Almeria, Spain. The best sea

How is it superior to other Spanish regions and where is cinematic Texas actually located?

The Andalusian coast of the Costa de Almeria remains a blank spot for vacationers from Russia. It is difficult to understand why this is happening - probably this region has not yet been “promoted” in our market of tourist services. Meanwhile, Almeria is in no way inferior to other Spanish resorts, and in some ways even surpasses them. Many experts believe that in the near future, a holiday in Almeria will become a good alternative to a holiday in Turkey. One way or another, it’s time to talk about the newest direction that Russian operators have begun to offer.

The sea off the coast of Almeria is so warm that you can swim even in winter: the water here is always warmer than the air, and its average annual temperature never drops below +18 degrees!

Andalusia is an agricultural region of Spain. There are no large industrial giants here, and therefore this area is considered the most prosperous in the country from an environmental point of view. Where else can you breathe in such unspoiled air, swim in such clear water and taste the freshest Mediterranean dishes? Of course, there are nature conservation organizations throughout Spanish territory. Thanks to their enthusiasm, the indicator average duration life in the country ranks third in the world after Japan and Sweden. And yet, among the 17 Spanish regions, Andalusia should be considered the most suitable place for a tourist who values ​​​​a clean environment.

Lover of the sun

Famous football club Almeria is based in the city of the same name.

The air gates of Almeria (this is one of the provinces that make up Andalusia) are located near the sea. The plane makes a circle over the water, turns around and lands on a strip stretched parallel to the surf line. The airport is small and completely new. At the entrance hangs a painting by an abstract artist: a pitch-black mountain, to the foot of which white spots of houses are stuck. It immediately becomes clear that Almeria is not only a seaside resort, but also the foothills of the Sierra Nevada ranges. There are very few flights, and, unlike arrival halls at other airports, there is no crowding. Customs formalities take no more than a quarter of an hour. It’s also nice that the airport has an information desk where you can find out the schedule of local cultural events and get a detailed map of the coast.

At the exit, a bus awaits tourists, ready to take them directly to their vacation spot. The road winds between hills, dives into tunnels, and crosses bridges over rivers. To the left and to the right are green olive trees, brought to these parts by the Greeks three thousand years ago. The production of oil was already established by the Romans, and since then Spain has remained the most “olive” country. There are 305 million trees here and a third of the world's delicious and delicious food comes from here. healthy oil. So a bottle with amber contents and the inscription on the label Olivia Virgen Extra will be a very good souvenir brought home from Almeria.

fact: 2 cities in the province have names that coincide with personal names: Vera and Felix.

Scientists from the University of Almeria (Spain) studied chemical composition caviar of 15 species of fish, and found the most high content Omega-3 acids in hake, lumpfish and salmon caviar. According to scientists, caviar can be recommended as an excellent source of acids that help lower cholesterol levels and have pronounced antioxidant properties.

Here and there you come across lonely araucarias - trees brought from Norfolk Island, which is closer to New Zealand than to Spain. Araucaria has successfully taken root on Andalusian soil, although it looks somewhat ridiculous - it very much resembles a Christmas tree stuck in the ground with its crown down. And nearby grows an Arabian palm tree - a sacred tree for representatives of the Islamic world. The Cordoba Caliphate was located on the territory of Andalusia and was the center of the Muslim part of the country. Therefore, the exotic Moorish flavor is still striking here. In the city of Almeria (the main city of the province), the ancient Arab quarter - the medina - has been preserved, and on the mountain the towers of an Arab fortress with casemates, cellars, barracks and towers still rise. From there, from a hundred-meter height, a magnificent view opens up. The entire city lies in full view, and the port is home to multi-deck ferries plying between Spain and Morocco.

The road runs along the sea. Fishing ships sway on the shining surface, bright reflections jump across the water. “Mistress of the sun” - this is what poets called the province of Almeria. Indeed, in this region there is always enough sun. On average there are about 330 sunny days a year, which is more than any other place in Spain. Almeria is in a dry zone that receives less rain than the driest part of Castile. Even if the whole country is flooded with rain, the bright sun shines here. Warm weather sets in at the end of March and lasts until the beginning of November. As for the water temperature during the swimming season, it is higher in Almeria than in other resorts. Further towards Malaga, where the Gibraltar flows, the water is usually several degrees colder.

