Almeria: the heart of Spanish Andalusia. Districts. Where is the best place to live. Ancient fortress Alcazaba

There is a good beach along the city.
The city itself is rather big - almost 200 thousand people. Well, tourists, of course.
So almost all of them are here.

The locals call the city "the mistress of the sun", because Almeria is the record holder for the number of sunny days per year.
Mild climate and maaaanit here.
The Mediterranean Sea is the warmest here.
I speak in comparison with Barcelona, ​​Valencia and the southeast coast.

And also powerful and foamy waves.
To my untrained eye.
In general, they barely pulled us out of there.

The city is lively, with narrow old streets.
Unfortunately, there was not enough time to walk along it, there is something to see there.

When visiting the city by car, all Russians are required to be escorted.

It was great to stare at the small streets of the city,

true, when a loaded lift is pushed uphill in front of you, and even without a driver ...
Overall scary.

Almeria has stadiums, its own football team and even a bullring.

They stared.
There were no battles that day.
But the atmosphere is tense. Even worse than with a loader)

Local hero.

But another local hero, having taken a sip of beer next to the arena, accompanied us on a motor scooter to our destination - Almeria Alcazaba - a defensive fortress that is more than a thousand years old!

What is interesting there - I will tell and show tomorrow!

Almeria is equipped on the coast mediterranean sea, next to the famous Spanish nature reserve Cabo-de-Gata. As in other cities of Andalusia, evidence of the past Arab rule is visible here, both in architecture and in customs and lifestyle. local residents. Located on the border of Europe's only desert, Almeria is more comfortable in autumn and spring than in summer, when temperatures reach 45 degrees.

It is in autumn and spring that it is most convenient to get acquainted with the sights of Almeria, which in this small town a lot. Of course, many tourists come here to lie on the equipped beaches of the Mediterranean. However, such a vacation will not be complete.

Located Cathedral Almeria on the site where even earlier, during the period of Arab occupation, a mosque functioned. Its construction lasted almost 200 years (16th-18th centuries). The church was designed by the famous Spanish architect Diego de Siloe.

If you look at the cathedral from the side, the facade is striking, which is a prime example baroque style, as well as columns, a clear Corinthian style. The interior of the temple is decorated with sculptures and paintings by such masters as Domingo Thomas, Antonio Valeriano Movano, Fernades Pachot. Almería Cathedral can be visited daily and admission is free.

Location: Plaza de la Catedral - 8.

Built in the 18th century, Las Claras Monastery is located near the Constitution Square in Almería. It has the shape of a cross, one nave and one dome. The entrance to the monastery is through a large and very strong solid wood door, located just above the street to cope with possible ground movements.

At the entrance to the sanctuary, you can see a large painting depicting the Virgin Mary with the baby Jesus. Inside, on the dome, another painting depicting the Holy Resurrection attracts attention. Entrance to the monastery is free and you can even stay here for a few days, guest house in the courtyard.

Location: Calle Jovellano - 11.

Founded in 1933, Archaeological Museum Almeria is located in a modern complex designed by Angel de Peredes and Ignacio García Pedrosa in 1998. It consists of several exposures. The exhibition of the prehistoric period is arranged on the 1st and 2nd floors. It consists of the collections of archaeologists Luis Siret and Juan Quadrado. The third floor is given over to exhibits of the ancient Roman era.

Location: Ctra. de Ronda - 91.

One of the most unusual sights of Almeria is the Museum of Olive Oil, which is located in the ancient part of the city. It is owned by the food manufacturing firm Castillo de Tabernas. The museum tour lasts 45 minutes and at the end of it each visitor receives a symbolic diploma.

Right next to the entrance to the museum there is a shop where you can buy Castillo oil, de Padules wine, de Seron meat and de Fondon cheese. There is even a bathhouse in the museum, very beautifully decorated, as well as a restaurant famous for its traditional dishes.

Location: El Rio Kalea - 15.

