What to See in Almería — Itinerary, Highlights & Tours
Almería is the sunniest city in Andalusia, blending Moorish history with striking desert scenery and beautiful Mediterranean beaches. The huge Alcazaba fortress, one of Spain's largest, stands out on the skyline, while the fortified cathedral shows how the city defended itself from pirate attacks for centuries. This lesser-known part of southern Spain has real Andalusian charm without the crowds. The nearby Tabernas Desert was the setting for many Spaghetti Westerns, and the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park protects unspoiled coastline with volcanic cliffs and hidden coves. Almería’s food features simple but tasty dishes like ajo colorao (red garlic stew), reflecting its farming and fishing roots. With more than 3,000 hours of sunshine each year, Almería is a great place to visit any time. You can explore Moorish palaces with city views, visit Civil War shelters under the streets, or enjoy fresh seafood in local tapas bars. This Freetour.com guide will help you find the city’s top sights, best food, and hidden gems, with expert tips for every stop.
Must-see sights: Alcazaba de Almería, Almería Cathedral, Cabo de Gata Natural Park, Cable Inglés, Civil War Shelters
Typical daily budget: €40–60 (excluding accommodation)
Best time to visit: March–May or September–October
Famous for: Alcazaba fortress, fortified cathedral, Tabernas Desert, Spaghetti Westerns, ajo colorao, sunniest city in Europe
Top tours: Exclusive Tour to the Alcazaba of Almeria, Almeria by Night: A Walk of Legends and Mysteries
Start your visit at the Alcazaba de Almería, one of the largest and most impressive Moorish fortresses in Spain. Built in 955 AD by Abd al-Rahman III, the first Caliph of Córdoba, this huge citadel sits on a hilltop with great views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. The name comes from the Arabic word "al-qasbah," which means "citadel."
The complex is divided into three distinct enclosures representing different historical periods. The first two Moorish sections preserve Arab cisterns, royal baths, domestic dwellings, gardens with water pools, defensive towers (Torre de la Odalisca, Torre de la Pólvora, Torre de los Espejos), and the Wall of the Candle. Walking through these areas transports you to medieval Al-Andalus. After the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella captured Almería in 1489, they added a third Renaissance-style military enclosure with robust Christian fortifications, contrasting sharply with earlier Islamic designs.
From the Baluarte del Saliente (Salient Bastion), enjoy panoramic vistas across the city and seaport. The surrounding Jairán walls connect the Alcazaba to the Cerro de San Cristóbal hill. Despite Almería's centuries-long transformation, the Alcazaba remains remarkably intact, offering one of Andalusia's finest examples of Moorish military architecture.
Practical Info: Open Tue-Sat 9:00am-6:00pm, Sun & holidays 9:00am-3:00pm; Extended hours Apr 1-Jun 15 Tue-Sat to 8:30pm; Summer Jun 16-Sep 15 Tue-Sat 9:00am-3:00pm plus 7:00pm-10:00pm with cultural activities; Closed Mondays (except public holidays); Entry FREE for EU citizens, €1.50 for non-EU visitors; Allow 1.5-2 hours.
Visit Almería Cathedral, an extraordinary 16th-century fortified church that combines late Gothic and Renaissance styles with defensive military features. Unlike typical Spanish cathedrals, this monument features massive towers and thick walls designed to protect against Berber pirate raids that plagued the coast. The fortress-cathedral concept creates a unique architecture rare in Spain.
Inside, three Gothic naves with ribbed vaults create soaring spaces adorned with remarkable Renaissance choir stalls and opulent decoration. The peaceful Monastery of the Immaculate Conception (Claustro de la Catedral) adjoins the cathedral and offers serene cloistered spaces. The building's dual religious and defensive purposes tell Almería's turbulent coastal history.
Practical Info: Hours vary - generally Mon-Thu 10:00am-2:30pm & 4:00pm-7:00pm, Fri 12:30pm-7:00pm, Sat 10:00am-4:30pm, Sun 3:00pm-6:00pm; Check current schedule before visiting; Entry €7 cathedral, €10 additional for monastery; Often FREE during Mass (especially Sundays); Allow 45 minutes-1 hour.
Discover the Cable Inglés (English Cable), an impressive metal loading dock built in 1904 that represents Almería's mining heritage. This industrial monument features a distinctive iron structure extending into the sea, where ore from inland mines was loaded onto ships. The building earned protected status as an architectural testament to the region's mining boom period. The surrounding port area offers pleasant waterfront walks and seafood restaurants.
