Almeria spain attractions. Almeria city, Spain: map, photos, hotels, history

Almeria (Spain) - the most detailed information about the city with photos. The main attractions of Almeria with descriptions, guides and maps.

City of Almeria (Spain)

Almeria is a city in the southeastern part of Spain in sunny Andalusia. Located on the Mediterranean coast, it perfectly combines historical beauty and modern charm. Almeria is a fairly large seaside city and seaport with an excellent cultural and historical heritage, endless beaches and picturesque seascapes. Like many Andalusian cities, Almeria retained its Arabic name after it was reconquered by the Spanish. It means "mirror of the sea."

Geography and climate

Almeria is located in the southeast of the country on the Mediterranean coast. The city occupies an alluvial plain in the delta of the Andarak River. To the east are the Cabo de Gata mountains, to the northeast are the Sierra Alhamilla mountain range, and to the southeast are the Penibetica mountains. The coastline is more than 30 km long and includes 16 beaches. Almeria has a semi-arid Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry, and winters are warm. Only 200 mm of precipitation falls per year.

Practical information

1. Population - 195.4 thousand people.
2. Area - 296.21 square kilometers.
3. Language - Spanish.
4. Currency - euro.
5. Visa - Schengen.
6. Time - Central European UTC +1, summer +2.
7. The Tourist Information Center is located in Plaza de la Constitución.

Beaches of Almeria

The length of Almeria's coastline is more than 30 km. The coast includes more than a dozen beaches for almost every taste. Largest beaches:

• El Corralete is a sand and pebble beach in the east in the Cabo de Gata Natural Park with a length of 600 mm.
• La Fabriquilla is a popular sandy beach with clear sea. It is just over 0.5 km long.
• Almadraba Monteleva is a small sand and pebble beach with a beautiful view of the church and coves with fishing boats.
• Las Salinas is considered one of the best and most beautiful beaches in Almeria with white sand and clear sea. Its length is 5 km and width 100.
• San Miguel is one of the busiest beaches in Cabo de Gata. It has a length of more than 2 km.
• Las Amoladeras is one of the municipal sand and pebble beaches with a length of more than 3 km.
• Torregarcía is a sand and pebble beach about 2 km long.
• Retamar is a city beach with a length of 1200 meters.
• El Toyo is a beach next to the promenade. It has a length of 1.3 km.
• Nueva Almería is one of the most important and popular beaches in the city.
• Costacabana is a small sandy beach.
• San Miguel is one of the city's two largest beaches. It has a length of 1.5 km. Not to be confused with the beach of the same name in Cabo de Gata.
• San Telmo is a beautiful sandy bay located between the rocks.
• La Garrofa is the westernmost beach, located in a small bay among the rocks.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit is April-June and September-October.

Story

Almeria was founded in 955 by the Arabs. Some believe that a settlement existed here in Antiquity, as evidenced by finds from the Roman and Phoenician periods. The Moors originally built a fortress here to protect the coast. Later, a city arose here, a mosque and a wall were built, which connected the settlement with the fortress. In the 11th and 12th centuries, Almeria was one of the largest and most important Moorish cities in the Pyrenees, especially after the fall of the Caliphate of Cordoba. The Arabs owned the city until 1489.

At the end of the 15th century, Almeria was conquered by the Castilian crown. In 1522, a powerful earthquake almost completely destroyed the city and reduced its population to 700 people. In the 17th and 18th centuries there was a time of economic decline, which was caused by natural disasters and pirate raids. Since the 19th century there has been a gradual revival of the city.

How to get there

Almeria International Airport is a 10-minute drive from the city. It has regular flights and charters from London, Birmingham, Manchester and other European cities.

Trains and buses connect Almeria with most major cities in Spain and Andalusia, including Malaga, Granada and Seville.

Shopping and purchases

For shopping, we recommend going to Las Ramblas. Las Ramblas is a series of avenues and boulevards lined with cafes and shops. Paseo de Almería is also a great place for shopping, with several shopping centers and small boutiques.