The construction of the defensive fortification of the Alcazaba began in 995, when Almeria received the status of a city. During the reign of Al-Mansur, the fortress was expanded, and under Al-Jairam, additional walls were built. A little later, a giant bell was installed in the fortress, which informed the city of dangers: fire, the entrance to the harbor of unknown ships, armed attacks from land.

The Alcazaba fortress was declared a historical and artistic monument in 1931. It, with its mighty walls (3 meters wide and 5 meters high), is one of the most important Muslim archaeological sites of the Iberian Peninsula.

Location: Calle Almanzor.

Located on the coast, the Cabo de Gata nature reserve offers many attractions. First of all it is:

• Rodalquilar is a small settlement where gold is mined.
• San Jose de Níjar is a resort with spectacular sea views.
• La Isleta del Moro is a tiny village where you can taste delicious fish dishes;
• Las Negras is a favorite place for ecotourists.
• El Pozo de los Frailes is a 16th century town where you can enjoy delicious Moorish cuisine.
• San Jose is a youth hangout with upscale nightclubs.

On the coast of Almeria, tourists prefer 2 beaches: La Almadrava de Monteleva and Las Salinas. Attraction calm beach Las Salinas is a big population pink flamingos, and the most practiced entertainment is fishing. La Almadrava de Monteleva, on the other hand, is a classic city beach, with golden sand, from where you can contemplate the enchanting beautiful sunset. All conditions for classes are created here. water sports sports, music sounds, fun reigns.

Almeria- actively developing spanish resort on the Mediterranean coast, the capital of the province of the same name, is part of the southern region of Andalusia.

This city was founded by the Arabs in the 10th century, on the site of Roman settlements, but Almeria's re-flourishment as a tourism center came in the 20s of the last century. good beaches, warm sea and excellent southern climate already provide the city with everything necessary for seaside resort quality, and to them is added a classic Spanish atmosphere and a number of historical sights, which will diversify beach holiday and will be an additional incentive to visit Almeria.

Holidays in Almeria

The city of Almeria is located directly on the sea, the western part coastline occupied by the port, and the eastern one by a long and wide beach. Tourist infrastructure very well developed, this industry occupies one of the leading places in the city's economy. Guests can stay in one of the many hotels of any category, quality and, accordingly, price. Leisure, in addition to a beach holiday, you can devote to excursions to local attractions or relaxing in restaurants, bars, nightclubs. lovers active rest they will also find something to do, in Almeria there are tennis courts, golf courses, you can go diving, surfing or go hiking.

Weather

The climate is Mediterranean and quite hot. There are no frosts in Almeria, the average annual temperature is 19.7 degrees Celsius. If we talk about the seasons, then in winter, even at night, the temperature is 9-10 degrees Celsius. At the same time, the water temperature is about 17 degrees, which is usually warmer than the air temperature and allows you to swim, albeit not fully, but without the risk of plunging into the sea at any time of the year. In summer, the usual air temperature exceeds 30 degrees Celsius, and on some days it can reach 40.

In Almeria, during the observation period, there were no frosts, the minimum temperature that was recorded was 0.1 degrees Celsius.

There is very little rainfall in Almeria, it is one of the driest cities in Europe, and the climate of the region is often described as desert. At the same time, there are more than a hundred clear days a year, which makes the city one of the sunniest on the continent.

beach season

Although you can comfortably relax in Almeria at any time of the year, most people still go to this resort for the sake of the beach and the sea. Swimming season starts in May average temperature water this month - about 18 degrees. The beginning of the month is not very suitable for swimming, but the end of May is already a full-fledged swimming season. Ends beach season in Almeria around October, the average water temperature this month is over 21 degrees. But, if you are lucky with the weather, even November will be quite a good time for swimming in the sea.

Map

Story

The first important settlements on the territory of present-day Almeria date back to the time of the Phoenicians. These were colonies that were engaged in fishing and participated in trade with Greece. But pretty soon, by the standards of ancient history, they were absorbed by the Carthaginian civilization.

