Published October 27, 2025 | Category: Travel Tips

TL;DR: Almeria City is where the desert meets the Mediterranean — a bright, historic port full of Moorish charm, authentic tapas bars, sustainable innovation, and endless Andalusian sunshine.

Almeria City Guide. What to do in Almeria

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• History & Heritage
• Districts & Urban Life
• Top Attractions
• Walking Routes & Viewpoints
• Museums & Cultural Spaces
• Food, Tapas & Wine
• Port, Sustainability & Innovation
• Festivals & Nightlife
• Beaches & Nature
• Street Markets & Local Life
• Day Trips from Almeria City
• How to Get There
• Practical Information

Introduction

Bathed in light for more than 3,000 hours a year, Almeria City stands at the meeting point of desert and sea. Between the Mediterranean horizon and the dry hills of the Sierra de Alhamilla, it’s a city that blends Moorish architecture, relaxed Andalusian living, and striking modern contrasts. Compact, walkable, and full of colour, Almeria is the perfect base for discovering southeastern Spain.

The atmosphere is friendly and unhurried. People still greet each other in the streets, café terraces are filled even in winter, and the scent of the sea drifts through the old town. Every corner of Almeria feels both deeply local and unexpectedly cosmopolitan.

History & Heritage

Founded in the 10th century by Abd-ar-Rahman III as the fortified port of the Caliphate of Cordoba, Almeria — from Al-Mariyya, “the watchtower” — quickly became one of Al-Andalus’s key trading hubs. Its prosperity attracted merchants, poets and artisans whose legacy still shapes the old town today.

The Alcazaba of Almeria, a vast citadel rising above the city, remains one of Spain’s largest Islamic fortresses. After centuries of earthquakes, pirate raids and wars, the fortress was restored to its original grandeur and offers sweeping views of the port and sea. Nearby, the 16th-century Cathedral of Almeria blends Gothic, Renaissance and defensive architecture — a church built to withstand corsairs.

Through the 19th century Almeria thrived again on mining and trade. Later, the surrounding desert became a backdrop for classic Western films like The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. The film legacy continues today in Mini Hollywood and the annual FICAL Film Festival.

Districts & Urban Life

The historic centre, or Casco Histórico, is a maze of narrow Moorish streets that open onto elegant 19th-century boulevards. The Paseo de Almeria is the city’s main artery, lined with cafés and boutiques, while Puerta Purchena serves as the main meeting point for locals.

Under the Alcazaba lies La Chanca-Pescadería, a neighbourhood painted in pastel colours where fishermen once lived — still a favourite spot for photographers. Eastwards stretch the modern districts of Nueva Almeria and Retamar, home to beach apartments and the University Campus. Each part of the city carries a different rhythm, from student bustle to evening paseo elegance.

Top Attractions

Start with the Alcazaba, exploring its towers and gardens before descending to the cathedral square. Visit the Civil War Shelters — four kilometres of underground tunnels now open to visitors — and the Museo de Almeria, showcasing artefacts from prehistoric Los Millares to Roman mosaics.

For art, the Doña Pakyta Museum displays early 20th-century Andalusian painters, while the Centro Andaluz de la Fotografía holds rotating exhibitions. End your afternoon at Paseo Marítimo Carmen de Burgos, where the sea breeze and palm trees create a relaxed promenade atmosphere.

Walking Routes & Viewpoints

Almeria rewards walkers. Begin at the Cathedral and follow Calle Real up through La Chanca to reach the Alcazaba Viewpoint, with panoramic views over terracotta rooftops and the harbour. Continue to Cerro San Cristóbal for a broader panorama — especially stunning at sunset.

For a gentle city walk, trace the Rambla de Belén park from Puerta Purchena down to the seafront — a 30-minute stroll lined with fountains and jacarandas. Cyclists and runners favour the Paseo Marítimo, stretching several kilometres east towards El Toyo. Each route reveals how sea and desert coexist in daily life.

