Almeria is an usually neglected Spanish hidden gem that gives unspoiled seashores, a novel desert panorama, and a protracted historical past of tradition and warfare – a super vacation spot for sun-seekers, historical past buffs, and adventurers.
Almeria in Southern Spain has been known as the sunniest metropolis in Europe and has just lately received awards for its meals. It’s simply a few hours by street from neighboring cities Màlaga and Granada, so why isn’t Almeria as well-known?
Described by many as a hidden gem, Almeria is much less developed than different vacationer locations on the Andalucian coast. Nonetheless, it presents a lot to the traveler, whether or not they’re solar seekers or choose historical past and tradition.
Almeria is commonly neglected by vacationers drawn to the award-winning seashores in Màlaga or extra well-known historic websites at Granada just like the Alhambra, however this metropolis has each, and extra.
Right here’s what we expect will make it easier to resolve to go to Almeria.
The place is Almeria?
Almeria is on the South coast of the area of Andalucia, simply 130 km from Granada, and midway alongside the coast between Màlaga and Cartagena.
It sits on the mouth of the Andarax River forward of a spot within the Sierra Mountain vary, a gateway to the inside of the Iberian Peninsular.
Getting There
Almeria does have its airport with common companies from a number of European capitals together with London, Dublin, Paris, and Warsaw, and in addition from different cities reminiscent of Rotterdam within the Netherlands, Manchester, and Birmingham within the UK.
For different international locations and areas, the airports at Granada, Murcia, and Màlaga will not be too distant, and transfers through practice, or hiring a automobile can get you to town in a few hours. Take the A7 freeway alongside the coast or the A92 behind the mountains.
Unlock the Secrets and techniques of Almeria’s Gorgeous Shoreline
1. Unspoiled Seashores
The shortage of growth and the protected nature of the shoreline implies that the seashores at Almeria are a number of the most pristine within the Mediterranean. With over 300 days of sunshine yearly, this has acquired to be the primary cause to go to Almeria and the encompassing coastal area.
The Playa Los Genoveses is one such seashore, tucked away within the close by nationwide park. Due to the legal guidelines governing growth within the park, it has retained its pure magnificence with the automobile park set slightly method behind the seashore.
It’s surrounded by beautiful volcanic hills and no man-made buildings, so take a picnic and loads of water. The village of San José is 2 km from the automobile park and the seashore is simply accessible on foot.
In comparison with the city man-made seashore, the Malagueta on the seafront at Màlaga, this seashore is just the exact opposite. If it weren’t for the opposite beachgoers the highly effective sense of pure wilderness could be overwhelming.
The Playa Agua Amarga has all of the family-friendly, tourist-ready companies you’ll be able to consider, whereas to the west of the seashore, the extra intrepid traveler can uncover small rocky coves. There may be parking subsequent to the seashore, making it very accessible, and whereas the city has been developed for tourism, it hasn’t been overdeveloped and nonetheless retains loads of its authentic appeal.
The Playa del Zapillo is the primary city seashore of town of Almeria, located to the East of the seaport it has polled extremely in customer rankings and is at the moment sitting within the high spot doubtless as a result of its attractive golden shell sand and its accessibility from town heart.
It’s terrific for adrenaline sports activities and is a high spot for windsurfers, kite surfers, and different actions.
2. Cabo De Gata Nationwide Park
The Nationwide Park in Andalucia has the one desert in Europe, together with the bottom recorded rainfall on the continent of Europe. It’s a wild panorama, dotted about with crimson peaks of volcanic rock on which dry vegetation clings.
- The shoreline is the longest protected space on the Mediterranean and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
- Eco-tourism is massive within the Nationwide Park, with birdwatching excursions, recognizing flamingos, spoonbills, and bee-eaters excessive on the must-do checklist. Guided journeys begin at €35.
- The Caldera de Majada Redonda mountain climbing path takes about two hours from the beginning level in a dry river mattress, ending within the crater of a protracted extinct volcano.
- Alternatively, there are horse driving trails and jeep trails that may take you deep into the wild panorama of the park with its deserted farmsteads and dust-covered empty villages. Rides begin at €40.
The land is tough, and makes an attempt to domesticate the arid volcanic hills usually led to failure. When there may be different, extra productive land within the area it’s straightforward to see why the Cabo de Gata is so empty.
3. Tapas
You can not come to Southern Spain and never pattern the native tapas custom. In Almeria, one of many greatest Andalusian cities to go to, it has developed to some extent the place once you purchase a drink at a taverna, you by no means know what may include it.
- Free tapas are generally served with beer, wine, or lemonade as a part of the hospitality of a metropolis that has seen vacationers come and go for hundreds of years.