Flamenco and bullfighting

On the tops of the coastal cliffs you can see dilapidated watchtowers. In Isian they are called "roquetas", hence the name of the city where they are located. best resorts Almeria - Roquetas de Mar. The transfer from the airport takes about forty minutes, and now typical Andalusian villas appear with flower pots hanging on the walls, with protruding balconies and outbuildings. You won't see huge multi-story monsters here.

Naturally, Roquetas de Mar has its own department store, not inferior in size to the giant shopping centers larger cities. There is also a hall for holding concerts and city events - the Auditorium. This building is the pride of the alcalde (mayor) of the city - the youthful and cheerful Senor Gabriel Amat. What can I say, there is something to be proud of. A local architect designed the foyer so that in the summer... daylight gets inside before 11 p.m. The orchestra pit can be raised and lowered, and the stage and hall are blocked off in a matter of seconds by a large metal shield - in case, God forbid, there is a fire. I can’t even believe that such a modern theater could be built in a small provincial town.

There is also its own bullfighting arena - Plaza de Toros. Of course, some people call bullfighting a “bloodthirsty attraction” and appeal to the conscience of the organizers and participants. But even the Spanish king is unable to abolish one of the country's fundamental traditions. Until now, 16 thousand fights are held per season, and many tourists want to see this exciting and colorful spectacle. This opportunity exists in Roquetas de Mar, where fights of one level or another are held on weekends. But first, you should carefully read the poster to make sure that this is a bullfight, and not some kind of bullfight with the participation of teenage bulls and young bullfighters who have not yet become famous masters. A real, proper bullfight is an explosion of emotions, chairs flying to the floor and red wine that neighbors pour on each other.

The landscapes of the interior of Almeria are very reminiscent of the American state of Texas: sun-scorched hills are cut through by dried river beds, stone boulders lie on the slopes and tall cacti stick out. That's why many directors come here to film Texas. The westerns A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More, and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly were filmed in Almeria. The most famous film set is called “Mini Hollywood”, it is located here - near the city of Tabernas, where the first three Westerns of Sergio Leone were filmed. "Texas: Hollywood" is one of the most famous locations for filming Westerns to this day. Among the latest films shot here, it is worth noting, first of all, the series “The Chronicles of Young Indiana Jones”. George Lucas also did Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade here. In addition to Westerns, this site saw: the filming of “Lawrence of Arabia,” “Condor,” “Mad Max” and other films.

The resort part of Roquetas de Mar stretches along the coastline for several kilometers. You can exercise on the embankment morning jogging or ride with the whole family on a four-wheeled bicycle, rented right there. The road will definitely lead to an ancient fortress - St. Anne's Castle with powerful walls and cannons. The sea splashes at the gates, snow-white beautiful yachts creak in the bay, and local fishermen lay out their nets to dry. On the wide beaches of the resort, dark sand is mixed with shells. The big plus of Roquetas de Mar is that. that there is no road between the beach and the first line hotels. The spacious rooms are clean and bright, almost all windows overlook the sea.

From Texas to Granada

Where else you need to go while on holiday in Roquetas de Mar is Granada. The path from the coast to this most interesting city It will take about three hours, but the experience is worth it. Granada was the last stronghold of Muslims in Spain and was the center of Moorish culture. Muslim rulers built the Alhambra - a palace of exquisite beauty with spacious colonnades, magnificent pavilions and luxurious gardens, murmuring fountains and quiet ponds.

Ornamental interior decorations are preserved very carefully. Restorers work tirelessly so that humanity does not lose this one-of-a-kind monument. Several years ago, when seismographs recorded ground vibrations in Spain, experts became concerned about the condition of the unique complex. The funny thing is that Saudi Arabia- a fairly wealthy country - stated that if the original was destroyed, it would build an exact copy of the Alhambra. Thank God everything is fine so far. Tourists are allowed to explore the complex, wander among the trimmed labyrinths of bushes, climb the towers and climb the walls.