Practical Info: Viewable from the exterior for free; Located near the port; Allow 30 minutes; Combined with a stroll through the port area.
Stroll through Almería's historic center starting at Puerta de Purchena, the symbolic heart of the city, where several main streets converge. This lively square surrounded by shops, cafés, and historic buildings serves as the perfect base for exploring atmospheric lanes. The nearby Rambla boulevard offers a shaded pedestrian thoroughfare lined with cafés and shops. Wander medieval streets discovering traditional architecture, tapas bars, and local life.
Practical Info: Free to explore; Bars and restaurants throughout the area; Evening particularly lively; Allow 1-2 hours for leisurely exploration.
Civil War Shelters (Refugios de la Guerra Civil) — An Extensive underground network of bomb shelters built during the Spanish Civil War to protect citizens from aerial bombardments. These tunnels, stretching over 4 kilometers beneath the city, can accommodate 40,000 people. Guided tours reveal this sobering chapter of Almería's history with preserved operating rooms, food storage, and living spaces. Tour available from Cláritas Turismo, €10, 1.5 hours.
Archaeological Museum — Excellent collection tracing the region's thousand-year history from prehistoric times through Roman, Moorish, and Christian periods.
Cinema Museum — Celebrating Almería's fame as a filming location for countless Spaghetti Westerns and Hollywood productions in the nearby Tabernas Desert.
Guitar Museum — Paying tribute to Antonio Torres Jurado, a renowned guitar maker from Almería.
Los Millares — Prehistoric archaeological site outside the city showcasing Copper Age settlement and megalithic tombs dating to 3000 BC.
Tabernas Desert & Mini Hollywood — Europe's only true desert, located 30km from Almería, famous as a filming location for Sergio Leone Westerns. Oasys MiniHollywood theme park preserves Western film sets with shows and attractions.
Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park — Spectacular volcanic coastal park protecting pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and crystal-clear waters perfect for kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking. Day trips are easily arranged from Almería.
Almería's cuisine reflects agricultural and maritime traditions with humble yet intensely flavored dishes showcasing local ingredients. Ajo colorao (red garlic) is Almería's most iconic dish—a hearty stew/soup made with mashed potatoes, salt cod, dried red peppers (choricero peppers), garlic, tomato, and cumin, which gives it its characteristic red color. This nutrient-packed comfort food can be enjoyed as a standalone dish, topped with chopped boiled egg, or spread on bread, traditionally served with cornbread. The combination delivers warming, robust flavors perfect after days exploring the coast.
Gurullos features pasta similar to couscous, typically served with rabbit or chickpeas in hearty stew-like preparation. Migas made from semolina resemble couscous, usually served with green peppers, chorizo, and other ingredients. Ajoblanco is a refreshing cold almond-and-garlic soup served with grapes—perfect for hot days and clearly Arab in origin. Calamares en aceite (squid in olive oil) showcases tender squid slow-cooked in olive oil and white wine with garlic.
Caldo quemao celebrates sardines combined with potatoes, tomato, garlic, and onion in a succulent stew honoring land and sea. Fresh seafood dominates menus given Almería's coastal location. The province produces excellent vegetables and fruits thanks to intensive greenhouse agriculture—tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers appear throughout local cuisine.
Traditional tapas bars are concentrated around Puerta de Purchena and the historic center. Expect €2.50-5 per tapa; a proper crawl costs €15-25. Many establishments still serve free tapas with drinks, maintaining Andalusian tradition.
Exclusive Tour to the Alcazaba of Almeria — Duration: 2 hours | Starting at Calle Almanzor s/n at Puerta de la Alcazaba. Discover one of Spain's largest Alcazabas. Enter the three internal enclosures visiting Towers of the Odalisque and Powder, Tower of the Mirrors, Wall of the Candle, Muslim cisterns and royal baths, domestic dwellings, patios and gardens with water pools. See the walls of Jairán and the Cerro de San Cristóbal. Panoramic city and seaport views from Baluarte del Saliente. The guide wears a fuchsia pink Cláritas Turismo t-shirt. Spanish language. Suitable for reduced mobility, pet-friendly. Entry €15 per person. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Almeria by Night: A Walk of Legends and Mysteries — Duration: 1h 30min | Starting at Puerta de Purchena next to Alehop. Evening walk (8:00pm) through the historic center, discovering unique legends, mysteries, and enchanting love tales hidden in palaces, squares, and monuments. Historical anecdotes highlighted. Pleasant walk under a starry sky among a jovial city atmosphere. The guide wears Cláritas Turismo clothing in fuchsia pink. Spanish language. Suitable for reduced mobility, pet-friendly. Entry €12 per person. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
More tours in Almería on Freetour.com.