Food and drink

Almeria's gastronomy has a typical Mediterranean character, although it is not without some peculiarities. The main ingredients of Almerian cuisine are fish and seafood, vegetables and olive oil. Typical dishes: wheat porridge with meat, migas, potatoes with dried peppers and cumin, Cherigan (toast with meat or fish), Gurullos (dish with cuttlefish or octopus), Acelgas Esparra (spicy soup), Lomo al Ajillo (meat with garlic and potatoes), Ajo Blanco (thick cream containing garlic, bread, ground almonds, water, olive oil and salt), Bacalao con Tomate (cod with tomato).

Attractions

The Alcazaba is Almeria's most famous and visited landmark, an ancient Muslim fortress founded in the 10th century. Translated from Arabic it means “fortified city.” The fortress, located on a hill, dominates the medieval core, the so-called. medina. The Alcazaba consists of three fortifications, built in different historical periods and for different purposes. The first fortifications date back to the 10th century and were built purely to protect the population. The second part of the fortifications dates back to the 11th century and was the residence of the local ruler. The third part is the newest. It was built by the Spaniards to ensure security.

Castillo de San Cristobal is the ruins of an ancient Muslim fortress built in the 11th century on a hill north of the Alcazaba. This hill is surrounded by ancient ruins of defensive walls and towers. The three square towers were built by ancient Muslim architects, and the four semicircular ones were built by Christian Templars after the capture of Almeria in 1147. There is also a large marble statue of Jesus Christ on the hill.

The construction of the cathedral began in 1524 on the site of a former mosque that was destroyed during a severe earthquake two years earlier. The architectural style of the building reflects a combination of Gothic and Renaissance. This religious building looks more like a small fortress. And no wonder! After all, one of its main functions was protection from pirate raids.

Barrio de la Chanca is a part of the old city that is better known as the cave district. Even today, some people continue to live in the dull colored houses that are partially carved into the rocky slopes of the hill on which the Alcazaba rises.

The medina is the medieval Muslim core of the city, located on the hillside with the Alcazaba.

Las Claras is a royal monastery founded at the end of the 16th century. Construction of the existing building began in the first half of the 18th century. The monastery was damaged during the civil war and later rebuilt.

San Anton is a small chapel located at the foot of the Alcazaba, built on the site of a former mosque. It was intended for a monastery founded in the 19th century.

San Pedro is a 19th century church, an outstanding example of neoclassical architecture in Almeria. It was built on the ruins of the monastery of St. Francisco 16th century.

The Church of San Sebastian was built in the 17th century. Since the 11th century it has been one of the most densely populated places in the city, the crossroads of all roads coming from the northeast and east. In Muslim Almeria there was a mosque here.

The Church of San Juan stands on the remains of the old Almeria mosque, which was founded in the 10th century. The first building was built at the end of the 15th century and became the first Christian building in the city. It was destroyed during an earthquake in 1522. The existing building dates from the 17th century.

The Royal Hospital of Santa Maria Magdalena is one of the oldest buildings in Almeria. It was founded in the middle of the 16th century. The building received a neoclassical façade in the 18th century.

Bendicho is a square in the very center of the old town. This space was one of the most beloved places as residences of the local aristocracy in the 16th-18th centuries. The square contains the oldest house in the city, dating back to 1494.

Careaga is a small square containing aristocratic houses from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Constitution Square is the oldest square in the city. During the Moorish period, the main bazaar was located here. Now the square square is headed by the town hall and the monument to the martyrs of freedom.

The tourist path to the city with a thousand-year history and sandy beaches has long been trodden.

Here you can enjoy untouched natural landscapes, because in Almeria there is practically no industry or production, get imbued with the culture and way of life of the Spaniards, which is quite clearly expressed in the everyday life of a town with a small population, and just find yourself on the shores of the warm Mediterranean Sea.