However, the Carthaginians lost these territories during the Second Punic War, thanks to the successful campaign of Scipio, the Romans gain control of the Spanish shores. The future Almeria during the reign of Rome is called Portus Magnus, there is an active development - spices, garum fish sauce are produced, marble, salt are mined. After the fall of the empire, this area is occupied by barbarian tribes, and for a short period, control passes even to Byzantium.

Founding of Almeria

Almeria was founded by Muslims who conquered Spain. In 955, the caliph of Cordoba, Abd-ar-Rahman III, founded a fortress and a city that was to become the most important port in the region. This led to the rapid development of the settlement, almost immediately after the founding of Almeria reached its maximum prosperity.

Alcazaba of Almeria, a powerful fortress, has survived to this day, being the main attraction of the city. These walls can be seen in many films, including Conan the Barbarian and Indiana Jones.

The main port of the region developed not only as a center of trade. Built in the city educational establishments, a mosque, the remains of which can still be seen today, also Almeria was the location of almost 20,000 soldiers and an admiral, under whose command up to 300 ships could gather.

Almeria was often attacked and besieged. The first time the city fell to the army of Alfonso VII, who attacked the fortress as part of the reconquest and was able to take it in October 1147. At this time, the growth of the city stopped, and the Spaniards managed to stay in Almeria for only 10 years, after which the city went to the Moors.

Almeria was finally recaptured in 1489. It happened quite peacefully, the population surrendered voluntarily and came under the jurisdiction of the Spanish monarchs.

Middle Ages

The 16th century brought the city a strong decline, there were three unfavorable factors at once. Age of the great geographical discoveries moved all trade to sea ​​routes linking New and old light, and Almeria remained on the sidelines. At the same time, the city began to be attacked by pirates, which forced the inhabitants to move further from the coastline. But earthquakes finished off Almeria, the most destructive of which happened in 1522. It almost completely destroyed the city, no more than 700 inhabitants remained in the settlement, who began to settle around the cathedral.

The following centuries passed similarly, the 16th, 17th and 17th centuries - the time of the decline of Almeria. small population the city lives quite isolated, although marble and iron quarries operate in the vicinity, due to which the remains of the once large Almeria exist.

City rebuilding

Only the 19th century brought the beginning of a new stage of development. At that time in Spain there were various historical events- the war for independence, the adoption of a new constitution, etc., but these factors did not damage the city, and the vast iron reserves found attracted investment in Almeria and ensured population growth.

The next milestone is the 20s of the XX century. At this time, Almeria began to be perceived as a resort, in parallel with this there was an explosive growth in the field of agriculture. The use of greenhouses has made it possible to grow many products throughout the year in a warm climate.

Even now, all the neighborhoods of the city are occupied by a huge number of plastic greenhouses.

This period continues to this day, Almeria is actively developing as a resort, attracting more and more tourists from all over the world.

Attractions

A thousand years of history have left many traces in the city, from an ancient Moorish fortress to 19th architecture century:

