in the 16th century. The main facade of the building has never undergone reconstruction or other changes. The hospital is a complex that includes beautiful historic buildings. You can also visit the old shelter and the chapel. It organizes excursions with visits to the hidden corners of this architectural complex.

Museum of Almeria

The Almeria Museum is considered the main institution of this type in the city. Its exposition consists of archaeological finds discovered in the area.

The museum has been operating since 1933. Its collection is regularly updated with new exhibits.

In addition, the museum replaced several buildings. Today you can see exhibits of the Paleolithic era, as well as thematic exhibitions dedicated to primitive people.

Church of St. James Zebedee

Another iconic religious building of the city is the church of St. Jacob of Zebedee. It began to be built in the 15th century, and completed in the middle of the 16th century. Then the temple was rebuilt several times. New elements appeared in it. The time of the last reconstruction of this religious building is the first half of the past century. New bas-reliefs were then chosen to decorate the facade of the church.

Surroundings of Almeria

The surroundings of the city will delight lovers of antiquity with amazing sights that appeared here more than a thousand years ago.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the Arab water supply system, built in the XI century. He was ordered to build the ruler of the city of Hairan. The main purpose of these communications was to deliver water to the local population and the army. The underground channel has a length of over 6 thousand meters. At that time it was a grandiose structure.