There are quite a few beach areas in Almeria that are marked with a special “blue flag”. He is a guarantor of cleanliness. In general, local residents and many guidebooks highlight the “classic three” beaches, which include: Las Salinas; La Almadrava de Monteleva; Playa de Macenas. And if the first two are extremely popular and promoted, then the latter belongs to the wild beach recreation areas.

Today Almeria is a unique holiday destination for any tourist. Here you can spend your time in a passive and active format, visit modern entertainment venues, as well as go on excursions where you can see objects that served in the decoration of the 12th century.

Almeria: entertainment and active holidays

Since the city is located on the seashore, surfing is considered one of the most popular sports and outdoor activities. Many locals joke that in Almeria people are born standing on a board, and this is not at all surprising, because not only adult locals are ready to conquer the steep wave, but also quite young extreme sports fans.

It is because of the great popularity of surfing that there are many surf clubs in Almeria. There you can rent a board, as well as hire an instructor who will tailor the lesson to your level of preparedness. It doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner or a seasoned amateur, the skill of local surfers will not leave you indifferent.

Another equally popular type of active recreation includes sailing on yachts and boats. Of course, the walk itself may also appeal to lovers of passive recreation.

However, often, along with the opportunity to sail the Mediterranean Sea, you get the opportunity to water ski or go down to the bottom with scuba diving. But here it is worth remembering that both of these entertainments require preparation and instruction, which everyone undergoes exclusively on the shore.

As for entertainment in the city itself, on the streets of Almeria you can find islands where everyone can rent bicycles, roller skates, and scooters. This type of recreation can also be considered extreme, because the city’s landscape is so steep, and some streets are so narrow that even a professional can get lost there.

Almeria is a fairly small city in which all socially important places are within walking distance. This is why many locals and tourists prefer to get around the city on foot.

However, if you are not a fan of walking, it is worth noting that Almeria still has public transport. This bus. About 20 buses run in the city every day, operating on fifteen routes.

It is noteworthy that the minimum cost of a trip is 1€, however, it also happens that the ticket price can reach 2€. This price range is determined by the number of stops you travel.

For those who do not like to wait for public transport at the bus stop, there are taxis (white cars with a red stripe on the door). There is only one company in the city that provides such services. However, the fare is quite high, so for 1 kilometer, the passenger will have to pay 1.2 €.

There are also “illegal” taxis in the city. These are simple cars with no bright colors or markings. This kind of private transportation is carried out by local residents. At the same time, the cost of their services is much lower, it is about 0.75 € per kilometer.

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How to get to Almeria

Almeria is a relatively young resort on the Mediterranean Sea, attractive for its long white sandy beaches and varied nature. The resort also gained popularity due to the opportunity to diversify your stay with active sports, since the local nature combines sea and mountains, i.e. There is an opportunity to engage in both water and underwater sports, as well as rock climbing and hiking. The city is located on the Costa de Almeria coast of the same name in the province of Andalusia. It has its own airport, which, however, only accepts local flights.

How to get to Almeria from Madrid

The distance between Madrid and Almeria is almost 600 km. The fastest way to cover this distance is to use on an Iberia airline flight (travel time is a little over an hour). Almeria Airport is located 10 km from the city center. There is a bus line between the airport and the city. You can also get there by , travel time is about 15 minutes.

In addition, you can get from Madrid to Almeria by train, although the journey without transfers will take about 6 hours. Flights operate several times a day. There are also options with a transfer in Seville, but then the travel time increases in direct proportion to the duration of the transfer. You can check the scheduleat the railway service .

How to get to Almeria from Malaga

Malaga and Almeria are located 200 km from each other. Almeria is located to the east, the sea here is considered warmer, and this is another plus in the treasury of advantages of this resort.

There is no direct train connection between Malaga and Almeria; you can only get there with a transfer in Antequera, so the travel time with a minimum transfer time will be from 4.5 hours. Surprisingly, a faster and cheaper way to get from Malaga to Almeria is to use the local bus operator Alsa. The travel time, depending on the time of day, will be from 2.5 to 4.5 hours, flights are direct, without transfers in other cities. Schedule - on the carrier's website Alsa.

