Almeria between coast, desert and culture

In Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, 63 kilometres of cliffs run along an exceptionally well-preserved stretch of Spain’s Mediterranean coastline. They offer a striking introduction to a province that brings together seascapes and desert landscapes. Looking at the entire coastline, the scale is different: Almería province has 200 kilometres of Mediterranean coast with beaches.

Coast, desert and trails

The landscape also tells a story of change over long periods of time. In the Desierto de Tabernas, fossilised coral reefs have been preserved, marking an earlier coastline. The Geoda de Pulpí and Mina Rica del Pilar de Jaravía are jointly protected as a mixed Natural Monument of Geological and Ecocultural Interest. The protected area was established by a decree dated 15 February 2022.

Those wishing to explore Almería on foot will find coastal, inland, high-mountain, urban and suburban walking routes in the province. The range of landscapes and settings therefore extends beyond the coast. You can choose a route that suits your plans by checking the details for each one; individual routes may change.

Archaeology and architectural history

Los Millares is considered an important Copper Age archaeological site in Europe. The settlement was inhabited from 3200 to 2200 BC. The archaeological complex includes the site, a visitor reception centre and an interpretation area. Visits to these three parts are independent of one another, while also complementing each other.

A visit to the site follows a path through the necropolis and then through the settlement. There, concentric rings of fortifications follow one after another. The stops along the route are clearly arranged: first the necropolis, then the settlement and its fortifications.

In the city of Almería, the Alcazaba tells the story of a later era. It was built in the 10th century at the behest of Abd ar-Rahman III, following the city’s foundation. Its walled perimeter measures 1,430 metres, and the complex is divided into two Muslim sections and one Christian section. A legend about a Christian prisoner and the king’s favourite enslaved woman is associated with the surviving wall known as “Mirador o Ventana de la Odalisca” — a tradition, not a verified account of events.

The Castillo de los Vélez in Sierra María-Los Vélez Natural Park is another example of the region’s architectural heritage. This Renaissance building was declared a National Historic Monument. In the city of Almería, meanwhile, the Cable Inglés is a masterpiece of iron architecture from the early 20th century. The structure is accessible to visitors and can be explored for its architectural and historical value. As visiting arrangements may change, check access conditions before your visit.

Museums, film history and local cuisine

The collection at the Museo de Almería originated with holdings of the Provincial Monuments Commission of Almería. Numerous films, including several classic Westerns, have been shot in the Desierto de Tabernas since the 1950s. The archaeological collection, historic buildings and film history therefore offer different ways to explore the province’s culture, without focusing on the same era or type of experience.

The cuisine also brings together different aspects of the region, with produce from the sea and the land forming its foundation. Peppers and the paprika made from them are particularly noteworthy. When planning your trip, you can alternate between landscapes, history and local produce, depending on what you would like to make the focus of your stay.

Planning your stay

Almería Intermodal Station connects the provincial capital with all the municipalities in the province. Individual services may change, so check the relevant timetables for your travel dates. The region’s varied destinations — from the coastal cliffs and the Los Millares site to the buildings in the city of Almería — offer different ways to shape your stay. Choose a hotel to suit your trip and the places you would like to visit.

Discover more destinations: El Saltador Bajo, El Pilar, Líjar, Caserío Santopétar, Los Escullos, Llano de Los Olleres, Agua Amarga, Armuña De Almanzora, Berja, Carboneras, El Campillo De Rodalquilar, Macael, El Ejido, Sorbas, Velefique, Vicar, Vélez-Blanco, Mojácar, Fondón, Lucainena De Las Torres, Vera, Tabernas, Roquetas De Mar, Nijar, Los Gallardos, Laroya, Garrucha, Cóbdar, Bedar, Almería, Aguadulce, Adra, Las Hortichuelas, Fuente Victoria, Suflí, Láujar De Andarax, Turre, Huércal-Overa, María, Pulpí, Pechina, Taberno, Olula Del Río, Uleila Del Campo, Vélez-Rubio, Serón, Alhama De Almería, Purchena, Cuevas Del Almanzora, Viator, El Contador, Arboleas, Oria, Gérgal, El Hijate, Antas, Lubrín, Abrucena, Terque, Alcolea, Cantoria, Fiñana, Instinción, La Envía, Zurgena, Canjáyar, Alcontar, Tonosa, Huesa, Los Cerricos, Bayárcal, Marchena, El Cortijo Grande, El Parador De Las Hortichuelas, Los Navarros, Chirivel, Las Cunas, Felix, San Isidro de Níjar, Fuente Amarga, La Breña, La Cañada, Albox, Villaricos, Las Norias, Balerma, Beires, Guazamara, Santa María del Águila, Costacabana, Huércal de Almería, Fernán Pérez.

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