Almería is one of those cities that many people overlook, but those who discover it… fall in love with it.
There are no masses of tourists here, nor shows put on for the sake of a photo. There is history, beaches, tapas, desert and authenticity. A lively, simple, bright city full of corners to enjoy at your own pace.
Are you wondering what to do in Almería? Here are my favourite plans, my local tips and everything you need to savour this city with your eyes (and palate) wide open.
🏰 Immerse yourself in the history of Almería
The Alcazaba: the essential monument
Built by the Arabs in the 10th century, the Alcazaba of Almería is one of the largest fortified complexes in Spain. From the top, you will have spectacular views of the sea, the old town and the desert.
🎟️ Free admission for EU citizens
⏰ Reserve between 1h30 and 2h to visit at your leisure
💡 Nico’ tip: go in the afternoon, the light is magical for photos.
The Cathedral-Fortress and the historic centre
Lose yourself in the whitewashed streets of the city centre. In the Plaza de la Catedral, an architectural jewel awaits you: a cathedral that looks like a castle, built to withstand attacks by pirates in past centuries.
💡 Tip: have a drink on one of the terraces in the square, it’s quiet and charming.
🖼️ A bit of local culture
The Museum of Almería
A modern, well-organised museum where you can understand the history of the region from prehistory to the present day.
🎟️ Free admission
👨👩👧👦 Ideal for families and those curious about local history
The Water Heritage Interpretation Centre
In Almería, water is a precious resource. This small museum shows you how the people of Almería have known how to adapt to the arid climate for centuries.
🌿 Nature and relaxation within the city
Nicolás Salmerón Park
The green lung of Almería. Perfect for strolling under the palm trees or sitting on a bench in the shade, among fountains and play areas for the little ones.
The urban beaches
Almería is fortunate to have beaches just a few steps from the centre:
- Playa del Zapillo: lively, with bars and beach bars
- Playa de San Miguel: quieter, ideal for a swim at sunset
💡 Tip: take a stroll along the promenade at sunset. Pure Andalusian atmosphere.
🎬 Almeria on film: in search of famous locations
Did you know that film classics such as Indiana Jones, Lawrence of Arabia and Game of Thrones were filmed here?
More recently, the Spanish series Mar de Plástico was filmed in the greenhouses scattered across the region, and an episode of Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) used the beaches and the Cabo de Gata church as its stunning natural backdrop.
Film trail
You can follow a trail from the Alcazaba to the Tabernas Desert, passing through:
Western settings in the desert
💡 If you like the theme, visit Mini Hollywood / Oasys Park: western sets, zoo and shows.
👨👩👧👦 What is there to do in Almería with children?
Here are some perfect family plans:
- Mario Park: fun water park in summer
- Oasys MiniHollywood: a full day of adventures
💡 Nico’s tip: many bars offer free tapas with drinks for children too.
🍤 Eating in Almeria: free tapa heaven
In Almeria, each drink comes with a free tapa of your choice. And it’s not a myth!
My favourite bars
- Casa Puga: traditional, authentic, the kind of place you’ve always known
- La Mala: more modern, good terrace facing the sea
- Casa Sevilla: rich and unpretentious Andalusian cuisine
💡 Local tip: do a ‘tapas route’, trying out 2-3 bars instead of staying in one. More variety and more atmosphere.
🌙 Almeria at night
It’s not a party city like others, but it has its charm at dusk:
- Terraces by the sea for a drink with a view
- bars in the centre
- Go up to the Mirador de la Alcazaba to see the city lit up
🎉 Events worth attending
- Feria de Almería (Almería Fair) (August): music, marquees, flamenco and a great atmosphere
- Semana Santa (Holy Week): intense and deeply felt
- Festival Internacional de Cine de Almería (Almería International Film Festival) (November)
💡 Check the Town Hall or Tourist Office website to find out what’s on during your visit.
🧭 Practical information
How to get there?
- ✈️ Almería Airport 15 minutes from the centre
- 🚗 Car recommended if you want to visit the surrounding area (desert, Cabo de Gata)
- 🚌 Bus connections to Granada, Málaga, Murcia
Where to sleep?
- In the centre: convenient for getting around on foot
- Near the beach: more relaxed
- Budget accommodation: guest houses, hostels, apartments
💡 Nico’s advice: Stay at least 2-3 days, and if you can, add a trip to Cabo de Gata.
✨ To finish up…
Almería is not a showcase city. It doesn’t make it easy for you, but if you explore it calmly and with curiosity, it gives you a lot.
It is authentic, welcoming and full of light. Perfect for getting lost with no schedules, no stress, and with a cold beer in your hand.
And if you want one last piece of advice…
Come to Carboneras and I’ll give you the map and anecdote in person 😉
| Other beaches we recommend (click on the beach name) | Advantages of this beach |
|---|---|
| Playa del Algarrobico | A spectacular, vast, quiet, and little-visited beach |
| Playa de las Marinicas | The beach at the foot of both apartments, the favourite of local families and children |
| Playa Cala del Enmedio | A lost paradise, reserved for those who truly seek it… a short hike required! |
| Playa del sombrerico | A beach at the end of the path… yet close to everything |
| Playa de La Galera | A haven of peace near Carboneras |
| Cala San Pedro | Lose yourself in its unique turquoise waters in Cabo de Gata Natural Park |
| Cala del Plomo | A hidden treasure in Cabo de Gata Park |
| Playa Sopalmo | Our favourite landmark spot near Mojácar |
| Cala de los Toros | An oasis… and then the sea! |