You can also take a taxi from Malaga Airport to Almeria. Travel time will be approximately 3 hours. You can order a taxi directly at Malaga airport at the information desk in the arrivals terminal, or in advance via the Internet on the transfer order website .

Matt Kieffer/Almeria

Almeria Hotels

The city has both chain hotels of popular brands and small hotels with individual design and atmosphere. In general, the level of service in Almeria, despite the youth of the resort, corresponds to the level of service in the largest tourist centers in Spain.

Avenida Hotel, 4 stars

The hotel is located near the city's central promenade with its shopping centers, boutiques and restaurants. The nearest beach is about 3 km, the train station is about 2 km. The hotel has its own restaurant and private paid parking (reservation required). Luggage storage is available. Wi-Fi is available free of charge throughout the hotel.

The hotel has rooms of different categories from economy to junior suites and suites. In the rooms you can find everything you need: TV, safe, air conditioning, hairdryer, telephone, TV, minibar. Depending on the room type, the price may include breakfast, half board or full board (check when booking). The hotel received the best ratings for the cleanliness and comfort of the rooms, as well as for the price-quality ratio of the services provided.

The reception is open 24 hours a day. Standard check-in is from 14.00, check-out is until 12.00. You can find out more about availability and hotel costs for specific dates on the booking website Booking.com.

Plaza Vieja Hotel & Lounge, 4 stars

The hotel is located in a historical building, within walking distance of Almeria's fortress and beaches. The hotel has a restaurant serving local cuisine, luggage storage, and a tour desk. Paid private parking is available nearby. Wi-Fi is available free of charge throughout the hotel.

The hotel offers rooms of different categories: standard, junior suites, suites. The rooms have air conditioning, TV, safe, hairdryer, telephone, minibar. Breakfast, depending on the type of room, may be included in the price or paid additionally. The hotel received the best reviews for its location and staff.

The hotel has a 24-hour front desk. Check-in is from 15.00, check-out is until 12.00. You can find out more about availability and hotel costs for specific dates on the booking website Booking.com.

Nuevo Torreluz, 4 stars

The hotel is a 5-minute walk from Almeria's main historical sites and a 20-minute walk from the nearest beach. The hotel has 2 restaurants, a tapas café and a bar with terrace. Private paid parking is available. Wi-Fi is provided free of charge. There is a luggage storage room, a tour desk, and car rental.

The hotel has standard or superior rooms, as well as junior suites. Inside you can find a TV, safe, air conditioning, hairdryer, telephone, minibar. Breakfast, depending on the type of room, may be included in the price or may be paid separately (check when booking). The hotel received the best ratings for its central location and cleanliness of the rooms.

The front desk is open 24 hours a day. Check-in is from 14.00, check-out is until 12.00. You can find out more about availability and hotel costs for specific dates on the booking website Booking.com.

AC Hotel Almeria, a Marriott Lifestyle Hotel, 4 stars

The hotel is located in the historical center of the city, within walking distance of the city's main attractions. The hotel can offer its guests a rooftop swimming pool, a gym, and a restaurant. There are also several tapas bars nearby. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi. Paid parking is available (reservation required).

The hotel has standard and superior rooms, in which you can find air conditioning, telephone, hairdryer, radio, satellite channels, minibar. Breakfast, depending on the type of room, may be included in the price or may be paid separately. The hotel received the best ratings for its central location and cleanliness of the rooms.

The front desk is open 24 hours a day. Check-in is from 15.00, check-out is until 12.00. You can find out more about availability and hotel costs for specific dates on the booking website Booking.com.

Hotel Costasol, 3 stars

The hotel is located in the city center, on the main promenade. The beach, public transport stops, city attractions - all this is within walking distance. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi. Public parking can be found nearby (paid parking, no reservation required).