Museums & Cultural Spaces

Culture thrives in Almeria. Beyond its main museums, the Teatro Apolo hosts local theatre and flamenco shows, while the Auditorio Maestro Padilla stages orchestras and international festivals by the sea. The Almeria Art Centre inside a restored warehouse offers modern exhibitions and workshops.

Film heritage also runs deep — visit the small Casa del Cine, once the residence of John Lennon during the filming of How I Won the War, where he began writing “Strawberry Fields Forever”.

Food, Tapas & Wine in Almeria City

Named Spain’s Gastronomic Capital in 2019, Almeria keeps tapas culture alive: order a drink, get a free dish. It’s an essential local ritual — lively, social, and endlessly diverse.

Tapas range from simple olives and anchovies to seafood stews, gurullos with rabbit, and grilled sardines caught that morning.

Head to Plaza Vieja or Calle Jovellanos for classics like Casa Puga, serving local wine and jamón ibérico since 1870. Around the Paseo Marítimo, beachside bars such as La Mala and Marhaba mix creative Mediterranean cuisine with sunset views. Every spring, the city hosts the Ruta de la Tapa de Almeria, where dozens of bars compete for the title of best tapa.

Almeria’s surrounding valleys produce excellent wines — especially from Laujar de Andarax and Ohanes — as well as extra-virgin olive oils, goat cheeses, and vegetables grown under the region’s famous greenhouses. Locals proudly say the province feeds Europe, yet the best produce still ends up on their own tables.

Port, Sustainability & Innovation

The Port of Almeria is both a gateway and a symbol of renewal. From ferries to Melilla and North Africa to fishing boats and cruise ships, the harbour remains vital to the city’s identity. In recent years, it has also become a pioneer in environmental management, introducing solar-powered facilities, shore-side electricity, and waste-reduction systems to cut maritime pollution.

Just east of the port, innovation meets ecology. Local researchers and startups are transforming plastic waste from the agricultural industry into fuel — a project that’s gained international attention. Learn more about this initiative in our feature Plastic to Biodiesel in Almeria.

Combined with regional solar farms and sustainable greenhouse practices, Almeria is quietly positioning itself as one of Spain’s leading hubs for clean energy and circular economy innovation.

Festivals & Nightlife

Each August the Feria de Almeria transforms the city with music, parades and fireworks honouring the Virgen del Mar. Earlier in the year, Semana Santa processions fill the old town with candles and drums, while November brings the International Film Festival (FICAL) celebrating Almeria’s cinematic legacy.

As night falls, Almeria comes alive with terrace bars, open-air concerts and flamenco shows in venues like Peña El Taranto. The student population keeps the nightlife vibrant, especially around Plaza Masnou and the seafront. It’s a safe, walkable city where locals linger late into the night over wine and conversation.

Beaches & Nature

Within city limits, El Zapillo and San Miguel beaches are lively and family-friendly, while Retamar and El Toyo near the airport offer quieter sands and boardwalks.
To the east, the volcanic cliffs of Cabo de Gata Natural Park unfold with hidden coves such as Monsul and Genoveses — easily reached by car or bus.

Street Markets & Local Life in Almeria City

Almeria’s mercadillos bring colour and rhythm to every neighbourhood. Open a market below to see key details (day, hours, location, stalls).

Set beside the sea near the auditorium, this Saturday market combines ocean views with a lively weekend vibe — perfect for families and photographers alike.

Together these markets form the heartbeat of Almeria’s social life: a weekly meeting place full of colour, aromas, and Mediterranean character.

Day Trips from Almeria City

Within an hour you can explore extraordinary landscapes and villages:

• Tabernas Desert — Europe’s only desert, known for its western film sets and dramatic canyons.
• Níjar Village — famous for pottery, woven rugs and whitewashed alleys.
• Cabo de Gata Beaches — unspoilt coves such as Monsul, Media Luna and Genoveses.
• Alpujarra Almeriense — mountain villages like Laujar de Andarax surrounded by vineyards and chestnut forests.
• Roquetas de Mar — a resort town west of the capital with a long promenade and water-sports facilities.

