Almeria is located in Andalusia region in southern Spain. The city's name comes from Arabic and means approximately "a mirror to the sea". Almería city is truly beautifully situated by the sea and the long sandy beach in town center is a must-see. The city has an overall character of peace and tranquility.

The area is primarily known for its dramatically beautiful and untouched coastline. The nature is generally very diverse in the area, from the mountain environments in Sierra Nevada to the pristine beaches of the Cabo de Gata natural park to desert environments that bring to mind America's Nevada desert.

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

Almeria Travel Guide

Nightlife Almeria

Almería is not a party metropolis, but you still don't have to miss out on 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 the city 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 hustle and bustle.

Attractions Almeria

Almería is a city rich in historical sites from the Moorish era. The most visited attraction is La Alcazaba, which is a large fort built by the Moors. The views from the fort are unparalleled.

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

Almería also offers a wealth of nature experiences. Just east of the city centre lies the nature reserve Cabo de Gata Nijar which has a very interesting nature with a mixture of hidden and forgotten coves and untouched beaches, all created by volcanic activity over millions of years.

History of Almeria

Almería was founded by the Moorish Caliph Abd-ar-Rahman III in 955 AD. The aim was to strengthen the defenses 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, the Catalans and the Franks.

The 16th century was a dark time for Almería. A series of earthquakes shook the area and in 1522 almost the entire city was destroyed. This was followed by years of ravages by the Berbers. It was not until the first half of the 17th century, when iron was discovered 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 maliciously called the Costa Plastica. The many hours of sunshine per year make the city and its surroundings excellent for growing crops and today there are miles upon miles of greenhouses along the coastline.

The area also has a highly regarded food culture and in 2019 Almeria was named the “Gastronomic Capital of Spain”. It particularly excels in fish and seafood dishes. Here you also still get a free tapa when you order a beer, just like in old Spain.

Public Transport Connections 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 compete with Costa del Sol). Public Transport Connections to and from the airport are excellent, however, as it is located almost directly on the A7 motorway. It takes just over 2 hours by car from Malagaairport. Read more about flights to Spain. Tips for cheap and good car rental companies. 

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

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 there is actually a desert climate. 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 untouched, beaches to explore in the area. Below is Playa de Los Genoveses.

If an accident occurs – important telephone numbers

• The Swedish Consulate located in Almeria, more precisely at Calle Rueda López No. 13-3004004 ALMERÍA

• Consulate phone number: +34 950 277 215
• Embassy of Sweden in Madrid +34 917 02 20 00
• 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 could become “the new Nerja” in the future. That is, a coastal town in Andalusia that is popular with both holidaymakers and investors looking for rental properties. Anders Larsson, our main agent, says that although he likes the area (his wife is from there so he visits the area often), it is still “too dead in the winter” to compete with investors' 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 around 800 inhabitants, which triples in summer. The houses in San José Cabo de Gata harmonize with the natural environment of the park. Small buildings with white walls, regulated by planning legislation inside the reserve. Some houses overlook the sea from the cliffs that surround the center of the village, with spectacular views of the sea. This is a gem for those who like pristine beaches and coves, and the genuine, quiet, Spanish life.

Roquetas De Mar is located about 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 for bank repossession here are also still really good and Roquetas De Mar is an affordable alternative for those who want to live in southern Spain, but think the prices on the eastern Costa Del Sol have become too high, and mass tourism is too widespread around Marbella and Fuengirola.

Mojacar is also an interesting option. Mojácar is located at the foot of a mountain, about an hour's drive from Almería city. The town 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”: