Almeria brings together seascapes and desert landscapes—and reveals the history of these landscapes in unusual places. In Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, 63 kilometres of cliffs form an exceptionally well-preserved stretch of coastline on the Spanish Mediterranean. In the Desierto de Tabernas, fossil coral reefs mark the location of a former coastline. The view thus extends from a protected Mediterranean coastline to geological traces of landscapes from a distant past.
Coast, desert and geological traces
The province as a whole also has a 200-kilometre Mediterranean coastline with beaches. The cliffs in Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park offer a distinctive feature: here, a long, exceptionally well-preserved coastline defines the landscape. In the Desierto de Tabernas, fossil coral reefs tell of another time. They mark the location of a former coastline and make the geological past visible in a specific place.
Another protected natural feature is the Geoda de Pulpí and the Mina Rica del Pilar de Jaravía. Both are protected as a mixed Geological and Ecocultural Natural Monument; this protected status was established by a decree dated 15 February 2022. Coastal formations, fossil traces and protected geological sites offer different perspectives on the landscape through time.
Archaeology and historic buildings
Los Millares is considered an important European Copper Age site and was inhabited from 3200 to 2200 BC. The archaeological complex includes the site, a visitor reception centre and an interpretation area. These three areas can be visited independently, and each complements the others. When visiting the site, the route first leads through the necropolis and then through the settlement, with its successive concentric defensive walls. This sequence makes the spatial layout part of the discovery.
The Alcazaba also brings together architectural history and a clear layout. It was built in the 10th century at the behest of Abd ar-Rahman III, following the founding of the city. Its walled perimeter measures 1,430 metres; the complex consists of three sections, two Muslim and one Christian. A surviving wall is known as the “Mirador o Ventana de la Odalisca” and is associated with a legend about a Christian prisoner and the king’s favourite slave.
Castillo de los Vélez is located in Sierra María-Los Vélez Natural Park. This Renaissance building has been declared a National Historic Monument. The Museo de Almería collection has a different story of origin: it stems from the holdings of the Provincial Monuments Commission of Almería.
Film history and iron architecture
Alongside its geological traces, the Desierto de Tabernas also has a film history. Numerous films have been shot there since the 1950s, including several classic westerns. At this same location, evidence of a former coastline sits alongside a more recent history of cinema.
The Cable Inglés is a masterpiece of iron architecture from the early 20th century. The structure is accessible to visitors and can be visited for its architectural and historical value. Check the current access arrangements before your visit.
Hiking trails and provincial cuisine
Those wishing to explore Almeria through its landscapes will find coastal, inland, high-mountain, urban and suburban hiking trails in the province. This range extends from trails connected with the coast to routes in urban areas. If hiking is one of your travel interests, these trails offer a way to explore different landscape types; individual routes may change.
The cuisine also brings together different aspects of the province, drawing on produce from both the sea and the land. Peppers and the paprika made from them are particularly noteworthy. In this way, the coast and the land feature not only as landscapes, but also through their produce.
Getting there and finding your way around
Almería Intermodal Station connects the provincial capital with all the municipalities in the province. As individual services may change, check the latest timetables before travelling. The city of Almería is about ten minutes from Almería International Airport.
Discover more destinations: Adra, Almería, Bedar, Cóbdar, Garrucha, Laroya, Los Gallardos, Nijar, Roquetas De Mar, Tabernas, Vera, Lucainena De Las Torres, Fondón, Mojácar, Vélez-Blanco, Vicar, Velefique, Sorbas, El Ejido, El Campillo De Rodalquilar, Carboneras, Berja, Armuña De Almanzora, Agua Amarga, Láujar De Andarax, Turre, María, Huércal-Overa, Pulpí, Pechina, Taberno, Olula Del Río, Uleila Del Campo, Vélez-Rubio, Serón, Alhama De Almería, Purchena, Viator, Cantoria, Fiñana, Instinción, La Envía, Zurgena, Canjáyar, Alcontar, Tonosa, Huesa, Los Cerricos, Bayárcal, Marchena, El Cortijo Grande, Alcolea, Terque, Abrucena, Lubrín, Antas, El Hijate, Gérgal, Oria, Arboleas, El Contador, Aguadulce, El Parador De Las Hortichuelas, Los Navarros, Cuevas Del Almanzora, La Cañada, Chirivel, Las Cunas, Felix, San Isidro de Níjar, Fuente Amarga, La Breña, Albox, Villaricos, Las Norias, Balerma, Beires, Guazamara, Santa María del Águila, Costacabana, Huércal de Almería, Fernán Pérez, Macael, Las Hortichuelas, Fuente Victoria, Suflí, Los Escullos, Llano de Los Olleres, El Pilar, Líjar, Caserío Santopétar, El Saltador Bajo.
For the broader travel overview: Andalusia.