All destinations are reachable by car or organised excursion, making Almeria a perfect hub for slow travellers.

How to Get to Almeria City

Almeria City is easily accessible by all major routes in southeastern Spain. The Almeria Airport (LEI) lies just 9 km east of the city centre, with regular flights to Madrid, Barcelona and several European destinations. Buses and taxis connect the airport with the main station area at Plaza de las Velas.

Long-distance buses link Almeria with Granada, Malaga, Murcia and Madrid, while regional trains connect with destinations along the coast. The port also serves regular ferry routes to Melilla and North Africa.

Inside the city, local buses cover most neighbourhoods, and the compact layout makes it easy to explore on foot or by bike along the Paseo Marítimo and Rambla avenues.

Practical Information

• Region: Capital of Almeria Province, southeastern Spain.
• Municipal info: Ayuntamiento de Almeria — services, events and notices.
• Tourist Office: Plaza de la Constitución | +34 950 210 538
• Transport: Airport (LEI) 9 km; bus & train station near Plaza de las Velas; ferry links to Melilla and North Africa.
• Emergency numbers (Spain): 112 (General) · 061 (Medical) · 062 (Guardia Civil) · 085 (Fire)

For a province-wide overview of upcoming festivities and public holidays, check the
official Almeria Local Holidays 2026 calendar, which includes all major events across the region.

For more updates from across the province, visit our Towns & Villages category.

Published October 23, 2025 | Category: Travel Tips

TL;DR: Alicun is a peaceful Andarax valley village in Almeria, known for its olive groves, mountain scenery and authentic Andalusian rhythm — perfect for slow travel, short hikes and rural discovery.

Alicun Guide. Discover Alicun, Almeria — Nature, Heritage & Valley Tranquillity

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• History & Heritage
• Nature & Surroundings
• Culture & Local Life
• Festivals & Events
• Local Market
• Getting There & Accommodation
• Travel Tips

Introduction: A valley village with deep rural roots

Nestled in the lower Andarax valley between the Sierra de Gador and Sierra Alhamilla, Alicun offers a picture of traditional Andalusian village life. With around 250 inhabitants, it’s one of the smallest municipalities in the province of Almeria — quiet, authentic, and surrounded by olive groves and almond fields that paint the hillsides each spring.

Despite its size, Alicun maintains its own Ayuntamiento (town hall), local festivities, and a handful of family-run bars and shops that cater to residents and weekend visitors. The village’s position near the Diputación de Almería network of rural routes makes it a pleasant stop for walkers exploring the Andarax basin.

History & Heritage

Alicun’s origins trace back to Moorish Al-Andalus, when irrigation channels transformed these dry foothills into fertile farmland. Like other Andarax towns, it witnessed repopulation after the Morisco expulsion and gradual adaptation to the valley’s microclimate. Today, the village preserves its traditional street layout — narrow, whitewashed lanes leading to small squares where the church tower overlooks the rooftops.

The heart of Alicun is defined by the Iglesia de San Sebastián, a 19th-century parish built over earlier foundations. Around it, you’ll find traces of traditional architecture with stone façades and wooden balconies, reflecting rural craftsmanship that still survives in older homes.

Nature & Surroundings

Alicun sits on the fertile banks of the Andarax River, which nourishes its groves of olive, orange, and almond trees. Walking paths link the village to neighbouring towns like Alhabia and Alhama de Almeria, offering scenic views of the valley and the Sierra de Gador’s reddish slopes.

For outdoor enthusiasts, short circular routes follow irrigation ditches and hillside tracks, while longer hikes ascend into the nearby mountains. Spring is especially beautiful, when almond blossoms turn the valley pale pink and white.

Culture & Local Life

Life in Alicun moves at a gentle pace. Mornings start early, with locals gathering for coffee in the plaza or tending to smallholdings. Traditional festivals, local markets, and community meals punctuate the year — offering visitors a warm introduction to authentic inland Almeria.

Although the village is small, residents take pride in maintaining long-standing customs and religious processions, particularly those tied to the local patron saint and harvest season.

Festivals & Events

Alicun celebrates two main fiestas locales each year:

• 20 January — Local holiday (Fiesta de San Sebastián, the town’s patron saint).
• 26 August — Local holiday marking the summer celebrations with music, games, and traditional events.

Visitors during these dates will find the streets filled with music, stalls, and local food, as families and neighbours celebrate in the heart of the village.

For a province-wide overview of upcoming festivities and public holidays, check the
official Almeria Local Holidays 2026 calendar, which includes all major events across the region.

Mercadillo de Alicun

While Alicun itself does not host a large weekly market, residents often visit nearby Alhabia or Alhama de Almeria on market days (Monday and Friday respectively). These markets offer fresh produce, clothing, and local goods — ideal for experiencing the valley’s community life.

Getting There & Accommodation

By car: Alicun lies about 30 km from Almeria city. Take the A-92 and turn off toward Alhama de Almeria, following signs into the valley. Parking is free and easy around the village entrance.
By bus: Limited regional services connect Alicun with nearby towns — check schedules in advance.
Stay: Accommodation options include small rural houses (casas rurales) and guest rooms in neighbouring villages like Alhama or Alhabia.

Travel Tips

• Visit in spring to see the almond blossoms and mild weather.
• Bring walking shoes — most village streets are cobbled and hilly.
• Try local olive oil and almonds sold directly by residents.

Practical Information

• Region: Lower Andarax valley, between Sierra de Gador and Sierra Alhamilla.
• Municipal info: Ayuntamiento de Alicun — contacts, notices and local services.
• Stats & map: Junta de Andalucía — SIMA municipal fiche for Alicun (geographical and demographic data).
• Nearby towns: Alhabia (2.5 km) and Alhama de Almeria (7 km), both accessible via local roads through the valley.
• Tourist info: Diputación de Almería — provincial tourism and cultural resources.
• Emergency numbers (Spain): 112 (General) · 061 (Medical) · 062 (Guardia Civil) · 085 (Fire)

For more village destinations across the province, visit our Towns & Villages.

Published October 23, 2025 | Category: Travel Tips

TL;DR: Alhama de Almeria is a historic thermal-spring village in the lower Andarax valley, set between the Sierra de Gador and Sierra Alhamilla — a calm base for easy walks, spa time and authentic inland life.

Discover Alhama de Almeria — Thermal Springs, History & Valley Life

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• History & Heritage
• Nature & Walking Trails
• Thermal Springs & Wellbeing
• Culture & Local Life
• Gastronomy
• Festivals & Events
• Getting There & Accommodation
• Itineraries & Day Trips
• Practical Information

Introduction: Valley town between two mountain chains

Set in the fertile lower Andarax valley, Alhama de Almeria sits where citrus and olive groves spread between the Sierra de Gador to the west and the Sierra Alhamilla to the east. The municipality keeps an active town hall and services while retaining a small-town rhythm — white façades, a compact center and green huertas irrigated by historic channels. For official contacts and notices, consult the Ayuntamiento de Alhama de Almeria.

History & Heritage

Alhama’s name links to “thermal waters,” and the village has long been known for its hot springs and as a strategic valley settlement. The wider municipality preserves Copper-Age and protohistoric remains — including megalithic necropolises and fortified sites — and later civil heritage such as the neoclassical bridge known as La Puente and the 19th-century spa building itself.

Strolling the historic core reveals terraced lanes, the parish church and houses that still trace water-wise urbanism. Heritage information is periodically published via regional inventories and the town hall channels; for statistical and cartographic context, see the Junta’s SIMA municipal fiche.