The hotel has rooms of different categories, all of them are equipped with TV, safe, air conditioning, hairdryer, telephone, mini-fridge. Breakfast, depending on the type of room, may be included in the price or may be paid separately. The hotel offers luggage storage and a tour desk. The hotel received the best ratings for its location.

The front desk is open 24 hours a day. Check-in is from 14.00, check-out is until 12.00. You can find out more about availability and hotel costs for specific dates on the booking website Booking.com.

Matt Kieffer/Alcazaba Gardens

Sights of Almeria

Almeria is a resort on the Costa de Almeria of the same name, located between two other major tourist centers - Valencia and Malaga and competing with them for the right to be called the best holiday destination in south-eastern Spain. Almeria has absorbed the natural flavor of the area with its mountains and extensive beaches, as well as the novelty of entertainment and services offered at the resort.

Almeria is considered a relatively new resort destination, and therefore the city’s infrastructure has developed according to new models. At the resort you can find many new, high-tech hotels. However, lovers of Spanish traditions in architecture will not be disappointed either. Another tangible advantage of Almeria hotels is their moderate price tag, in comparison with more famous resorts in the area.

Matt Kieffer/In the center of Almeria

The coast of Almeria is washed by the Mediterranean Sea, which is generally somewhat colder than in Valencia, but clearly warmer than in Malaga. The swimming season lasts from the end of May to the end of September. Almeria's climate is typical Mediterranean.

Among what to see in Almeria, it is worth highlighting two main groups of attractions - historical monuments and natural monuments. Of course, the beaches of Almeria are a separate article, one of the best along the entire Spanish coast, marked with honorary blue flags. Taken together, it is these factors that make the resort so popular among tourists.

In the old part of Almeria, many historical attractions have been preserved, the most famous of which are the fortress Alcazaba on St. Christopher's Hill and Encarnacion Cathedral on Cathedral Square. The Alcazaba, built back in the 10th century, has survived to this day in excellent condition. Inside the fortress you can find its streets, houses and mosque (Alcazaba was built during the rule of the Moorish Caliphate). The parameters of the Alcazaba can easily be compared with the parameters of the Alhambra itself in Granada, this historical complex is so majestic.

giborn_134/Alcazaba

The Encarnacion Cathedral dates back to the 15th century and is located in the central square of the city. The cathedral is made in the classic Gothic style and amazes with its size and grandeur. Other historical monuments of Spanish Almeria also include the Church of Santiago (15th century), the Arabian aqueduct (11th century), the Basilica of Our Lady of Mar, the Clarissa Monastery, the Church of St. -Juana.

antonio periago minarro/Almeria Cathedral

What to see in the vicinity of Almeria

In the suburbs of Almeria there are several interesting natural monuments, the most visited of which are Cabo de Gata National Park And desert Tabernas. Cabo de Gata Park is an untouched corner of nature where there is only one season all year round - summer, so you can say that summer lives here.

The park consists of kilometers of white sandy beaches, several scattered fishing villages, lonely fortresses and towers, semi-deserts in which amazing flora live and unusual fauna grow. The place is separated from civilization by mountains, so the winds do not reach here, and an extraordinary microclimate reigns here. Cabo de Gata is one of the most visited national parks of Andalusia.

To freely travel through the national and natural parks near Almeria, it is recommended to rent a car, this will allow you to explore the most remote corners of the parks, which are not accessible by public transport. You can rent a car in Malaga; there are rental offices both in the city itself and at the arrival airport. Price quite low in the country, this is due to strong competition between rental companies. To rent, it is enough to have a passport, an international driver's license and a bank card for payment. You can get from Malaga to Almeria by car in just over 2 hours along highway No. A7.

