Almería

Why visit Almería

Almería fills the south-eastern corner of Andalucía, a sun-baked land between the Mediterranean and the eastern flanks of the Sierra Nevada. Its scenery is unlike anywhere else in Spain: the eroded badlands of the Tabernas Desert, the volcanic cliffs and empty coves of Cabo de Gata, the terraced valleys of the Alpujarra and the marble quarries of the Sierra de los Filabres. Along the coast, fishing villages and resorts such as San José and Mojácar keep a low-rise, unhurried feel, while the capital rewards visitors with its Moorish fortress and a generous tapas culture. It suits travellers who like wide skies, wild beaches and quiet roads, and it is at its best outside the heat of high summer.

Main attractions in Almería

The capital’s Alcazaba, one of the largest Moorish fortresses in Spain, looks down over the old town and a cathedral built with defensive towers against pirate raids. East of the city, Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park combines volcanic headlands, clear water for snorkelling and diving, and the Las Salinas salt pans, where flamingos gather. Inland, the Tabernas Desert preserves film sets from the Spaghetti Western era, Níjar keeps its pottery and jarapa weaving traditions, and the Sierra de María-Los Vélez offers pine-forest hiking near the Renaissance castle of Vélez-Blanco. Mojácar’s hilltop village overlooks the Levante coast, and the Alpujarra Almeriense makes its own wines. At the table, expect free tapas with every drink in the city, hearty gurullos and migas, and red prawns from Garrucha, while late August brings the Feria de Almería.

Good to know before you go

The best coves in Cabo de Gata, such as Mónsul and Los Genoveses, limit car access in summer, so arrive early or take the shuttle bus. Carry water and sun protection when exploring the Tabernas Desert.