Almería boasts an exceptional climate, with over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually—making it Europe's sunniest city. Spring (March-May) offers ideal visiting conditions with mild 20-25°C (68-77°F) temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and perfect hiking/sightseeing weather before summer heat. Tourist numbers remain low, especially in March and early April. Summer (June-August) brings intense heat with daytime temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F) inland, though coastal areas benefit from sea breezes. Peak season for beaches with larger crowds and higher prices; local fiestas and outdoor concerts in full swing. Sea temperatures reach their highest levels, making swimming ideal. Autumn (September-October) offers warm weather, ideal for swimming, with sea temperatures above 22°C (72°F). September-October is quieter than summer yet still lively; inland areas are cooler for nature trips. Winter (November-February) brings mild temperatures around 15-20°C (59-68°F) with very little rain, fine for cultural tourism though too cool for beach activities. Almería receives minimal rainfall year-round, particularly from May to October, with nearly guaranteed sunshine. Pack sun protection, light summer clothing, and layers for cooler evenings.
The Phoenicians and Romans occupied this coastal area, though Almería's prominence began during Moorish rule. Abd al-Rahman III founded the city in 955 AD as a powerful Mediterranean port and naval base, constructing the massive Alcazaba fortress to protect the thriving settlement. The name "Almería" derives from Arabic "al-Mariyya" meaning "the watchtower" or "mirror of the sea".
Under Muslim rule, Almería flourished as a major commercial and cultural center, famous for silk production and maritime trade connecting Al-Andalus with North Africa and the Mediterranean. The city's strategic coastal position brought prosperity but also attracted enemies. In 1489, Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella captured Almería during the Reconquista, adding Christian fortifications to the Alcazaba.
Post-Reconquista, Almería declined as the silk industry collapsed and frequent Berber pirate raids terrorized the coast. The fortified cathedral, built in the 16th century, reflects this dangerous period, when churches needed defensive capabilities. The city remained relatively poor and isolated for centuries.
The 19th-century mining boom briefly revitalized Almería when lead, iron, and silver mines in the interior generated wealth. The Cable Inglés loading dock preserves this industrial heritage. The 20th century brought renewed attention when Sergio Leone and other filmmakers discovered Tabernas Desert as a perfect Western film location, creating Spain's "Mini Hollywood."
Today, Almería is known for its greenhouse farming, tourism, and solar energy research. The city still keeps its rich Moorish history and special Andalusian charm.
What can you see in Almería in one day?
Explore the Alcazaba fortress, visit the fortified Cathedral, see Cable Inglés, walk around the historic center near Puerta de Purchena, and enjoy tapas.
What are the best things to do in Almería?
Tour the Alcazaba, visit the Cathedral, explore Civil War Shelters, see Cable Inglés, take a day trip to Cabo de Gata Natural Park, visit Tabernas Desert/Mini Hollywood, enjoy local cuisine, and take walking tours.
When is the best time to visit Almería?
March-May offers ideal 20-25°C (68-77°F) temperatures with fewer crowds; September-October is also excellent, with warm seas; avoid intense July-August heat unless seeking a beach holiday.
What should you eat in Almería?
Try ajo colorao (red garlic stew), gurullos (pasta with rabbit/chickpeas), migas, ajoblanco (cold almond soup), calamares en aceite (squid in olive oil), caldo quemao (sardine stew), and fresh seafood.
How much does the Alcazaba cost?
FREE for EU citizens, €1.50 for non-EU visitors; guided tours available for €15.
Is Almería the sunniest city in Europe?
Yes—Almería enjoys over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, more than anywhere else in Europe.
Which tours are available in Almería?
Freetour.com offers Exclusive Alcazaba Tour (2h, €15), Almeria by Night legends tour (1.5h evening walk, €12), and Civil War Shelters tour (1.5h, €10).
Quick Takeaway
Must-see sights: Alcazaba de Almería, Almería Cathedral, Cabo de Gata Natural Park, Cable Inglés, Civil War Shelters
Typical daily budget: €40–60 (excluding accommodation)
Best time to visit: March–May or September–October
Famous for: Alcazaba fortress, fortified cathedral, Tabernas Desert, Spaghetti Westerns, ajo colorao, sunniest city in Europe
Top tours: Exclusive Tour to the Alcazaba of Almeria, Almeria by Night: A Walk of Legends and Mysteries
1-Day Itinerary in Almería
Alcazaba de Almería
Start your visit at the Alcazaba de Almería, one of the largest and most impressive Moorish fortresses in Spain. Built in 955 AD by Abd al-Rahman III, the first Caliph of Córdoba, this huge citadel sits on a hilltop with great views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. The name comes from the Arabic word "al-qasbah," which means "citadel."
The complex is divided into three distinct enclosures representing different historical periods. The first two Moorish sections preserve Arab cisterns, royal baths, domestic dwellings, gardens with water pools, defensive towers (Torre de la Odalisca, Torre de la Pólvora, Torre de los Espejos), and the Wall of the Candle. Walking through these areas transports you to medieval Al-Andalus. After the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella captured Almería in 1489, they added a third Renaissance-style military enclosure with robust Christian fortifications, contrasting sharply with earlier Islamic designs.
From the Baluarte del Saliente (Salient Bastion), enjoy panoramic vistas across the city and seaport. The surrounding Jairán walls connect the Alcazaba to the Cerro de San Cristóbal hill. Despite Almería's centuries-long transformation, the Alcazaba remains remarkably intact, offering one of Andalusia's finest examples of Moorish military architecture.
Practical Info: Open Tue-Sat 9:00am-6:00pm, Sun & holidays 9:00am-3:00pm; Extended hours Apr 1-Jun 15 Tue-Sat to 8:30pm; Summer Jun 16-Sep 15 Tue-Sat 9:00am-3:00pm plus 7:00pm-10:00pm with cultural activities; Closed Mondays (except public holidays); Entry FREE for EU citizens, €1.50 for non-EU visitors; Allow 1.5-2 hours.
Almería Cathedral (Catedral de la Encarnación)
Visit Almería Cathedral, an extraordinary 16th-century fortified church that combines late Gothic and Renaissance styles with defensive military features. Unlike typical Spanish cathedrals, this monument features massive towers and thick walls designed to protect against Berber pirate raids that plagued the coast. The fortress-cathedral concept creates a unique architecture rare in Spain.
Inside, three Gothic naves with ribbed vaults create soaring spaces adorned with remarkable Renaissance choir stalls and opulent decoration. The peaceful Monastery of the Immaculate Conception (Claustro de la Catedral) adjoins the cathedral and offers serene cloistered spaces. The building's dual religious and defensive purposes tell Almería's turbulent coastal history.
Practical Info: Hours vary - generally Mon-Thu 10:00am-2:30pm & 4:00pm-7:00pm, Fri 12:30pm-7:00pm, Sat 10:00am-4:30pm, Sun 3:00pm-6:00pm; Check current schedule before visiting; Entry €7 cathedral, €10 additional for monastery; Often FREE during Mass (especially Sundays); Allow 45 minutes-1 hour.
Cable Inglés & Port Area
Discover the Cable Inglés (English Cable), an impressive metal loading dock built in 1904 that represents Almería's mining heritage. This industrial monument features a distinctive iron structure extending into the sea, where ore from inland mines was loaded onto ships. The building earned protected status as an architectural testament to the region's mining boom period. The surrounding port area offers pleasant waterfront walks and seafood restaurants.
Practical Info: Viewable from the exterior for free; Located near the port; Allow 30 minutes; Combined with a stroll through the port area.
Puerta de Purchena & Historic Center
Stroll through Almería's historic center starting at Puerta de Purchena, the symbolic heart of the city, where several main streets converge. This lively square surrounded by shops, cafés, and historic buildings serves as the perfect base for exploring atmospheric lanes. The nearby Rambla boulevard offers a shaded pedestrian thoroughfare lined with cafés and shops. Wander medieval streets discovering traditional architecture, tapas bars, and local life.
Practical Info: Free to explore; Bars and restaurants throughout the area; Evening particularly lively; Allow 1-2 hours for leisurely exploration.