Nature & Walking Trails

The river Andarax creates a ribbon of green habitat through otherwise semi-arid foothills. From town you can take flat riverside loops along farm tracks and poplar stands, or climb low ridges for views to Gador and Alhamilla. The valley’s microclimate offers mild winters and dry summers; spring and autumn are prime for easy hikes and cycling between villages.

A classic half-day combines a gentle walk among orchards, a viewpoint at golden hour and a relaxed tapas stop back in the center. Longer day routes link neighboring Andarax villages by quiet lanes and farm roads. (Always carry water and sun protection.)

Thermal Springs & Wellbeing

Alhama’s signature is its historic spa tradition. The Balneario San Nicolás (Hotel-Spa) sits by the valley at the base of Sierra de Gador and channels natural mineral-medicinal waters — a tradition documented for centuries and housed in the 19th-century complex you see today. For treatments, day access and seasonal opening details, consult the official spa site: Balneario San Nicolás.

Culture & Local Life

Daily life runs on valley time: morning errands, a chat in the plaza, irrigation turns in the huerta and long lunches. As a service hub for nearby hamlets, Alhama concentrates cultural programming and admin services; the Diputación de Almería SAT office in Alhama also supports surrounding municipalities.

Expect small exhibitions, sports, and summer cinema — often coordinated at provincial level by the Diputación — alongside local fiestas around the parish calendar. For municipal announcements, use the town hall’s electronic noticeboard (sede electrónica).

Gastronomy — citrus, olive oil & comfort dishes

Menus lean on valley produce and Almerian comfort food: migas on cooler days; olla de trigo and stews; fresh salads with citrus; almonds in pastries and roscos. Bars serve a straightforward menú del día at lunch; local olive oil and seasonal fruit star across the table. In the evening, terraces fill for tapas as the heat drops.

Festivals & Events

Alhama de Almeria keeps a compact but lively calendar of village festivities tied to the parish and summer season. Exact dates can vary each year; check the town hall and provincial listings for confirmations.

For a province-wide overview of upcoming festivities and public holidays, check the official Almeria Local Holidays 2026 calendar, which includes all major events across the region.

Mercadillo de Alhama de Almeria

If you’re visiting Alhama de Almeria on a Friday, you’ll find one of the most vibrant local markets in the Andarax valley. The Mercadillo de Alhama de Almeria is a traditional general market set around the Plaza de España, where residents and visitors mingle among colourful stalls filled with fresh produce, clothing, and household goods.

This market offers a friendly, authentic atmosphere that captures the rhythm of everyday life in Alhama — perfect for browsing local produce, tasting seasonal fruit, and experiencing the social heart of the valley.

Getting There & Accommodation

By car: Around 25–30 minutes from Almeria city via the A-7/A-92 corridors and valley roads. Parking is straightforward in and around the center; during fiestas, use peripheral streets.
Public transport: Regional buses serve the Andarax corridor with limited frequency — plan ahead.
Accommodation: Options include rural apartments and small guesthouses; spa-focused stays center on the Balneario San Nicolás.

Itineraries & Day Trips

• One Perfect Day: Morning riverside loop → coffee in the plaza → spa session at San Nicolás → sunset viewpoint on low ridges west of town → tapas crawl back in the center.
• Valley & Desert Contrast: Combine Alhama’s green corridor with an afternoon in the Tabernas desert film locations; return for dinner in the village.
• Water & Mountains: Follow the Andarax downstream one day; the next, head into the Sierra de Gador/Alhamilla for short ridge walks and photography.

Practical Information

• Region: Lower Andarax valley, between Sierra de Gador and Sierra Alhamilla.
• Municipal info: Ayuntamiento de Alhama de Almeria (contacts, notices, services).
• Stats & map: Junta de Andalucía SIMA municipal fiche for Alhama de Almería.
• Thermal spa: Balneario San Nicolás — treatments, opening info, bookings.
• Emergency numbers (Spain): 112 (General) · 061 (Medical) · 062 (Guardia Civil) · 085 (Fire)