Alcazaba in Almeria	The pearl of the city, one of the largest fortresses that were built in Spain by Muslims. It was founded in 955, but in fact, many of the buildings of the original fortress have not been preserved, as it was often subjected to sieges and earthquakes. In the XIV century, when the city came under the rule of the Catholics, the alcazaba was actively used and completed. A cathedral appeared inside the walls, another floor of the castle for artillery was completed. It is the medieval buildings that have been well preserved almost in their original form and are now available to visitors. Also, the Almerian Alcazaba can be seen in many films.
Arena for bullfighting	A unique Spanish entertainment, often causing horror among visitors and massive protests from animal advocates, is also held in Almeria in a special stadium. It was built in 1888, during a period of active development of the city, when a growing and wealthy society began to need entertainment. Now the arena can accommodate 9800 spectators and functions for its intended purpose, the main fights take place in the last week of August.
underground shelters	During civil war(1936–1939) Almería was bombed. Citizens took security into their own hands and together, under the leadership of the municipal architect, mining engineer and civil engineer, built underground fortifications with a total length of 4.5 kilometers. Almost 35 thousand people, 2/3 of the population of the city, could hide in them (the rest could hide in the mountains and natural caves). The underground galleries were well equipped, in addition to simple living rooms pantries, an operating room were made in them, electricity was supplied, a ventilation system was developed with protection against throwing grenades. After the war, the shelters were not used, and now they work as a museum, but on occasion they will be able to protect the inhabitants of the city again.
Oasis Theme Park (Mini Hollywood)	Previously, so-called spaghetti westerns were filmed in Almeria, for which scenery was built in the Tabernas desert. It was here that many Clint Eastwood films were filmed (including The Good, the Bad and the Ugly), as well as other famous films such as Cleopatra (1963), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Now the scenery has been turned into a big theme park dedicated to the wild west. In this place you can spend the whole day, it will be fun for both children and adults. The park offers a variety of entertainment: immersion in the atmosphere of westerns, horseback riding, a zoo, a swimming pool, thematic performances, etc. It should be borne in mind that the park is located about 30 kilometers from Almeria and it is better to set aside a whole day to visit it.
Museum of Almeria	Historical Museum founded at the beginning of the 20th century. In 2006, the museum moved to a new, large and comfortable building. Various antiques and archaeological finds are exhibited here, covering the history of the region from ancient times. In addition to the usual exhibits, the museum has a library of historical books, interactive systems that tell the history of the city.
Paseo de Almeria	central Street a city that you will definitely walk around when you are in Almería. Both important business departments and banks, as well as shops, restaurants, and hotels are concentrated here.
Church of the Virgin Mary del Mar	Temple in honor of the patroness of the city. The church itself is small in size, but it is interesting for its history, as the building was built in the 16th century. At the same time, the iconography with the Virgin Mary del Mar dates back to 1502.
Cathedral of Almeria	The main temple of the city, the construction of which began in 1522, immediately after the earthquake. Its appearance is quite unusual, looking from the outside you will not immediately realize that you have a Catholic cathedral in front of you.
Los Millares	Remains of an ancient settlement of the Copper Age. By that standards, it Big city with a population of up to 1000 people, around which even protective walls of stones and clay were built. The ruins were accidentally discovered only in 1891, which ensured their safety. They were immediately transferred to the jurisdiction of historians, excavations on the territory of the ancient settlement are still being carried out.
Costa de Almeria	This is not a landmark, but an area with its capital in Almeria, which includes about 200 kilometers of coastline and many resorts. It makes sense to rent a car or use public transport to drive all over the Costa, stopping not only in big cities, but also in traditional villages and even on wild beaches.
Cabo de Gata	This is a national park that starts a couple of tens of kilometers from the city and covers an area of ​​9,000 hectares. On its territory there is a lighthouse, several authentic fishing villages, tourist centers, but most of park - unique untouched nature. Amazing wild beaches, caves and mountains will not leave anyone indifferent.

Almeria itself and the entire region is replete with various attractions, both more famous and those that tourists find by chance when they arrive in the city. But it is important that every vacationer will find something to do. There is also entertainment for children, such as the already mentioned Oasis Park, as well as for lovers of nature or outdoor activities, for example, eco-tours, boat trips along the coast, etc. During the day, when the scorching sun does not allow you to relax on the beach, you can visit one of the many museums, not only historical, but such as the museum of the guitar or art gallery. At night, bars, clubs and restaurants open their doors to visitors, the atmosphere in which corresponds to the spirit of southern Spain.

Photo

Go to section:

How to get to Almeria

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

How to get to Almeria from Madrid

The distance between Madrid and Almeria is almost 600 km. Most fast way to overcome this distance is to use Iberia airline flight (travel time - a little more than an hour). Almeria Airport is located 10 km from the city centre. Between the airport and the city operates bus line. You can also get to , travel time is about 15 minutes.

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

How to get to Almeria from Malaga

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

There is no direct train connection between Malaga and Almeria, it can only be reached with a change in Antequera, so the travel time with a minimum transfer time will be from 4.5 hours. Ironically, faster and more cheap way to get from Malaga to Almeria is to use the local bus carrier Alsa. 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 the Malaga airport at the information desk in the arrivals terminal, or in advance via the Internet on the transfer booking website .

Matt Kieffer/Almeria

Almeria Hotels

The city has both chain hotels of popular brands, as well as 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.

Hotel 4 stars

The hotel is located near the central promenade of the city with its shopping malls, boutiques and restaurants. Before nearest beach– about 3 km, up to railway station- about 2 km. The hotel has its own restaurant, there is a private paid parking(pre-order 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, mini-bar. Depending on the type of room, breakfast, half board or full board may be included in the price (check when booking). The hotel received the best ratings for the cleanliness and comfort of the rooms, as well as for the value for money of the services provided.

The front desk 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 the availability and cost of staying at the hotel for specific dates on the booking website Booking.com.

Plaza Vieja Hotel & Lounge 4 stars

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

In the hotel you can find rooms of different categories: standard, junior suites, suites. The rooms have air conditioning, TV, safe, hairdryer, telephone, mini-bar. Breakfast, depending on the type of room, may be included in the price, or paid extra. Top Reviews the hotel received for the location and the work of the 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 the availability and cost of staying at the hotel for specific dates on the booking website Booking.com.

Nuevo Torreluz 4 stars

The hotel is a 5-minute walk from Almería's main historical sites and a 20-minute walk from the nearest beach. The hotel features 2 restaurants, a tapas café and a terrace bar. There is private paid parking. Wifi is provided free of charge. Luggage storage, tour desk, 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, mini-bar. Breakfasts, 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 the availability and cost of staying at the hotel for specific dates on the booking website Booking.com.

AC Hotel Almeria, a Marriott Lifestyle Hotel, 4 stars

The hotel is located in historical center city, within walking distance of the main attractions of the city. The hotel can offer its guests a rooftop pool, gym, restaurant. There are also several tapas bars nearby. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi. There are paid parking places(pre-order required).

The hotel has standard and superior rooms, where you can find air conditioning, telephone, hair dryer, 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 24/7. Check-in is from 15.00, check-out is until 12.00. You can find out more about the availability and cost of staying at the hotel 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 provides luggage storage and a tour desk. The hotel received the best ratings for its location.

The front desk is open 24/7. Check-in is from 14.00, check-out is until 12.00. You can find out more about the availability and cost of staying at the hotel for specific dates on the booking website Booking.com.

Sights of Almeria

Almeria is a resort on the Costa de Almeria of the same name, located between two other large tourist centers– Valencia and Malaga and competing with them for the right to be called the best place for holidays in the southeast of 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 relatively new resort place, therefore, the infrastructure of the city developed according to new patterns. The resort has 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 District.

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

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

In the old part of Almeria, many historical sights have been preserved, the most famous of which are the fortress Alcazaba on the hill of St. Christopher and Encarnacion Cathedral on Cathedral Square. Alcazaba, built in the 10th century, has survived to this day in excellent condition. Inside the fortress you can find your own streets, houses and a mosque (the Alcazaba was built during the reign 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.

Encarnacion Cathedral dates back to the 15th century of construction, it is located on central square cities. The cathedral is made in the classical gothic style and impresses with its size and grandeur. To others historical monuments Spanish Almeria also includes the Church of Santiago (15th century), the Arabic water pipe (11th century), the Basilica of the Virgin Mary del Mar, the Clarisse Monastery, and the Church of St. San Juan.

What to see around Almeria

In the suburbs of Almeria there are several curious natural monuments, the most visited of which are national park Cabo de Gata And Tabernas Desert. The Cabo de Gata park is untouched corner nature, where all year round there is always only one season - summer, so we can say that summer lives here.