Major Landmarks & Museums
Civil War Shelters (Refugios de la Guerra Civil) — An Extensive underground network of bomb shelters built during the Spanish Civil War to protect citizens from aerial bombardments. These tunnels, stretching over 4 kilometers beneath the city, can accommodate 40,000 people. Guided tours reveal this sobering chapter of Almería's history with preserved operating rooms, food storage, and living spaces. Tour available from Cláritas Turismo, €10, 1.5 hours.
Archaeological Museum — Excellent collection tracing the region's thousand-year history from prehistoric times through Roman, Moorish, and Christian periods.
Cinema Museum — Celebrating Almería's fame as a filming location for countless Spaghetti Westerns and Hollywood productions in the nearby Tabernas Desert.
Guitar Museum — Paying tribute to Antonio Torres Jurado, a renowned guitar maker from Almería.
Los Millares — Prehistoric archaeological site outside the city showcasing Copper Age settlement and megalithic tombs dating to 3000 BC.
Tabernas Desert & Mini Hollywood — Europe's only true desert, located 30km from Almería, famous as a filming location for Sergio Leone Westerns. Oasys MiniHollywood theme park preserves Western film sets with shows and attractions.
Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park — Spectacular volcanic coastal park protecting pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and crystal-clear waters perfect for kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking. Day trips are easily arranged from Almería.
Ajo Colorao & Local Food
Almería's cuisine reflects agricultural and maritime traditions with humble yet intensely flavored dishes showcasing local ingredients. Ajo colorao (red garlic) is Almería's most iconic dish—a hearty stew/soup made with mashed potatoes, salt cod, dried red peppers (choricero peppers), garlic, tomato, and cumin, which gives it its characteristic red color. This nutrient-packed comfort food can be enjoyed as a standalone dish, topped with chopped boiled egg, or spread on bread, traditionally served with cornbread. The combination delivers warming, robust flavors perfect after days exploring the coast.
Gurullos features pasta similar to couscous, typically served with rabbit or chickpeas in hearty stew-like preparation. Migas made from semolina resemble couscous, usually served with green peppers, chorizo, and other ingredients. Ajoblanco is a refreshing cold almond-and-garlic soup served with grapes—perfect for hot days and clearly Arab in origin. Calamares en aceite (squid in olive oil) showcases tender squid slow-cooked in olive oil and white wine with garlic.
Caldo quemao celebrates sardines combined with potatoes, tomato, garlic, and onion in a succulent stew honoring land and sea. Fresh seafood dominates menus given Almería's coastal location. The province produces excellent vegetables and fruits thanks to intensive greenhouse agriculture—tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers appear throughout local cuisine.
Traditional tapas bars are concentrated around Puerta de Purchena and the historic center. Expect €2.50-5 per tapa; a proper crawl costs €15-25. Many establishments still serve free tapas with drinks, maintaining Andalusian tradition.
Walking Tours
Exclusive Tour to the Alcazaba of Almeria — Duration: 2 hours | Starting at Calle Almanzor s/n at Puerta de la Alcazaba. Discover one of Spain's largest Alcazabas. Enter the three internal enclosures visiting Towers of the Odalisque and Powder, Tower of the Mirrors, Wall of the Candle, Muslim cisterns and royal baths, domestic dwellings, patios and gardens with water pools. See the walls of Jairán and the Cerro de San Cristóbal. Panoramic city and seaport views from Baluarte del Saliente. The guide wears a fuchsia pink Cláritas Turismo t-shirt. Spanish language. Suitable for reduced mobility, pet-friendly. Entry €15 per person. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Almeria by Night: A Walk of Legends and Mysteries — Duration: 1h 30min | Starting at Puerta de Purchena next to Alehop. Evening walk (8:00pm) through the historic center, discovering unique legends, mysteries, and enchanting love tales hidden in palaces, squares, and monuments. Historical anecdotes highlighted. Pleasant walk under a starry sky among a jovial city atmosphere. The guide wears Cláritas Turismo clothing in fuchsia pink. Spanish language. Suitable for reduced mobility, pet-friendly. Entry €12 per person. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
More tours in Almería on Freetour.com.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- Getting There: Almería Airport, 9km from the city (bus, taxi); Direct trains from Granada (2.5h), Madrid (5-6h); Well-connected by bus.
- Getting Around: Compact center walkable; Good bus network; Car recommended for desert/beach day trips; Limited historic center parking.
- Accommodation: Stay in the historic center for atmosphere; Beach areas like Roquetas for seaside access; Book ahead in the summer months.
- Language: Spanish spoken; Limited English outside tourist areas; Basic Spanish helpful.
