Top Things to do in Almeria
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Top 10 Free Things to do in Almeria, Andalucia
Founded by the caliph of Cordoba, this Andalucian city on Spain’s southeast coast is a reminder of the region’s Muslim history. The Alcazaba, a massive fort, dominates the city and affords amazing views. Also worth experiencing are the cathedral and the Almeria Museum. East of the city is the rugged, desolate Cabo de Gata-Nijar coast, a protected area. To the west is the resort area of Roquetas de Mar, featuring vast beaches.
Restaurants in Almeria
1. Conjunto Monumental de La Alcazaba
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,238 reviews
Monday Closed
Reviewed By hilanne2016 - Manchester, United Kingdom
We spent over 2 hours wandering around and exploring this magnificent site. The gardens are beautiful, views from the towers stunning and overall this is a must see for anyone visiting Almeria. It is a steep climb and there are a lot of steps involved if you want to see all of the palace however, there are plenty of places where you can sit and rest for a while if you need to.
2. Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,382 reviews
Reviewed By PSHTraveler - Middlebury, United States
We have always wanted to visit Cabo de Gata and finally had our chance. We don't have a car while visiting Spain, so booked a tour with Costa Almeria Tours, highly recommended! (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187429-d12500803-Reviews-Costa_Almeria_Tours-Almeria_Province_of_Almeria_Andalucia.html) The scenery is stunning, but we were surprised to find so much variety -- beautiful inland landscapes, historic sites, fishing villages, flamingos, excellent restaurants, and so on. We had only one day and hope we can return for a longer visit!
3. Museum of Almeria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
The Museum was initially set up in a building on calle Javier Sanz, and shared the site with the School of Arts and Trades and subsequently with the "Celia Viñas" Secondary School. The name, Luis Siret, was added to the museum's name in tribute to the memory of this distinguished archaeologist. The collections and the museum were declared a Historical and Artistic Monument in 1962 (Decree no. 474 of 1 March). In 1979, the museum was transferred to the National Ministry of Culture which decided to adapt the former Colegio Menor de Santa María del Mar as the museum's new home, in 1981. It stands in this same square today. The inauguration took place on 22 October 1982. After that, it was called the Museum of Almería although this only became its official title in 1994. Because of the structural problems due to aluminosis, the building's poor state of conservation led to its closure to the public in 1991, although the museum's internal services continued to function. To reduce the impact of such a prolonged closure as much as possible, two permanent exhibitions were opened in 1995, with a small representative show of Prehistory and Ancient History in Almería outside the museum site, in two places at the Provincial Historical Archive and the Villaespesa Library. At a later date, a single exhibition was organised in the Villaespesa Library called "Archaeological Testimonies in the province of Almería". The Ministry of Culture decided to erect a new building on the same plot following the demolition of the old site. In the meantime, the inside areas were moved to buildings belonging to the Provincial Council, in the former Colegio Virgen del Pilar. Some of the storerooms were also moved there. The remaining items in storage were moved to the former Psychiatric Hospital. Architects Ángela García Paredes and Ignacio García Pedrosa were responsible for designing the new museum site. The result is a building in contemporary style. Its architectural design is primarily intended to provide a strategic makeover of the museum's location. The block, where it used to be, has been reorganised following the creation of a large public square that looks over the city, with an extensive gardened area intended as an area for relaxation. Inside, the spaces are impressively arranged to combine light, contrasting heights and aesthetics in attractive woodwork. The central space of the hall and double stairs give structure to the approach adopted in the architecture and museography, helping visitors to move freely on various themed tours. The building was awarded the PAD and ARCO 2004 prizes and was a finalist in the FAD awards in 2005. On 23 March 2006 the Prince and Princess of Asturias inaugurated the new site and opened the Museum of Almería to the public.
Reviewed By KL569 - Leeds, United Kingdom
Laid out over 4 floors, with an enormous pillar reaching to the ceiling which represents the layers of history. The roman times are almost at the top! There are some videos with music which tell of the history of Almeria in an interesting way without using language; very well done. Small children were entranced by the moving patterns of one which was projected onto the floor. Most interesting to me were Islamic gravestones from 12th & 13th century, beautiful pottery & burials in pots. As well as being in Spanish, the description boards are in English which has been translated very directly, sometimes to our amusement or bafflement. It added to the experience. It was very quiet when we went on Sunday morning. Highly recommended.
4. Iglesia de la Virgen del Mar
5. Centro Andaluz de la Fotografia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By V4028DPthomasv - Antwerp, Belgium
It's a small museum, it's free (no entrance fee), it's a nice location and you can leisurely walk trough it and watch some nice pictures from professional fotographers. There is no permanent collection (to my knowledge). Even the collectables in the small shop (like mugs) are cheap. If you're in the neighbourhood, just give it a go :-)
6. Los Millares - Museo Arqueologico de Almeria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
7. Cabo de Gata Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 537 reviews
Reviewed By 994frederickw - Gravesend, United Kingdom
We visited the lighthouse on a coach trip to the national park. The views from the lighthouse of the Mediterranean were spectacular. We noticed when we were there that it is part of E.U. dark sky's project in the summer months. We would like to go back and see the stars.
8. Playa de los Genoveses
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 493 reviews
Reviewed By gill01966 - Manilva, Spain
I visited this beach as I had seen a review that said it does not get many waves. Last Tuesday, 10/09 it was windy and all the beaches with the Cabo de Gata Nature Park had many waves, so I gambled a 30 minute drive and sure enough, this playa was calm as a duck pond. Dogs are allowed so we made our way to the shoreline and set up camp. The water was crystal clear and so so warm, far warmer than the western Costa del Sol where I had come from. Fabulous place. Will visit again when not as windy!
9. Cala Raja
10. Mercado Central de Almeria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 144 reviews
Reviewed By 994frederickw - Gravesend, United Kingdom
We visited the market on a couple of times while in Almeria. We were amazed by the different types of food and drinks available. Everything thing looked lovely and fresh. If we go to Almeria again we will go self catering and go to the market for stuff to eat.
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