Inicio › Spain › Andalusia › Almeria › Qué Hacer
Published 14 July 2026 · 8 min read
Almeria is a city that rewards exploration. From the hilltop Moorish fortress that has watched over the city for a thousand years, to the volcanic cliffs of Cabo de Gata and the otherworldly Tabernas Desert, the capital of Almeria province packs an extraordinary range of experiences into a compact area. Whether you have two days or a week, here is the definitive guide to the best things to do in Almeria, Europe's sunniest city.
The Alcazaba is the reason most visitors come to Almeria — and it does not disappoint. Built in the 10th century under Caliph Abd ar-Rahman III, this vast Moorish fortress sits on a hill overlooking the city and the Mediterranean. It is divided into three walled enclosures. The first houses the Parador de Almeria, a luxury hotel built within the fortress walls (you can walk through its gardens). The second contains a beautiful Islamic garden with pools, fountains, and orange trees — a peaceful oasis that evokes the Almeria of Al-Andalus. The third and highest enclosure holds the main fortifications, with towering walls and towers offering panoramic views across the city, the port, and the sea. Entry is free for EU citizens (bring your ID or passport). Allow at least two hours, and go early in the morning or late afternoon for the best light and to avoid the heat. Tip: The walk up from the old quarter is steep — wear comfortable shoes.
Thirty kilometres east of the city lies one of Spain's most stunning natural parks. Cabo de Gata is a protected reserve of volcanic cliffs, hidden coves, salt flats, and rugged headlands that feels a world away from the developed Costas further west. The park covers over 460 square kilometres, making it the largest coastal protected area in Andalusia. The volcanic origin of the landscape gives the cliffs and rocks dramatic dark colours that contrast with the turquoise water. Playa de los Genoveses is the most famous beach — a wide arc of golden sand backed by dunes. Cala de Enmedio is a smaller, more secluded cove that requires a 20-minute walk from the nearest road. The salt flats at Salinas de Cabo de Gata are home to flocks of flamingos, especially in spring and autumn. The best way to explore is by car, stopping at viewpoints along the coastal road. The main village inside the park is San José, which has restaurants, accommodation, and a diving centre.
Just 30 km north of Almeria, the Tabernas Desert is Europe's only true desert — a protected natural area with a rainfall of less than 200 mm per year. The landscape of eroded gullies, badlands, and arid plains has served as the backdrop for hundreds of films, most famously the Spaghetti Westerns of Sergio Leone starring Clint Eastwood. "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly," "A Fistful of Dollars," and "For a Few Dollars More" were all shot here, along with more recent productions like "Game of Thrones" and "Exodus: Gods and Kings." Two theme parks operate on the original film sets: Mini Hollywood (formerly Oasys) and Fort Bravo (Texas Hollywood). Both offer stunt shows, Western town sets, saloon performances, and — in the case of Mini Hollywood — a zoo. Even if the Wild West theme parks are not your thing, the desert landscape alone is worth the drive. The Rambla de Tabernas interpretive trail offers a free way to experience the terrain.
The Cathedral of Almeria is unlike any other in Spain — it was built as a fortress. Constructed between 1522 and 1562 on the site of an earlier mosque destroyed by the devastating earthquake of 1522, the cathedral was designed with defensive towers, thick walls, and a fortified exterior to protect against pirate raids from the Barbary Coast. The interior is a surprising contrast — light, airy, and elegant Gothic-Renaissance design with a magnificent vaulted ceiling and a huge Baroque altarpiece. The cathedral museum houses religious art and artefacts. Rooftop tours take you up between the buttresses for excellent views across the city. Entry is around €5. The surrounding Plaza de la Catedral is one of the best places in the city for al fresco dining and people-watching.
This is not a single activity but a way of life in Almeria. The city has one of Spain's best free tapas traditions — every drink comes with a complimentary plate of food. The best strategy is to start around 8 pm in the Pescadería neighbourhood, work your way up to Calle de las Tiendas, and finish near the Cathedral. Each bar has its speciality — one might serve seafood, another migas, another creative modern tapas. A crawl of four or five bars gives you a full dinner spread for the price of five drinks (around €10-15). Must-visit stops include Bar Casa Puga (Calle Jovellanos), Taberna La Tronchita (Calle de las Tiendas), and Cervecería 100 Mundos in Pescadería. For a full guide to what and where to eat, read our Almeria Food Guide.
One of Almeria's most iconic landmarks, the Cable Inglés (English Cable) is a massive iron ore loading pier built in 1904 by British engineers. It was used to transport iron ore from the mines of Alquife to waiting ships, using a system of overhead cables and conveyor belts. It operated until the 1970s and has since been declared a Bien de Interés Cultural (heritage site). The rusted iron structure against the blue Mediterranean makes for a striking photo — particularly at sunset. Recent restoration work has stabilised the structure and added a viewing platform. It sits at the eastern end of the port, a short walk from the city centre via the Paseo Marítimo.
The provincial archaeological museum on the Paseo de Almeria is an excellent introduction to the region's deep history. The highlight is the Los Millares collection — a Bronze Age settlement that flourished between 3200 and 2200 BCE, one of the most important prehistoric sites in Europe. Artefacts include copper tools, pottery, and the distinctive "Millares" decorated ceramics. The museum also covers the Phoenician and Roman periods, and a dedicated section on Almeria during the Islamic era. Entry is free for EU citizens. Allow about 90 minutes.
The main city beach, Playa San Miguel, stretches for nearly a kilometre south of the port. It is a wide, sandy beach with calm waters, chiringuitos (beach bars), sunbed hire, and a long promenade that is perfect for an evening stroll or bike ride. Continue south along the Paseo Marítimo and you reach Playa de la Alhadra, which is quieter and favoured by local families. The whole waterfront area has been revitalised in recent years with new landscaping, cycle paths, and public spaces. In summer, the Chiringuitos along the beach serve grilled fish, cold beer, and cocktails until late.
Acerca de 50 km north of Almeria, near the town of Sorbas, lies one of Europe's most extensive gypsum cave systems. The karst covers over 25 square kilometres and contains more than 1,000 caves and cavities. Guided tours take you through chambers lined with crystalline gypsum formations, including the spectacular Sala de los Fantasmas (Room of Ghosts) where white gypsum columns create an otherworldly atmosphere. The tours take about two hours and require reasonable fitness — the caves are natural and unlit. Above ground, the white gypsum landscape is equally striking and popular with hikers. The Sorbas Karst is a protected Natural Area.
The old Arab quarter of Almeria, La Almedina, stretches up the hill from the Cathedral towards the Alcazaba. It is a maze of narrow, whitewashed streets, flower-filled plazas, and hidden corners that feel unchanged for centuries. This was the heart of Islamic Almeria, and the street layout has remained largely intact. Look for the Aljibes Árabes (Arab cisterns) — underground water storage tanks from the 11th century that can be visited through a small museum. The Plaza de la Constitución, at the foot of La Almedina, is the traditional centre of the city and the site of the town hall. Climb higher and you reach the interpretation centre at the foot of the Alcazaba with displays about the Moorish city.
Almeria's location makes it an excellent base for exploring further afield. The Alhambra in Granada is just 160 km — about 1 hour 45 minutes by car or 2 hours by train. A day trip is easily feasible if you plan ahead (book Alhambra tickets weeks in advance). The train journey from Almeria to Granada crosses the breathtaking landscape of the Sierra Nevada foothills. For a shorter trip, the Alpujarra villages and the Sierra Nevada National Park are both within 90 minutes of Almeria city.
West of Almeria, near Roquetas de Mar, the Punta Entinas-Sabinar Natural Reserve is a coastal wetland of salt marshes, dunes, and lagoons that is one of Andalusia's best birdwatching sites. Flamingos, herons, avocets, and ospreys are regularly seen, and the reserve is on the migration route between Europe and Africa. There are marked trails and observation hides. Best visited in spring or autumn for migration, though resident species are present year-round. Entry is free.
A 70 km drive northeast along the coast brings you to Garrucha, a working fishing port famous for its prawns (Gambas de Garrucha). The harbourfront is lined with restaurants serving the catch of the day — the prawns are simply grilled with salt and olive oil and are among the best seafood you will eat anywhere. Combine a Garrucha trip with a visit to the nearby medieval hilltop town of Mojácar for a full day out.
Day 1 — City Focus: Morning at the Alcazaba. Lunch tapas crawl in the centre. Afternoon at the Cathedral and Museo de Almeria. Sunset at the Cable Inglés. Evening tapeo in Pescadería.
Day 2 — Coast & Nature: Drive to Cabo de Gata. Morning hike at Playa de los Genoveses. Lunch in San José. Afternoon exploring coves and viewpoints. Sunset at the Arrecife de las Sirenas.
Day 3 — Desert & Film History: Drive to Tabernas Desert. Morning interpretive trail. Lunch in Tabernas village. Afternoon at Mini Hollywood or Fort Bravo. Return via the Sorbas Gypsum Karst.
Every EcoHotels booking in Almeria removes 1 tonne of CO₂ through verified carbon offset projects. With 8M+ hotels worldwide at the same price as Booking.com, plus 5% cashback in IMPT tokens and €5 de crédito gratis for new users, you can explore Almeria's best attractions while travelling sustainably. The most popular hotels — AC Hotel Almeria, Barceló Cabo de Gata, NH Ciudad de Almeria — fill up fast in summer, so book early.
Three to four days is ideal for Almeria. Day one covers the city — Alcazaba, Cathedral, tapas. Day two explores Cabo de Gata with its beaches and coastal trails. Day three visits the Tabernas Desert and Mini Hollywood. A fourth day allows for the Sorbas caves or a trip to Garrucha for seafood.
Yes, but it is more limited. Bus AL-1 runs from Almeria city to San José, the main village in the park, in about 45 minutes. From there you can hike to several beaches. However, a car gives you access to the more remote coves and viewpoints. Bike rental is also available in San José during summer.
Absolutely. It is Europe's only true desert and a unique landscape unlike anything else on the continent. The Western film sets at Mini Hollywood and Fort Bravo are fun for families and film fans, and the interpretive hiking trails offer a glimpse of the desert ecosystem. The drive from Almeria takes just 30 minutes.