Almería, a lesser-known jewel in southern Spain, offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and cultural experiences. With its sun-soaked beaches, stunning Moorish architecture, and desert landscapes, Almería has something unique. Unlike the bustling tourist hubs of Andalusia like Seville or Granada, Almería remains a more tranquil destination, ideal for those looking to explore Spain off the beaten path.
We visited Almería in January as a daytrip from La Herradura, and will share all our tips in this blog!
Where lies Almería?
Almería is located in the southeastern corner of Spain, along the Mediterranean coast, and forms part of the Andalusian region. Almería Airport offers direct flights from several major Spanish and European cities. If you’re traveling from within Spain, you can also take a train or a long-distance bus from Madrid, Malaga, or Seville. We stayed near Nerja, and with our rental car we drove about 1,5 hours to get to Almería.
Best time to travel
The best time to visit Almería is during spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). During these months, the temperatures are pleasantly warm, ranging between 20-25°C, making it ideal for sightseeing.
Almería is known as the city in Europe with the most hours of sun. So in winter time this is perfect place to enjoy the wintersun. Eventhough this means in summer months (June to August) it can be scorching, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C.
Things to do in Almería
Let’s dive in!
Mercado Central de Almería
We started our day at the Mercado Central de Almería, a must-visit for food lovers and those looking to experience the city’s vibrant local culture. This historic market is the perfect place to explore fresh local produce, seafood, meats, and traditional Andalusian delicacies.
Almería Cathedral
Another must-visit attraction is the Cathedral of Almería, a stunning 16th-century structure that stands out for its unique blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles. Unlike other cathedrals in Spain, Almería’s cathedral was designed as a fortress to protect against pirate raids.
Entrance fee to the Cathedral is €9 per perspon, this includes an audio tour.
Alcazaba of Almería
Our third activity of the day was the Alcazaba, a magnificent Moorish fortress that dates back to the 10th century. Wandering around in the Alcazaba feels really peaceful and offers spectacular panoramic views of Almería and the Mediterranean Sea.
Walking through its pathways feels like stepping back in time, offering a glimpse into Almería’s rich Islamic history.
For the catlovers as ourselfs, this place is home for several friendly cats which love to get some cuddles!
The entrance to the Alcazaba is free.
Tabernas Desert
If you’re a fan of Western films, a trip to the Tabernas Desert is a must. Just a 30-minute drive from Almería, the Tabernas Desert is Europe’s only desert and has been the backdrop for numerous famous movies, such as Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
You can explore the desert on a guided tour, visit the film sets at Oasys MiniHollywood or go on a scenic hike to take in the breathtaking, otherworldly landscapes. The filmset wasn’t a must-see for us personally, and since we were only there for the day we also skipped hiking in desert.
We did some research and decided that on our way home we would stopp to watch the sunset in the Tabernas desert. We parked our car on the parking lot across this gas station.
The desert’s arid beauty is unlike anything else in Spain. We really recommend exploring the Tabernas desert on your trip!
Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park & Beaches
For nature enthusiasts, the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park is a paradise. This protected coastal area offers stunning beaches, rugged cliffs, and hidden coves, perfect for those looking to escape the city and immerse themselves in nature. Playa de los Muertos and Playa de Monsul are two of the most beautiful beaches in the park. You can also go snorkeling, kayaking, or simply enjoy a scenic drive through the picturesque fishing villages within the park.
Unfortunately we didn’t have enough time on our daytrip to explore this side of Almería. But if you are staying longer, this would be great to add to your list.
Reading tip: Frigiliana: Exploring the Most Beautiful White Village in Andalusia
Where to Eat
Almería is a food lover’s dream, known for its fresh seafood and traditional Andalusian dishes.
Of course there are many amazing options, but we love some good Moroccan food, and we ended up at this hidden gem Tetería Almedina, a charming tea house with a Moorish ambiance. Here, you can enjoy delicious Arabic and Mediterranean cuisine, from flavorful tagines to refreshing mint tea. The cozy, intimate setting, and the lovely owners makes it a great spot to relax after a day of exploring.
How long do I need in Almería?
The ideal duration for a trip to Almería depends on your interests, we loved to explore it as a daytrip. This is perfectly possible from cities as Grenada or Málaga.
But I’m pretty sure you can spend easily 3 days here.
- Day 1: Explore the city center, visit the Alcazaba, and walk through the old town. End the day at the Almería Cathedral and enjoy a tapas dinner.
- Day 2: Take a day trip to the Tabernas Desert, visit the Oasys MiniHollywood theme park, and enjoy a scenic drive back to Almería and in addition relax at the beach,
- Day 3: Spend the day at Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park, exploring its beaches and hiking trails.
Is Almería worth visiting?
I think it is! Almería is a captivating destination that combines history, nature, and culture into one unforgettable experience, this Andalusian gem has something for every traveler. However, the city itself isn’t really big or very lively (keeping in mind that we were here in low-season).
There are still plenty of activities in the surrounding area that are beautiful to explore.
Would you consider a trip to Almería? Let us know in the comments below!
Want to see more of our day in Almería? Watch our YouTube video to enjoy this beautiful village!
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