Guide of Almeria

Almería located in southeast Spain lies in the region of Andalusia. With a population of just under 200,000, it is Andalucia's fastest-growing major city. It is beginning to grow in popularity amongst travellers thanks to its excellent tapas bars and beautiful coastline. It is sometimes described as an extension of Morocco because of the strong Arab influence here.

A brief history of Almería

The city was first mentioned in some Christian documents in the first century, suggesting that there was a town named Urci near the current site of Almería. Later the city lay within a state called Islamic Iberia, ruled by the Umayyad dynasty who controlled the area around north Africa and southern Spain around the year 1000. The settlement became a principle harbour as part of their Mediterranean defences. The city reached its peak during this period around the time when the city's famous Alcazaba of Almería was built. The town remained under Muslim control during the following centuries. It grew wealthy from the mercantile trade and the silk industry, thanks to mulberry plantations. But Almería also experienced several Christian sieges until the late 15th century when Almería became a Christian city. 

After the unification of Spain, the city accepted the sovereignty of Catholic Monarchs Fernando and Isabel. During the 16th century, the city was devastated by a series of earthquakes and Almería's Muslims were banished from the city. The city came under attacks from Berber pirates between the 16-18th centuries. But the city finally stumbled upon some good fortune through the discovery of enormous iron mines nearby. French and British companies then set up business in the area, bringing renewed prosperity to Almería and reestablishing its importance within Spain. During the Spanish Civil War, Almería was heavily bombed by German forces and the last Andalucían city to fall under Franco's regime. There was massive development in the second half of the 20th century thanks to intensive agriculture; they began grown vegetables all year round in plastic poly-tunnels. 

Things to do in Almería

El Cable Inglés, also known as El Alquife dock, is an old ore loading facility built in 1904. It juts into the sea, and today the city council are planning to redevelop it to house an exhibition centre, a restaurant and a leisure complex, as well as providing a viewpoint at the top. Alcazaba castle, built in 955 is a fort complex with towers, houses and a mosque, it was planned to be the seat of local government, commanding the city and the coastline. The Museo de Almería houses some amazing artefacts from the Alcazaba archaeological site, along with an extensive collection of other pieces. The building was designed by Ignacio García Pedrosa and Ángela García de Paredes in 2006 and has won many awards for its design. The underground shelters that remain from the Spanish Civil War are also worth a visit. These underground galleries were designed by architect Guillermo Langle Rubio to protect people from bombing, and lie 9 meters underground. There is around 4.5 km of tunnels under the city, some of which have been restored for visitors. For food lovers, the market is a great place to pick up some tasty treats. Almería Central Market was built in 1840 and sell everything from fruit and vegetables to meat and fish.

Beaches around Almería

Playa de Los Cocedores and Playa Calypso are among the most popular family beaches on the Costa de Almería. For something more lively, check out Playa del Cantal which is a party beach accessible to all ages. If you prefer quiet, natural beaches, then Playa de Los Muertos is perfect and has been voted Spain's most beautiful beach many times. Located inside the Cabo de Gata Nature Park, you have to hike through the hills to reach this beautiful sandy beach. Sporty types should try Playa Las Salinas for windsurfing or Playa la Carolina for surfing.