While in Granada, it is worth visiting the Cathedral, where the bodies of Queen Juana the Mad and Prince Philip of Burgundy, nicknamed “The Beautiful” for his extraordinary appearance, rest.

In order to see the stunningly beautiful panorama of the Achgambra complex against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada ranges, you need to climb the mountain where the houses of the old Albayzin quarter are located. Granada's gypsy community has lived here since ancient times, with some families still living in the rock caves. This is what they look like. An entrance hall in the form of a terrace was attached to the mountain, and the dwelling itself was cut inside the mountain. Some enterprising people have built taverns out of such caves and show gypsy flamenco performances there. It must be said that the gypsies in Granada are peaceful and not aggressive.

There is, however, one trick that gypsies use in the city center. They hand the traveler a sprig of the fragrant Romero bush - it is considered in Spain a symbol of family happiness. The twig is given for free, but as soon as you pick it up, the gypsy begins to rattle off a list of everything that awaits the person in the future. Naturally, the fortune teller speaks Spanish and expects to receive a considerable fee for her services. There are no examples of more serious fraud in Andalusia. Here crime is generally at zero level here. In the land of a luxurious sea coast and olive groves, historical monuments and snow-capped peaks, you can relax in complete peace.

The Cape Gata Nijar Nature Reserve is located in the eastern part of the Gulf of Almeria. 45 kilometers of pristine coastline dominate the volcanic landscape, with the highest points in the Sierra de Gata mountain range serving as a parapet to the rain. Its semi-desert landscape is dotted with shifting dunes, salt marshes and secluded small coves. The most famous beaches here are Henevesis, Monsul and Arco in the town of Los Esculos, as well as Peñon Blanca near the Islet of the Moor. The Cape Gata Lighthouse, wedged into the shore next to the Las Sirenas viewpoint, rises above the southernmost hill of the park. This is where the road leading to San José begins, a seaside village located in a nature reserve, which usually serves as the starting point for many routes.

The town of Las Amoladeras, located in the middle of the steppe, has a center for visitors and explanations of natural phenomena.

In the village of San Miguel de Cabo de Gata, the road begins that leads to the seaside village of La Almadraba de Monteleva. Huge mountains of salt are piled up near the village. Very close by is an ornithological observatory, from where you can observe various species of birds that use the wide reservoir as a resting place during migration.

Coast

An immense landscape with greenhouses where fruits and vegetables are grown all year round spans the length and breadth of the Almeria coastline. In the Dahlia Field, in the west of the province of Almeria, villages have settled, such as Adra, where there is a very popular summer period sports port. Beaches with excellent sand - Balanegra or Balerma - lead to tourist complexes, among which is Almerimar, south of El Ejido. The salt marsh landscape leads to locality Roquetas del Mar, where the traveler can view the tower of the Santa Ana Castle. Along the coast lies the seaside village of Aguadulce, where over the past decades the desert landscape has been transformed into a white sea of ​​greenhouses.

The east coast or the Levantine coast is less populated. Here lies the coastal strip of the Cape Gata Nature Reserve with deserted beaches and secluded small bays.

Outside the protected areas is the city of Carboneras, built with buildings in the North African spirit. Residents of this city enjoy beaches such as Torre Vieja, Martinicas or Algarrobico. The proximity to the Tabernas Desert creates an original contrast, which is further enhanced by the thickets of prickly pears, American agaves and palm trees. Climbing Mount Mojacar belongs to those municipalities in the province of Almeria that have shown particular respect for the vernacular architecture of the white houses. At the foot grow residential complexes next to the sea, which also washes the shores of villages such as the seaside and sports town of Garrucha or Vera, whose beaches have been chosen by the largest Andalusian nudism centers.

The large number of sunny days made it possible in 1979 to create the largest center in Europe for the research, development and testing of solar energy technologies in the Tabernas desert.

Tabernas Desert

The Sierra de los Filabres mountain range, famous for its Calar Alto astronomical observatory, opens into the Tabernas Desert, the only one of its kind in Europe. This corner of nature has served as the stage for the filming of dozens of films inspired by the distant American West. In the heart of the desert, communities such as Far West still remain, serving as the backdrop to films made by established directors. In the interior of this arid region, there are other treasures of nature, such as the Sierra de Alamilla, the last mountain redoubt before the sea, or the karst of Iesos de Sorbas, a natural geological quirk.

Almeria- an actively developing Spanish resort on the Mediterranean coast, the capital of the province of the same name, part of the southern region of Andalusia.

This city was founded by Arabs back in the 10th century, on the site of Roman settlements, but Almeria’s re-blooming as a tourism center occurred in the 20s of the last century. Nice beaches, warm sea and excellent southern climate already provide the city with everything necessary for seaside resort quality, and to them is added a classic Spanish atmosphere and a number of historical attractions, which will diversify beach holiday and will be an additional incentive to visit Almeria.

Holidays in Almeria

The city of Almeria is located directly on the seashore, the western part of the coastline is occupied by the port, and the eastern part by a long and wide beach. The tourism infrastructure is very well developed; this industry occupies one of the leading places in the city's economy. Guests can stay in one of the many hotels of any category, quality and, accordingly, price. Leisure time, in addition to a beach holiday, can be devoted to excursions to local attractions or relaxing in restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Lovers active rest They will also find something to do; in Almeria there are tennis courts, golf courses, you can go diving, surfing or go hiking.

Weather

The climate is Mediterranean, quite hot. There are no frosts in Almeria, the average annual temperature is 19.7 degrees Celsius. If we talk about seasons, in winter even at night the temperature is 9-10 degrees Celsius. At the same time, the water temperature is about 17 degrees, which is usually warmer than the air temperature and allows you to swim, albeit not fully, but without the risks of plunging into the sea at any time of the year. In summer, the usual air temperature exceeds 30 degrees Celsius, and on some days it can reach 40 degrees.

During the observation period, no frosts occurred in Almeria; the minimum temperature that was recorded was 0.1 degrees Celsius.

There is very little rainfall in Almeria, it is one of the driest cities in Europe, and the climate of the region is often described as desert. At the same time, there are more than a hundred clear days a year, which makes the city one of the sunniest on the continent.

Beach season

Although you can relax comfortably in Almeria at any time of the year, most people still go to this resort for the beach and sea. The swimming season begins in May, the average water temperature in this month is approximately 18 degrees. The beginning of the month is not very suitable for swimming, but the end of May is already a full-fledged swimming season. The beach season in Almeria ends around October; the average water temperature this month is more than 21 degrees. But, if you are lucky with the weather, even November will be quite a good time for swimming in the sea.

Map

Story

The first important settlements in what is now Almeria date back to the times of the Phoenicians. These were colonies that fished and participated in trade with Greece. But pretty soon, by the standards of ancient history, they were absorbed by the Carthaginian civilization.

However, the Carthaginians lost these territories during the Second Punic War, and thanks to Scipio’s successful campaign, the Romans gained control of the Spanish shores. The future Almeria during the reign of Rome is called Portus Magnus, active development is underway - spices, garum fish sauce are produced, marble and salt are mined. After the fall of the empire, this area was occupied by barbarian tribes, and for a short period, control even passed to Byzantium.

Founding of Almeria

Almeria was founded by Muslims who conquered Spain. In 955, the Caliph of Cordoba, Abd-ar-Rahman III, founded a fortress and city, which in the future was to become the most important port in the region. This led to the rapid development of the settlement; almost immediately after its founding, Almeria reached its maximum prosperity.

The Alcazaba of Almeria, a powerful fortress, remains to this day, being the main attraction of the city. These walls can be seen in many films, including Conan the Barbarian and Indiana Jones.

The main port of the region developed not only as a center of trade. Educational institutions and a mosque were built in the city, the remains of which can still be seen today; Almeria was also the location of almost 20,000 soldiers and an admiral, under whose command up to 300 ships could gather.

Almeria was frequently attacked and sieged. The first time the city fell to the army of Alfonso VII, who attacked the fortress as part of the reconquest and was able to take it in October 1147. At this time, the growth of the city stopped, and the Spaniards managed to stay in Almeria for only 10 years, after which the city went to the Moors.

Almeria was finally recaptured in 1489. This happened quite peacefully, the population surrendered voluntarily and came under the jurisdiction of the Spanish monarchs.

Middle Ages

The 16th century brought a strong decline to the city; three unfavorable factors emerged at once. The age of great geographical discoveries transferred all trade to the sea routes connecting the New and Old Worlds, and Almeria remained on the sidelines. At the same time, the city began to be attacked by pirates, which forced residents to move further from the coastline. But Almeria was finished off by earthquakes, the most destructive of which happened in 1522. It almost completely destroyed the city; no more than 700 residents remained in the settlement, who began to settle around the cathedral.

The following centuries passed similarly, the 16th, 17th and 17th centuries were the time of Almeria's decline. The small population of the city lives quite isolated, although in the surrounding area there are marble and iron quarries, due to which the remnants of the once large Almeria exist.

City restoration

Only the 19th century brought the beginning of a new stage of development. At that time, various things were happening in Spain historical events- the war of independence, the adoption of a new constitution, etc., but these factors did not harm the city, and the vast iron reserves found attracted investment to Almeria and ensured population growth.

The next milestone is the 20s of the 20th century. At this time, Almeria began to be perceived as a resort, and in parallel with this there was an explosive growth in the field of agriculture. The use of greenhouses made it possible to grow many foods throughout the year in a warm climate.

Even now, all the surrounding areas of the city are occupied by a huge number of plastic greenhouses.

This period continues to this day, Almeria is actively developing as a resort attracting more and more tourists from all over the world.

Attractions

Thousands of years of history have left many traces in the city, from the ancient Moorish fortress to the architecture of the 19th century:

Alcazaba in Almeria	The pearl of the city, one of the largest fortresses that were built in Spain by Muslims. It was founded in 955, but in fact many of the original fortress's buildings have not survived, as it was often subject to sieges and earthquakes. In the 14th century, when the city came under Catholic rule, the alcazaba was actively used and completed. A cathedral appeared inside the walls, and another floor of the castle was built for artillery. It is the medieval buildings that have been well preserved, almost in their original form, and are now accessible to visitors. The Almerian alcazaba can also be seen in many films.
Bullring	This unique Spanish entertainment, which often causes horror among visitors and mass protests from animal rights activists, is also held in Almeria in a special stadium. It was built in 1888, during active development cities, when a growing and wealthy society began to need entertainment. Now the arena seats 9,800 spectators and functions for its intended purpose; the main fights take place in the last week of August.
Underground shelters	During the civil war (1936–1939), Almeria suffered from bombing. Citizens took the matter of security into their own hands and together, under the guidance of a municipal architect, mining engineer and civil engineer, built underground fortifications with a total length of 4.5 kilometers. Almost 35 thousand people, 2/3 of the city’s population, could take refuge in them (the rest could hide in the mountains and natural caves). The underground galleries were well equipped; in addition to simple living rooms, they had storage rooms, an operating room, electricity, and a ventilation system with protection against grenade attacks. After the war, the shelters were not used, and now they work as a museum, but if necessary, they will again be able to protect the residents of the city.
Oasis Theme Park (Mini Hollywood)	Previously, so-called spaghetti westerns were filmed in Almeria, for which the scenery was built in the Tabernas desert. It was here that many Clint Eastwood films were filmed (including The Good, the Bad and the Ugly), as well as other famous films such as Cleopatra (1963), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Now the scenery has been turned into a large theme park dedicated to the wild west. You can spend the whole day in this place; both children and adults will have fun. The park offers a variety of entertainment: immersion in the atmosphere of Western films, horse riding, a zoo, a swimming pool, themed shows, etc. It is worth considering that the park is located about 30 kilometers from Almeria and it is better to set aside a whole day to visit it.
Almeria Museum	Historical museum founded at the beginning of the 20th century. In 2006, the museum moved to a new, large and comfortable building. Various antiques and archaeological finds are exhibited here, covering the history of the region since ancient times. In addition to the usual exhibits, the museum has a library of historical books and interactive systems that tell the history of the city.
Paseo de Almeria	The central street of the city, which you will definitely stroll along when you find yourself in Almeria. Important business departments and banks, as well as shops, restaurants, and hotels are concentrated here.
Church of Our Lady of Mar	Temple in honor of the patroness of the city. The church itself is small in size, but it is interesting for its history, since the building was built in the 16th century. Moreover, the iconography with the Virgin Mary del Mar dates back to 1502.
Almeria Cathedral	The main temple of the city, construction of which began in 1522, immediately after the earthquake. Its appearance is quite unusual; looking from the outside, you will not immediately understand that this is a Catholic cathedral.
Los Millares	Remains of an ancient Copper Age settlement. By those standards, this is a large city with a population of up to 1000 people, around which even protective walls of stones and clay were built. The ruins were discovered by chance only in 1891, which ensured their safety. They were immediately transferred to the jurisdiction of historians; excavations on the territory of the ancient settlement are still ongoing.
Costa de Almeria	This is not a tourist attraction, but an area with its capital in Almeria, which includes approximately 200 kilometers of coastline and many resorts. It makes sense to rent a car or use public transport to travel throughout Costa, stopping not only in big cities, but also in traditional villages and even wild beaches.
Cabo de Gata	This is a national park that begins a couple of tens of kilometers from the city and covers an area of ​​9,000 hectares. On its territory there is a lighthouse, several authentic fishing villages, tourist centers, but most of parka - unique untouched nature. Amazing wild beaches, caves and mountains will not leave anyone indifferent.

Almeria itself and the entire region are replete with various attractions, both more famous and those that tourists find by chance after arriving in the city. But it is important that every vacationer will find something to do. There is also entertainment for children, such as the already mentioned Oasis Park, and for lovers of nature or active recreation, for example, eco-tours, boat trips along the coast, etc. During the day, when the scorching sun does not allow you to relax on the beach, you can visit one of many museums, not only historical ones, but such as a guitar museum or an art gallery. At night, bars, clubs and restaurants open their doors to visitors, the atmosphere in which corresponds to the spirit of southern Spain.

Photo

If you are looking for an active, varied and simply unforgettable vacation, then the resort that you should definitely pay attention to is Almeria, Spain. It is this corner of Europe, according to weather forecasters and geographers, that is the warmest and sunniest. You can relax here almost all year round, since cold weather rarely visits the country called Spain. Almeria, although located in the autonomous region of Andalusia, differs significantly from nearby resorts, and this is what we will now try to understand in detail.

The nature and landscape of this region is amazing. The city itself is located on low cliffs that smoothly descend to the waters of the sea or hang over them with harsh silhouettes. Some hills are covered with incredibly rich flora, and walking along them you can go crazy with the variety of herbs and flowers, shrubs and low tropical trees. It is worth noting that not all of Spain can boast of such specimens. Almeria has completely “bare” rocks on its territory, which against the backdrop of the sea and wide beaches look outlandish and untamed, like lands untouched by man.

The main difference between Almeria and all other cities in Andalusia is the white sands that stretch along the entire Mediterranean coast. The beaches themselves are clean and wide, so every tourist can sit quite comfortably on one of them. Within the city there are municipal recreation areas, which are equipped with sun loungers, canopies, and all kinds of attractions. These are ideal places to relax with kids, where they can have fun on the water slides. For adults, there are special parking lots for catamarans and jet skis. You can also rent a boat in Almeria and go on a cruise around the Mediterranean. During such a trip, it will be very interesting to see how Spain looks from the sea.

Almeria was conquered by Arab settlers in ancient times, so there are several monuments of this people on its territory. Among them, the ruins of the Aldemina Mosque are popular. Near them, the Spaniards themselves erected a Cathedral, this was in the Late Gothic era. Also during the Middle Ages, the Alcazaba fortress was built, which has survived to this day, but not completely. Not far from it there is another monument of church architecture - the Monastery of Santo Domingo, which is of great value for the whole country. Next to it is the strikingly beautiful Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Encarnacion.

Despite the fact that Almeria on the map of Spain is not located in the southernmost part of the country, this city is considered the warmest. Here low level humidity, while the sun warms the earth literally all year round. Temperatures above 20 Celsius last from March to November, and for three winter months it drops only to plus 15. Therefore, even if you don’t manage to swim in the warm sea here in January, getting a tropical tan will be quite possible.

Now you can book tours to Almeria at any agency. Spain is a country that is very easy to go on holiday without spending a lot of money.

Almeria, like other famous cities in Spain, attracts tourists from all over the world. This city and port in the south of Spain, in Andalusia, in Roman times was called Portus Magnus - “Great Port”, and later the Arabs called it “Mirror of the Sea”, as it was one of the most important ports of the Iberian Peninsula. Read more about what to do in Almeria in this article.

Spain has long been a favorite holiday destination for Russians. Sun, sea, ancient architecture, good kitchen and famous boutiques - this is the combination that made Spain ideal place for a vacation. Most tourists prefer the outskirts of Barcelona, ​​Valencia or Madrid. Many go to Marbella. And only a few were lucky enough to visit Almeria - a real pearl of the Spanish Mediterranean. The city of Almeria is located in the province of the same name, Almeria, whose population is more than 600 thousand people. About 160 thousand people live in the city of Almeria itself.

Almeria was virtually unknown until recently Russian tourist. In the spring of 2012, the first official acquaintance of Russian tour operators with this province took place. The guests were amazed by Almeria's tourism potential. The province is located at the southeastern tip of the Perinean Peninsula. The tourist season here lasts 300 days a year; the beach season lasts until the end of October.

The length of the beaches is truly endless - white sand, black volcanic, pebble, shell. There are beaches for children - with small and calm bays, gay beaches, nudist beaches and entire nudist villages. In the early 60s, Almeria was discovered by Hollywood directors, attracted by the sunny climate and picturesque landscapes. Next time you're watching an old Hollywood Western, take a closer look at the landscape - it's probably not Texas, but Almeria. In the vicinity of the city, in memory of those times, there remains the Mini-Hollywood amusement park, where, among the real scenery of cowboy cities and Indian wigwams, shows with shooting, chases and canak are regularly shown.

Sights of Almeria

For lovers of excursions and history, Almeria will open the gates of the ancient Arab fortress Alcazaba. In its dim cellars and sunny courtyards, the tourist will get acquainted with centuries-old history provinces. It was built in the 13th century, but was partially destroyed.

Ornithologists from all over Europe travel to the reserve Cabo de Gata watch flamingos and pelicans. Golf fans enjoy playing on one of the the best sites Spain.

Extreme sports attract thousands of tourists from all over the world to the karst caves around the city. Diving, fishing, hunting, mountaineering, surfing, sailing - this is just a small list of what you can do in the province of Almeria.
For families with children there is a Water Park in Vera, an Oceanarium in Roquetas de Mar, amusement parks and performances on the beaches.
Youth tourism is concentrated in Mojacar city. This place is famous for its mega-discos, which attracts young people from all over the province. Mojacar has been a favorite holiday destination for the British for several decades.

Hotels and restaurants in Almeria are not inferior in stars to famous hotels, and the prices pleasantly amaze even an experienced tourist. The city's commercial centers and boutiques will delight you with both the latest collections of branded goods and seasonal sales.
Planning next vacation, remember Almeria - those who have visited here once will return again and again.

The Spanish city of Almeria was founded in the 10th century by the first caliph of Andalusia, Abd al-Rahman the Third. Initially there was only a watchtower and powerful fortress walls.

In 1931, this fortress on the hill of St. Christopher, due to its high historical, artistic and cultural value, was included in the list of historical and artistic heritage. It is one of the largest Muslim monuments in this area. Thanks to this fortress with a thousand-year history, you can learn how architecture developed during the Muslim rule in Spain.

The fortress walls here are very strong. Their thickness is about 3 meters, and their height is 5.

The fortress is located almost in the center of Almeria in the Fish Quarter. It is located at different levels. Outside the walls of the fortress there are streets, houses, buildings and a mosque. The fortress had both military and civil significance. It had an excellent view of the sea and the surrounding area.

Tabernas Castle

Tabernas Castle, built during the 11th-12th centuries, is considered one of the most mysterious castles in Almeria.

Currently, the castle is a ruin, but despite this, it never ceases to amaze with its power and grandeur. Millions of tourists come to this place to experience the mysterious, unexplored history of Tabernas. Some historians suggest that the fortress served as a summer residence for the Duke of Alba.

The battlements of the fortress are square in shape. Getting to them is not easy, since the castle is located on a hill, where there are no special paths. Climbing up to the ruins, you can admire the mesmerizing view of the city and be transported in your mind to the times of the kings who lived here.

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Cabo de Gata National Park

Cabo de Gata is a natural park covering an area of ​​9 thousand hectares, a corner of extraordinary nature, saturated with clear mountain air and showing no signs of civilization. There are untouched steep shores, clear sea and snow-white sand. The most secluded beaches are Carnaje and Enmedio.

Cabo de Gata is one of the driest ecosystems in Europe. There is no winter here, thanks to which you can meet amazing representatives of both flora and fauna in the park.

Within the park there is a small resort town called San Jose and several fishing villages scattered throughout. As for the cultural heritage: archaeological objects from the Copper Age and Neolithic, from the times of the Roman Empire, Arab structures - tanks and farms, castles and medieval fortresses have been preserved in the territory of the park to this day.

Nicolas Salmeron Park is located between the port and the city. This green oasis, consisting of two parts - Old and New parks, appeared in 1860. The part now called the Old Park was developed by 1890 by José Maria de Acosta. Many hundred-year-old trees were planted in it, ponds were dug and many benches were placed.

After the proclamation of the Second Republic, the park received the name of Nicolas Salmeron, a famous native of Almeria, one of the presidents of the First Republic. After Civil War the administration allocated another part of the land for the park, which became known as the New Park

The New Park is also full of ponds and fountains. It was designed by Guillermo Langlais Rubio. It was created in the 1970s to celebrate Spain's Maritime Week.

On the territory of the park there are magnificent fountains - the Dolphin Fountain, the Fish Fountain, the Rower Fountain, as well as monuments and sculptures.

Rambla de Belen

Rambla de Belem is the main street of Almeria, starting right at the seashore, not far from the marine station. To the west of it extends the old part of the city, where the Cathedral is located. The street crosses the city from south to north and is currently one of the most vibrant and beautiful promenades in Almeria.

It is decorated with various statues, including the outstanding Mercy Statue, built in memory of the victims of the 1891 flood, which is located at the end of the Queen Regent Avenue next to the Round Square. It represents the figure of a woman with a baby grasping her skirt made of iron. A board describing the events is located nearby on a stone pedestal.

Alcazaba Castle

Alcazaba Castle, built in the 8th century, is the largest Moorish fortress on the Iberian Peninsula.

The fortress served a defensive function and protected the city from attacks by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Romans. The castle has several levels, which were possible to navigate using the observation wall. The lowest of them was a military camp where the entire local population gathered during the siege. Currently there are gardens here.

At the middle level you can see the so-called palace city with trading shops, military towers, a mosque, the preserved wells of the Caliph and the rins of the Almotasin Palace. The upper level was built specifically for military artillery.

Since 1931, the castle has been considered a national monument of the country and is protected by the Spanish government.

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