- For a top-rated tapas that caters to everybody, together with vegetarians, vegans, and coeliacs take a look at Jovellanos within the outdated a part of city. Costs are affordable and the parts beneficiant.
- Town of Almeria was awarded the title of ‘Meals Capital of Spain’ in 2019, spotlighting town’s dedication to conventional tapas.
4. Alcazaba Fort
The Alcazaba Fort was begun in 955, its partitions defending the native seat of energy, a mosque, and the troopers required to defend the area. It has been added to, modified, and expanded over centuries by each Muslim and Christian rulers.
- The palace boasts royal baths, swimming pools, patios, and gardens, whereas the fortified partitions afford spectacular views throughout the outdated metropolis to the ocean.
- Go to the Tower of the Odalisque, the Tower of Mirrors, and the Cerro de San Cristóbal for one of the best views of the Alcazaba.
- You may acknowledge the Alcazaba because the fort has been utilized by Hollywood for Indiana Jones and Surprise Girl motion pictures, and, most just lately, for season six of Sport of Thrones.
- Entry is free for residents of the EU, and solely €1.50 for everybody else, which makes it a fairly whole lot. Nevertheless, more often than not nobody is challenged and everybody will get in for nothing!
5. Desierto Tabernas
Following the film theme you’ll be able to go to the Tabernas Desert the place Lawrence of Arabia and A Fistful of {Dollars} have been filmed. Additionally, episodes of the British cult present Dr. Who have been additionally made right here.
- There are movie units open to the general public the place you will get a experience in a horse and cart and turn out to be a part of the outdated West with an all-day theme park tour from €59 per particular person.
- The Oasys Park brings the previous movie units to life with a tour and a present the place the native Sheriff confronts armed financial institution robbers.
- It’s dwelling to yellow scorpions and black widow spiders, however they’re shy creatures and certain received’t hassle you whilst you reenact scenes from well-known Sergio Leone motion pictures.
6. Cathedral Fortress of Almeria
The Cathedral at Almeria was constructed following an earthquake in 1522 that destroyed the mosque that had been transformed to Christian worship. Begun in 1524 it was designed to maintain the inhabitants protected, not solely from temptation by the satan, but in addition from assaults by Barbary pirates.
- Its home windows are set excessive within the thick partitions and its facade has minimal ornamentation that was added a lot later as soon as the menace had diminished.
- It’s the solely surviving instance of a cathedral fortress from the sixteenth century in Spain.
- At every nook, there are spherical towers that when held cannons used to fend off assaults, and there are arrow slits and ramparts too, attribute of defensive structure.
- The €5 entrance charge consists of an audio information that may take you thru its 5 centuries of historical past.
7. Civil Conflict Tunnels
Beneath town of Almeria, tunnels run for greater than 4 kilometers, one other protecting, defensive piece of labor to guard the inhabitants from warfare. They’re the best-preserved examples of civil warfare bunkers in Spain and have been constructed to deal with 40,000 individuals.
- Almeria was the final metropolis to fall to Normal Franco’s forces after main bombardments. As soon as the warfare was over the tunnels have been sealed and never rediscovered once more till 2001. They’ve since been opened to the general public and you may take a tour by a kilometer of tunnels that weave 9 meters beneath town.
- Sixteen meters down there may be the working heart which had direct entry to the market in order that produce could possibly be transported underground in case of prolonged stays within the shelter.
- It has been made accessible for these with diminished mobility and is a cool place to go ought to it’s good to escape the most popular a part of the day.
- Tickets begin at €11 and excursions are restricted to thirty individuals at a time as a number of the tunnel areas can really feel slightly claustrophobic.
To conclude, Almeria is an neglected vacation spot that has a lot to supply vacationers of every kind. Unspoiled seashores, a novel desert panorama, and a protracted historical past of tradition and warfare make it a super vacation spot for sun-seekers, historical past buffs, and adventurers alike.
With its quick access to Màlaga, Granada, and the Cabo De Gata Nationwide Park, there’s something for everybody to discover, from the Alcazaba Fort to the Cathedral Fortress and the tunnels of the civil warfare. To not point out the award-winning tapas that make Almeria one of many meals capitals of Spain.
So why not make the journey and uncover the hidden gems that this Andalusian province has to supply?
Almeria is a vacation spot that shouldn’t be neglected – come go to and unlock its secrets and techniques!
Hold studying:
Lucia is a Slovak expat dwelling in Southern Spain. On her weblog Viva la Vita, she shares her insights about stunning areas, hidden gems, and genuine experiences from Costa del Sol and past.
