8 of the best things to do in Almería, Spain

Almería, in the southeast of Spain, is a slice of authentic Andalucía, where history, nature and beaches come together. And with over 300 days of sunshine a year, it can be sun-drenched even in winter. Although slightly less well connected than some of Spain's more popular destinations – a high-speed train line is under construction and due to open in 2028 – this Andalusian city remains well worth the journey, especially if you enjoy places far from the crowds.

The region offers a diverse range of landscapes, from Europe’s only true desert to the wild volcanic coastline of Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park. Plan your visit to Almería with our pick of the best things to do in and around the city.

1. Explore the Alcazaba of Almería

The majestic Alcazaba of Almería is the largest citadel built by the Arabs in Spain, dating back to the 10th century. Perched atop a hill, it consists of several fortified sections, embellished with towers, ramparts, gates and old buildings. The site is divided into three enclosures. First, there are the gardens, then the Andalusian palace of Al-Mutasin with its baths and the mosque converted into a church, and finally the 16th-century Christian castle with its breathtaking panoramic views of the city and Mediterranean Sea.

From the other side of the Alcazaba, take a stroll on the Muralla del Cerro de San Cristobal. This stepped path will allow you to reach San Cristobal and observe the city and the Alcazaba from a different perspective.

Planning tip: Entry to the Alcazaba is free for EU citizens (bring ID), otherwise, it costs €1.50. The site stays open until 9pm in the summer months and is the perfect place for sunset views over the sea.

2. Visit the Catedral de la Encarnación

The Catedral de la Encarnación is another must-visit place in Almería. This fortress-cathedral, blending Gothic and Renaissance styles, was built in the 16th century to protect against frequent attacks by pirates.

Traces of the arches and stonework of the original mosque, later converted into a church, are still visible inside. The contrast between the defensive and imposing exterior with the light interior and ornate chapels is particularly striking.

Detour: Climb the terrace of the nearby Hotel Catedral for sunset views over the monument. Just behind the cathedral, you will find the Monasterio de las Puras, one of the best-preserved in Andalucía.

3. Hike in Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata-Níjar

This vast natural park, just 30 minutes from the city, covers over 340-sq-km of wild volcanic coasts, turquoise coves and small towns, including the quaint fishing villages of La Isleta del Moro and Agua Amarga. Several hiking trails cross the park leading to highlights like the Mirador de las Sirenas and the Cabo de Gata lighthouse.

This park, designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO since 1997, has many paradisiacal beaches far from mass tourism. It's a 5km-long walk from Las Negras to the idyllic cove of Cala San Pedro (or take a boat in the summer). Playa de Mónsul is also a good spot, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Andalucía. Its wild character is defined by very fine golden sand surrounded by black volcanic rocks, and cliffs shaped by the wind. The large rock in the middle of the beach has become iconic because many films and commercials have been filmed there, including Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989).

Local tip: To fully enjoy the park, renting a car is highly recommended. Bird-watchers should bring binoculars as the observatories are set at a distance from the nesting sites.

4. Get lost in the Tabernas Desert 

The Tabernas Desert is Europe’s only large desert landscape. This unique natural space covers more than 280 sq km across an arid plain dotted with caves, slopes, gorges and ravines. Dozens of films and TV series have been shot there, such as Game of Thrones, The Crown and even Sergio Leone's Spaghetti Westerns. For more movie vibes, go to Mini Hollywood Oasys, a former film set turned into a theme park, where you can visit an Old West saloon and watch live stunt duels.

Local tip: Popular walking routes include the 9km Sendero del Desierto (Desert Trail) and the 22km Ruta del Lejano Oeste (Wild West Route), which passes many famous filming locations.

5. Walk along the Mediterranean balcony

In Almería's city center stands Cable Inglés, a historic mineral loading yard and icon of Spanish industrial heritage. Built by the British company The Alquife Mines & Railway Company, it stretches 900m between the train station and the beach of Las Almadrabillas. 

As you walk along the metal structure, you can hear the slight creak of the walkway underfoot and the constant sound of the sea below. It offers one of the most spectacular views of the city, especially at the end of the day when the sun sets over the sea. 

Local tip: It's popular with locals. Arrive early to get a good spot on the walkway, especially if you're not very tall. On the left, you will find a very long beach where you can also admire the sunset in complete tranquility.

6. Climb inside the world’s largest crystal cave

The Pulpí Geode is a natural crystal formation that has amazed both scientists and visitors. Geologists from the Mineralogical Group of Madrid found it hidden in an abandoned mine near Almería in 1999.

Get ready for a unique underground experience. You start by going down into the 60m-deep Rica Mine, and then you step into a stunning room full of huge gypsum crystals. The chamber is small, the crystal walls are very close, and an awe-inspired silence tends to fall over visitors. Access is limited, with small groups, which makes the experience feel less like a walk-through attraction and more like being slowly led into something that almost unreal.

Planning tip: Book tickets several weeks in advance and wear comfortable sturdy shoes for walking inside the mine. It’s located a little over an hour from Almería, making it perfect for a day trip. Travel by car or book an excursion, as there is no direct bus route.

Detour: Playa de los Cocedores is about 8km away. Curious caves shaped by sea erosion and crystal-clear waters make this a truly exceptional beach.

7. Explore Almería's underground shelters

Few people know that there is a network of bomb shelters under the streets of Almería, built during the Spanish Civil War to protect the inhabitants from air raids.

The network extends over more than 4.5km beneath the city. Some are open to the public. A guided tour –which starts from Plaza Manuel Pérez García, in the heart of downtown Almería – allows you to discover the underground life during the war, including an operating room and food reserves.

The air gets heavier and noticeably cooler underground, and voices tend to drop on their own because the tunnels absorb sound. 

Detour: Just 2 minutes from there, see the statue of John Lennon. The British artist spent several weeks in Almería in 1966 for the filming of Richard Lester's 1967-movie, How I Won the War. It was also there that he composed a large part of the famous Beatles song "Strawberry Fields Forever."

8. Taste authentic local cuisine

No trip to the region is complete without trying the local specialties. Almería's cuisine is a rich Mediterranean tradition, characterized by generous complimentary tapas, fresh seafood and Andalusian-Arab heritage. 

The most well-known specialties include chérigan (tostadas topped with aioli, tuna and ham), migas (a dish made with semolina flour and fried sardines) and papaviejos (a kind of doughnut). Patatas a lo pobre (thinly sliced potatoes, onions, and peppers slowly sautéed in olive oil) and tabernero (spicy ratatouille) are also very popular. Seafood options include fried fish (pescaíto frito), Garrucha shrimp, octopus and squid.

Local tip: Try the free tapas in the central market with every drink to sample multiple local specialties. In the city, don’t miss the Casa Puga, a small traditional tapas bar that is one of the oldest in the city and has managed to retain its old-world charm.