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10 Best Things to Do in Almería
Almería is a coastal city located in southern Spain. Known for its stunning beaches, impressive historical sites, and delicious cuisine, Almería has become a popular destination for travelers from around the world.
I recently visited Almería on a day trip when I was house sitting nearby and I spent all day exploring, so I could create this list of the 10 best things to do in Almería to help you plan your trip to this coastal city.
Top 10 Things to Do in Almerí Spain
1. Explore the Alcazaba
One of the must-visit spots in Almería is the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress built in the 10th century. With its impressive walls and towers, this ancient fortress offers breathtaking views of the city and is also home to beautiful gardens and fountains.
It’s the second largest monument of Muslim architecture on the Iberian peninsula, and you can visit it for free if you’re from Europe (otherwise entry is €1.50). It has also been used as a filming location for the sixth season of Game of Thrones, Wonder Woman 1984, and many other films.
Unfortunately, the Alcazaba was under construction when I visited, so much of it was covered by scaffolding. Despite this, it was still worth visiting. I can only imagine how stunning it will be once renovations are complete.
2. Visit the Cathedral of Almeria
Another impressive landmark in Almería is its Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Incarnation.
This grand roman catholic church was built in the 16th century and combines Gothic and Renaissance styles. Its interior is just as impressive as its exterior, with intricate carvings, and beautiful paintings.
There are various ticket options: a standard entry ticket to the cathedral, a guided tour of the bell tower (available twice daily on Fridays and Saturdays), or a combined ticket for the cathedral and the nearby Las Puras Monasterio, a beautiful cloister.
3. Climb Cerro San Cristóbal
Cerro San Cristóbal could be an amazing viewpoint if not for the trash laying around everywhere and the atmosphere of a drunk people hangout instead of a view point. When you only see this side of Almería you might say it’s not worth visiting.
However, there was construction everywhere when I visited, so I’m hopeful the atmosphere will improve once it’s finished. And the view of the city and of the Alcazaba from the viewpoint are really amazing.
4. Relax on the City Beaches
No trip to Almería is complete without spending some time on the beach. It’s one of the southern Spanish cities located right at the coast after all. There are multiple beaches right in the city and even more a short drive away.
The most central beach is Playa de San Miguel. I was amazed by how blue the water is, it was so beautiful. The sand was a bit more corse than I would have expected, but all in all it was a great beach to relax on.
5. Enjoy a Refreshing Snack
There is only one vegan café in Almería and it’s right next to the beach. AlmaZen Orgánico is the perfect place for a healthy snack during your beach day. They serve smoothies, smoothie bowls, and crepes. Okay, the crepes might not be that healthy, but they looked delicious.
I had a delicious mango and passion fruit smoothie bowl, it was the perfect refreshing snack on a hot day.
6. Take a Picture of El Cable Ingles
This iconic industrial structure was built in the early 20th century and used to transport minerals from the mines of Almería. It’s no longer in use, but its unique design makes it a popular spot for photographers and sightseers.
You can even walk across it, but it’s a long one-way road. I saw some people on top, but it was too hot for me to take a walk on a former pier.
7. Walk Down Rambla de Almería
Rambla de Almería is a pedestrian street lined with shops and restaurants. It’s the perfect place for a leisurely stroll. There’s a pedestrian lane in the middle with lots of trees and benches.
If you’re lucky, you might catch a market on the pedestrian lane. Unfortunately, there was none when I visited.
8. Sit Down Next to John Lennon
In the 1960s The Beatles filmed the movie How I Won the War in Almería and during this time, John Lennon wrote the song Strawberry Fields Forever.
On Plaza de las Flores you can find a statue of John Lennon sitting on a bench playing guitar. It’s a popular spot for tourists to take pictures and even sit next to the famous musician.
It’s a fun and quirky little addition to the city you might not expect. It’s definitely worth checking out.
9. Visit the Casa del Cine
Almería has multiple museums, in my opinion the most interesting one is Casa del Cine.
This small museum showcases the history of filmmaking in Almería with props, sets, and costumes from various films. You can even see the rooms where Clint Eastwood, John Lennon, and others stayed during their time in Almería.
Make sure to check the opening times beforehand. The museum is only open Fridays to Sundays with limited hours.
10. Do a Day Trip to Cabo de Gata Natural Park
Last but not least, take a day trip to Cabo de Gata Natural Park. This stunning nature reserve is located only 30 minutes away from Almería and is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning cliffs, and unique landscapes.
You can spend the day hiking, swimming in crystal clear waters, or simply enjoying the peaceful nature. There are also a few small villages within the park where you can find quaint restaurants and shops.
Another popular day trip from Almería is the Tabernas Desert, the only desert in Europe, used as a filming location for many old Western movies.
Final Thoughts: What to Do in Almería
Almería may not be a top tourist destination in Spain, but it offers a unique mix of historical landmarks, beautiful beaches, and stunning nature. From exploring the Alcazaba to relaxing on the beaches, there’s plenty to do in Almería.
Personally, I wouldn’t make Almería the main destination of my southern Spain holiday, but you might add it to your itinerary for Andalusia.
Read more about Andalusia:
- Epic Southern Spain Itinerary: 10 Days in Andalusia
- 9 Best Cities in Southern Spain to Visit
- Is Granada Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons Why It Is
- 10 Visiting Alhambra Tips
- Guide to Vegan Granada
- Visiting Arab Baths In Granada
- Sacromonte Cave Houses in Granada: All You Need to Know
- Best Tours from Seville to Granada
- Epic Day Trip From Seville To Ronda With White Villages
- Ultimate Day Trip From Seville To Córdoba
- Amazing 3 Days in Seville Itinerary: What to See & Do
- How Many Days in Seville Is Enough?
- 7 Absolute Best Day Trips from Seville, Spain
- Granada vs Malaga: Why I Prefer Granada Over Málaga
- Ultimate Guide to Málaga Old Town (with Map)
- Is Malaga Worth Visiting?
- Destinations in Spain
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