Almería - guide to one of Spain's most diverse natural areas

Almería is located in the region of Andalusia in southern Spain. The city's name comes from Arabic and roughly means "a mirror to the sea". Almería city is really beautifully located by the sea and the long sandy beach in the center is a given destination. The city generally has a character of peace and quiet.

The area is mainly known for the dramatically beautiful and untouched coastline. The nature is generally very varied in the area, from the mountain environments of the Sierra Nevada to the pristine beaches of the Cabo de Gata Natural Park to desert environments reminiscent of America's Nevada desert.

Not many people know that Sergio Leone's classic Spaghetti Westerns with Clint Eastwood in several leading roles were shot in the Tabernas desert (such as "The Good, the Bad, the Ugly". It was also in this unique desert that John Lennon found inspiration to "Strawberry Fields".

Spanish desert taken from Arizona

Travel guide Almería

Entertainment Almería

Almería is not an entertainment metropolis, but you don't have to miss anything when it comes to entertainment. In general, the entertainment scene is relaxed and friendly, and there are far more quiet bars and restaurants than hip nightclubs. The range of entertainment venues is fairly centered around the slightly older parts of town closest to the beach and it's never more than a short stone's throw to the nearest watering hole. Aim for the cathedral or Plaza Masnou to get right into the action.

Sights Almeria

Almería is a city rich in historical sights from the time of the Moors as rulers. The most visited attraction is La Alcazaba, which is a larger fort built by the Moors. The view from the fort is unparalleled.

Almería city

The city's cathedral, located right in the center of the old town, is another popular attraction. It is built in a mixture of Gothic and Renaissance, and is therefore relatively unique for the region. The altar cabinet is unique in its kind and behind it hides the tomb of the mythical Bishop Villalan.

Almería also offers rich natural experiences. Just east of the city center is the Cabo de Gata Nijar , which has a very interesting nature with a mix of hidden and forgotten coves and pristine beaches, all created by volcanic activity over the millions of years.

History of Almeria

Almería was founded by the Moorish Caliph Abd-ar-Rahman III in 955 AD. The purpose was to strengthen the defense while the city would function as an important port. Under Abd-ar-Rahman's rule, the city flourished and the positive development continued until the end of the 1140s when the city fell after a long period of attacks from, among others, Catalans and Franks.

The 16th century was a dark time for Almería. A number of earthquakes shook the area and in 1522 almost the entire city was destroyed. Then followed years of ravages by Berbers. It was not until the first part of the 18th century, when iron was found in the ground, that Almería could begin to develop in a positive direction again.

In recent years, Almería has become a kind of capital of what is somewhat mischievously called Costa Plastica. The many hours of sunshine per year make the city and its surroundings excellent for cultivation, and today there are miles upon miles of greenhouses along the coastline.

The area also has a much appreciated food culture and in 2019 Almeria was named "Gastronomic Capital of Spain". Above all, they excel at fish and seafood dishes. Here you also still get a free tapa when you order a beer, like in old Spain.

Communications and accommodation

Almería Airport is the fourth largest airport in Andalusia and is served by both domestic and international flights. However, there are no direct flights from Sweden (which means that it will take a while before this area can take up the fight with the Costa del Sol). However, communications to and from the airport are excellent as it is located almost directly on the A7 motorway. It takes just over 2 hours by car from Malaga airport. Read more about flights to Spain. Tips on cheap and good car rental companies.

Hotels.com has the best and cheapest selection of hotel rooms in and around Almeria.

The weather in Almeria

Almería has a very dry and hot climate. The number of sunny days per year is rarely less than 320 and the rainfall is minimal. Just north of Almería, a desert climate actually prevails. During the summer months it is very hot and it is more pleasant to visit the city during our Swedish spring and autumn months.

There are countless beautiful, even pristine, beaches to explore in the area. Below Playa de Los Genoveses.

If the accident is imminent - important telephone numbers

  • The Swedish consulate is located in Almeria, more precisely on Calle Rueda López No. 13-3004004 ALMERÍA
  • Telephone number for the consulate: +34 950 277 215
  • Embassy of Sweden in Madrid +34 917 02 20 00
  • The emergency number in Spain is the same as in Sweden: 112.
  • If you need to contact the police by phone, call 091

The housing market in Almería - cheap houses and apartments

Some believe that Almería may become "the new Nerja" in the future. That is, a resort along the coast of Andalusia that is popular with both vacationers and investors looking for homes to rent. However, Anders Larsson, our main broker, says that he does like the area (his wife is from there so he visits the area often), but that it is still "too dead in the winter" to compete with investor favorite Nerja, if ever .

San Jose. The small fishing village has become increasingly popular thanks to its pristine beaches and advantageous location in the magical Cabo de Gata Natural Park. San José is part of the municipality of Níjar, and has about 800 inhabitants, which triples in the summer. The residences in San Jose Cabo de Gata harmonize with the park's natural environment. Small buildings with white walls, regulated by planning legislation inside the reserve. Some houses overlook the sea from cliffs that surround the center of the village, with a spectacular view of the sea. This is a gem for those who like untouched beaches and bays, and the genuine, quiet, Spanish life.

Roquetas De Mar is located approximately 2 and a half miles south of the provincial capital, Almería. Roquetas De Mar is a former fishing village that is now a popular seaside resort. The prices of bank properties here are also still really good and Roquetas De Mar is an affordable option for those who want a home in the south of Spain, but think the prices on the eastern Costa Del Sol have become too high, and the mass tourism too widespread around Marbella and Fuengirola .

Mojácar is also an interesting option. Mojácar is located at the foot of a mountain, about an hour's drive from Almería city. The city is known for its rich history, its clean beaches and its two fine 18-hole golf courses.

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Video guide Almeria, "Europe's sunniest city":