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

To travel freely in 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 public transport. You can rent a car in Malaga, there are rental offices both in the city itself and at the airport of arrival. Price quite low in the country, this is due to the great competition between rental companies. To rent, it is enough to have a passport, an international driver's license And bank card for payment. You can get from Malaga to Almeria by car in just over 2 hours along the A7 highway.

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

The beaches of Almeria

The beaches of Almeria have gained their fame 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 territories marked with a distinction - blue flag- as a symbol of the most clean beaches peace. Since the beaches of Almeria were ennobled relatively recently, their equipment exceeds all the expectations of tourists: the beaches are extremely well-groomed, with sun loungers, umbrellas, changing cabins and toilets, showers and playgrounds.

by the most the best beaches coasts are considered Las Solinas And La Almadrava. Here everyone can try themselves in any active form sports, since the beaches are equipped with everything you need. Jet skis, catamarans, sailboats, bananas and other pleasures 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 many trendy cafes, tapas bars and local restaurants. The infrastructure of the resort is considered one of the most comfortable for a beach holiday.

Almeria like others famous cities Spain attracts tourists from all over the world. This city and port in southern Spain, in Andalusia, was called Portus Magnus in Roman times. Great Port”, and later the Arabs called it the “Mirror of the Sea”, as it was one of the most important ports of the Iberian Peninsula. Read more about what to do in Almeria in this article.

Spain has long been a favorite holiday destination for Russians. sun, sea, ancient architecture, good kitchen and famous boutiques - this is the combination that made Spain perfect place for vacation. Most tourists prefer the surroundings of Barcelona, ​​Valencia or Madrid. Many go to Marbella. And only a few were lucky enough to visit Almeria - a real pearl of the Spanish Mediterranean. The city of Almeria is located in the province of the same name, Almeria, which has a population of over 600,000 people. About 160 thousand people live in the city of Almeria itself.

Almeria until recently was virtually unknown Russian tourist. In the spring of 2012, the first official acquaintance took place Russian tour operators with this province. The guests were amazed by the tourism potential of Almeria. The province is located on the southeastern tip of the Perinean Peninsula. Duration tourist season here 300 days a year, the beach season lasts until the end of October.

The length of the beaches is truly endless - sandy white, black volcanic, pebbly, shell. There are beaches for children - with shallow and calm bays, gay beaches, nudist beaches and entire nudist villages. In the early 60s, Hollywood directors discovered Almeria, seduced by the sunny climate and picturesque landscapes. The next time you're watching some old Hollywood western, take a closer look at the scenery - it's probably not Texas, but Almeria. In the vicinity of the city, in memory of those times, the Mini-Hollywood amusement park remained, where, among the real scenery of cowboy cities and Indian wigwams, shows with shooting, chases and canacons are regularly shown.

Sights of Almeria

For lovers of excursions and history, Almeria will open the gates of the ancient Arab fortress Alcazaba. In its semi-dark cellars and sunny courtyards, the tourist will get acquainted with centuries of history provinces. It was built in the 13th century, but was partially destroyed.

Ornithologists from all over Europe go to the reserve Cabo de Gata watch flamingos and pelicans. Golf fans enjoy playing some of the the best venues Spain.

Extreme sports attract thousands of tourists from all over the world to karst caves in the vicinity of the city. Diving, fishing, hunting, climbing, surfing, sailing - these are just a few of the things you can do in the province of Almería.
For recreation with children, there is an Aquapark in Vera, an Oceanarium in Roquetas de Mar, amusement parks and shows on the beaches.
Youth tourism is concentrated in city ​​of Mojacar. This place is famous for its megadiscotheques, where young people come from all over the province. Mojacar has been a favorite holiday destination for the British for several decades.

The hotels and restaurants of Almeria are not inferior in stars to the famous hotels, and the prices pleasantly amaze even seasoned tourist. Commercial centers and boutiques of the city will delight both with the latest collections of branded goods and seasonal sales.
When planning your next vacation, remember Almeria - those who have been here once will return again and again.