The Tabernas Desert, or Almeria Desert, is located between two mountain ranges, which is why precipitation and moisture practically do not reach here. Here you can feel like you are in some African desert, while being geographically in Europe. The Tabernas Desert is a rocky, seemingly lifeless area, although in fact it is home to representatives of local flora and fauna. The size of the desert is almost 300 square meters. km, and the daytime air temperature reaches 45 degrees.

luis daniel carbia cabeza/Tabernas Desert

Beaches of Almeria

The beaches of Almeria have become famous far beyond the borders of Spain itself, and all thanks to their amazing qualities and properties. The beaches of Almeria are many kilometers of white sandy areas, marked with the insignia - the Blue Flag - as a symbol of the cleanest beaches in the world. Since Almeria's beaches have been improved relatively recently, their equipment exceeds all tourists' expectations: the beaches are extremely well-groomed, with sun loungers, umbrellas, changing cabins and toilets, showers and playgrounds.

The best beaches on the coast are considered Las Solinas And La Almadrava. Here everyone can try themselves in some active sport, since the beaches are equipped with everything they need. Jet skis, catamarans, sailing ships, banana boats and other delights are available to guests of Almeria.

In addition, along the entire coastline within the city there is a promenade area for walking. There are also numerous trendy cafes, tapas bars and local restaurants. The resort's infrastructure is considered one of the most comfortable for a beach holiday.

kevin pacheco/Almeria Beaches

Almeria is a major port city and a famous tourist destination. It is known for its rich history and some iconic landmarks for the region. People come here to visit exhibitions and explore the exhibitions of local museums and ancient buildings.

Alcazaba Fortress

Alcazaba Fortress

The Alcazaba Fortress is Almeria's most iconic landmark. It was built by the Arabs in the 13th century. The construction of the fortress was supervised by Emir Abdarakhman. Later it was completed several times. As a result, this structure turned into a huge architectural complex with the tallest tower, Torre del Omenaj, equipped with an observation deck from where you can admire the picturesque city views. Next to the castle is the village of La Chanca, where people live not in houses, but in small caves equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay. The local population has been fishing for many centuries.

Cathedral

Cathedral

The Cathedral is another architectural landmark of the city. It was built in the 16th century. During the Middle Ages, Almeria was constantly attacked by pirates. Residents of the city escaped from them in the church, which was built in the form of a castle, and not a religious building. The temple was repeatedly destroyed. During its restoration, various architectural styles were used, including classicism, renaissance and gothic, elements of which can be seen today in different parts of the cathedral.

Templo de San Juan Church, City Hall and Gador

Church of the Templo de San Juan

Visitors to Almeria often visit the Templo de San Juan church. It was built in the 17th century. Next to the temple is the city hall in the form of a beautiful palace with original architecture. Archaeological excavations are still underway in the neighboring town of Gadora. A long time ago there were prehistoric settlements here.

St. Mary Magdalene Hospital

Tourists should visit the building of St. Mary Magdalene Hospital, which is located next to the Cathedral. It is considered the oldest in Almeria. It was built in the 16th century. The main façade of the building has never undergone reconstruction or other changes. The hospital is a complex that includes beautiful historical buildings. You can also visit the old orphanage and chapel. Excursions are organized here to visit the hidden corners of this architectural complex.

Almeria Museum

Almeria Museum

The Almeria Museum is considered the main institution of this type in the city. Its exhibition consists of archaeological finds discovered in the area.

The museum has been operating since 1933. Its collection is regularly updated with new exhibits.

In addition, the museum changed several buildings. Today you can see exhibits from the Paleolithic era, as well as thematic exhibitions dedicated to primitive people.

Church of St. James Zebedee

Church of St. James Zebedee

Another iconic religious building of the city is the Church of St. James of Zebedee. It began to be built in the 15th century and was completed in the middle of the 16th century. Then the temple was rebuilt several times. New elements appeared in it. The time of the last reconstruction of this religious building was the first half of the last century. New bas-reliefs were then chosen to decorate the façade of the church.

Neighborhoods of Almeria

The outskirts of the city will delight lovers of antiquity with amazing sights that appeared here more than a thousand years ago.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the Arab water supply system, built in the 11th century. It was ordered to be built by the ruler of the city of Hairan. The main purpose of these communications was to deliver water to the local population and the army. The underground canal is over 6 thousand meters long. At that time it was a grandiose structure.