Almería has become our adopted land for a few years now. Although we spend a good part of the year travelling, the rest of the time we spend in a small town lost in the area north of Cabo de Gata . There we have found a perfect balance: we recharge our batteries before continuing backpacking around the world and we take advantage of all the good things that this land has to offer, which believe us, is not little. In this post we are going to tell you about the best 20 things to do and see in Almería in one day, two, or as many as you have 😉
What to see in Almeria
1. Alcazaba
Our favourite place in Almería, and the one we always visit when we go, is without a doubt the Alcazaba . And we are no exception, as it is the most visited monument in the city. This fortress belongs to the time when Andalusia was Al-Andalus, so you can imagine that it is an Arab citadel, no more and no less than the largest in Spain.
By the way, if you are a Game of Thrones fan, there is one more reason to come… several scenes set in the city of Dorne were filmed right here!
You can visit on your own (entry is free), or you can join a group with a guided tour . Please note that it is closed on Mondays.
2. Jayran Wall
The Alcazaba is where the Jayrán Wall begins . It was built in the 11th century for defensive purposes. It reaches the Cerro de San Cristóbal, where there is a statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The sunset from up here is amazing.
3. Constitution Square
The Plaza de la Constitución was the souk in the Arab era and today it is one of the meeting points for the people of Almería and is always full of life. However, if you want to stroll through the real commercial artery of the city, you will have to go to the Paseo de Almería (where you will find the Market) or to the beautiful Rambla de Belén .
4. Purchena Gate
But if we have to talk about an emblematic square, that would have to be the Puerta de Purchena . Around it there are several historic buildings, such as the Casa de las Mariposas , and symbols as important as the statue of Nicolás Salmerón (president of the First Republic, who resigned from office for refusing to sign death sentences)
And the mythical " Cañillo ", a seemingly normal fountain, but which has a lot of tradition in Almería (there is a saying that goes: "you are more Almerian than the Cañillo").
5. Cathedral of the Incarnation, a must-see in Almería
The Cathedral of the Incarnation is a must-see monument. With a mixed style (Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical), this imposing cathedral was declared a Historical Monument.
6. Church of Santiago
Another church worth visiting is the Church of Santiago , which is characterized by its curious Gothic-Mudejar style.
7. Museums of Almeria
If it's a rainy day (and it's rare since you're in the sunniest place in Europe!) an original idea is to visit the Guitar Museum , where you can learn more about this popular instrument in its interactive rooms.
You can also visit the Archaeological Museum and discover objects of prehistoric, Roman and Arabic art.
8. Almeria Seafront Promenade
However, if the sun is shining high in the sky, a good way to entertain yourself is to go for a stroll along the Paseo Marítimo in Almería or go on an excursion (below we give you several ideas).
9. Civil War Shelters Museum
During the Civil War, Almería was the last capital to fall into Francoist hands and suffered more than 50 bombings. To protect the population, it was decided to build underground shelters that can now be visited in the Civil War Shelters Museum .
The entrance fee is 3€ and the tour lasts 1 hour. You can see these tunnels and learn more about this sad story in the film “Al sur de Guernica”.
10. Iron architecture route, an original plan to do in Almería
In Almería there are several monuments and buildings that belong to the so-called “ iron architecture ”, the El Alquife dock (also known as the “Cable Inglés”) being the best example. Some say it is a horror and others defend this architectural style. One thing is clear: it is very original.
11. Almeria from Lorca
Federico García Lorca was born in the province of Granada, but spent part of his childhood in Almería. If you want to know more about the incredible story of this writer, there is a tour that will show you the corners that he left behind in Almería .
12. Almeria Fair
A great time to visit Almeria, especially if you love mingling with locals and don't mind the crowds, is during its Feria . It takes place in August and is held in honour of the Virgen del Mar. Expect delicious food, a few toasts of wine, dancing and concerts. In short, a good atmosphere.
13. Tapas in Almeria
In Almería, tapas are a great option, and one of the legendary places to do so is Casa Puga , and yes, its fame is well deserved. If you like Moroccan cuisine, go and try some typical tapas at the Aljaima restaurant , we loved it!
→ Here we give you a few recommendations of restaurants where to eat in Almería .
14. Mysteries and legends tour
Do you already know the main places in Almería and think that nothing can surprise you? Well, you should know that this city hides mysteries and legends that you can discover thanks to the free tour of mysteries of Almería . It is a free tour, meaning that signing up is free (although at the end you will have to leave a tip). We declare ourselves super fans of this type of tour!
More places to see in Almeria (province)
15. Mermaid Reef
About 30 km from Almería is the Arrecife de las Sirenas , one of the most beautiful panoramic points in the whole area… At least it seems that way to us. The best thing is to rent a car to get there and continue…
16. Cabo de Gata Natural Park, the paradise you have to see in Almería
… Touring the Cabo de Gata Natural Park . If you like wild landscapes, fishing villages and the good life, you can't miss it! Ideally, you should have several days to get to know this area, but if you only have a few hours, we recommend you go to Playa de los Muertos , surrounded by green mountains and with waters so clear that you'll feel like you're swimming in the Caribbean! We'll tell you everything there is to do in Cabo de Gata , and which are the best beaches in Cabo de Gata .
17. Mojácar
Go and see Mojácar , a charming village of white houses overlooking a hill. We live next door and we always get away whenever we can. If you want to eat well, we recommend the Neptuno restaurant , next to the beach, which specializes in sardine skewers and grilled food.
→ This is all there is to see and do in Mojácar and its surroundings
18. Alpujarra Almería
The Alpujarra Almeriense area is another great choice, especially if you enjoy walking in the open air. On this occasion, we do recommend spending at least one night here.
19. Tabernas Desert
Almería is an area of contrasts, you have the mountains of the Alpujarra, the beaches of Cabo de Gata and… the largest desert in Spain! We are talking about the Tabernas Desert . Besides being the only desert technically speaking in all of Europe, it is famous because countless western films were shot here.
In fact, you can visit a Western Village that was the setting for those films and has now been converted into a theme park, with performances and everything! There is an option to explore the Tabernas Desert in a 4x4 .
20. Sorbas Caves and Pulpí Geode
And if you still have the urge for adventure, a good idea is to go caving in the Sorbas Caves . This is the largest underground tunnel system in Spain, and you don't need any experience, just don't suffer from claustrophobia and be willing to get an adrenaline rush. So it can be a perfect activity for the whole family. Here you can find more information .
And how can we forget the second largest geode in the world? You have to visit the Pulpi geode , it is one of the most amazing activities to do in Almería.
→ Here we tell you which are the most beautiful towns in Almería .
We have reached the end of the post with our recommendations of the best things to see and do in Almería . Do you know more? Which are your favourites? We are sure that we have forgotten something along the way: Almería is a box of surprises… you will realise.