- Meal Times: Lunch 2-4pm, dinner 9-11pm; Many bars serve free tapas with drinks.
- Safety: Very safe city; Normal precautions in crowded areas.
- Weather: Extremely sunny year-round (3,000+ hours annually); Very hot July-August; Mild winters; Bring sun protection always.
- Tour Booking: Tours require advance booking; Free cancellation up to 24 hours.
- Visit Duration: 2-3 days covers city and nearby attractions; 4-5 days allows beach time and desert exploration.
Weather in Almería
Almería boasts an exceptional climate, with over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually—making it Europe's sunniest city. Spring (March-May) offers ideal visiting conditions with mild 20-25°C (68-77°F) temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and perfect hiking/sightseeing weather before summer heat. Tourist numbers remain low, especially in March and early April. Summer (June-August) brings intense heat with daytime temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F) inland, though coastal areas benefit from sea breezes. Peak season for beaches with larger crowds and higher prices; local fiestas and outdoor concerts in full swing. Sea temperatures reach their highest levels, making swimming ideal. Autumn (September-October) offers warm weather, ideal for swimming, with sea temperatures above 22°C (72°F). September-October is quieter than summer yet still lively; inland areas are cooler for nature trips. Winter (November-February) brings mild temperatures around 15-20°C (59-68°F) with very little rain, fine for cultural tourism though too cool for beach activities. Almería receives minimal rainfall year-round, particularly from May to October, with nearly guaranteed sunshine. Pack sun protection, light summer clothing, and layers for cooler evenings.
Short History of Almería
The Phoenicians and Romans occupied this coastal area, though Almería's prominence began during Moorish rule. Abd al-Rahman III founded the city in 955 AD as a powerful Mediterranean port and naval base, constructing the massive Alcazaba fortress to protect the thriving settlement. The name "Almería" derives from Arabic "al-Mariyya" meaning "the watchtower" or "mirror of the sea".
Under Muslim rule, Almería flourished as a major commercial and cultural center, famous for silk production and maritime trade connecting Al-Andalus with North Africa and the Mediterranean. The city's strategic coastal position brought prosperity but also attracted enemies. In 1489, Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella captured Almería during the Reconquista, adding Christian fortifications to the Alcazaba.
Post-Reconquista, Almería declined as the silk industry collapsed and frequent Berber pirate raids terrorized the coast. The fortified cathedral, built in the 16th century, reflects this dangerous period, when churches needed defensive capabilities. The city remained relatively poor and isolated for centuries.
The 19th-century mining boom briefly revitalized Almería when lead, iron, and silver mines in the interior generated wealth. The Cable Inglés loading dock preserves this industrial heritage. The 20th century brought renewed attention when Sergio Leone and other filmmakers discovered Tabernas Desert as a perfect Western film location, creating Spain's "Mini Hollywood."
Today, Almería is known for its greenhouse farming, tourism, and solar energy research. The city still keeps its rich Moorish history and special Andalusian charm.
FAQ about Almería
What can you see in Almería in one day?
Explore the Alcazaba fortress, visit the fortified Cathedral, see Cable Inglés, walk around the historic center near Puerta de Purchena, and enjoy tapas.
What are the best things to do in Almería?
Tour the Alcazaba, visit the Cathedral, explore Civil War Shelters, see Cable Inglés, take a day trip to Cabo de Gata Natural Park, visit Tabernas Desert/Mini Hollywood, enjoy local cuisine, and take walking tours.
When is the best time to visit Almería?
March-May offers ideal 20-25°C (68-77°F) temperatures with fewer crowds; September-October is also excellent, with warm seas; avoid intense July-August heat unless seeking a beach holiday.
What should you eat in Almería?
Try ajo colorao (red garlic stew), gurullos (pasta with rabbit/chickpeas), migas, ajoblanco (cold almond soup), calamares en aceite (squid in olive oil), caldo quemao (sardine stew), and fresh seafood.
How much does the Alcazaba cost?
FREE for EU citizens, €1.50 for non-EU visitors; guided tours available for €15.
Is Almería the sunniest city in Europe?
Yes—Almería enjoys over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, more than anywhere else in Europe.
Which tours are available in Almería?
Freetour.com offers Exclusive Alcazaba Tour (2h, €15), Almeria by Night legends tour (1.5h evening walk, €12), and Civil War Shelters tour (1.5h, €10).
