ALMERIA CITY GUIDE

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Before we drove down to the villa in Frigiliana, we spent one night day in Almeria. We had decided to fly into Almeria airport instead of Malaga as it was cheaper and the drive was only half an hour more. The city is not a well known tourist destination and was quiet when we were there (May) but it has some gorgeous architecture and sight seeing to be done. We spent a day wandering round some of them and so I thought I’d share my Almeria City Guide.

ALMERIA CITY GUIDE – OLD PART

The older part of Almeria called Barrio de la Chanca is made up of candy coloured houses and leads up to the stunning Alcazaba Castle. This area is much more traditional and you’ll find pretty narrow streets and alleys.  In the old part you will find on the site of a former Arabic souk, the Aire de Almeria has recovered an ancient Arabic baths and restored an ancient tradition. Here in luxurious surroundings you can try the custom of Arabic bathing, including “the ritual of moderate, warm and cold immersions to cleanse the mind and body”. This place looks stunning but sadly we didn’t have time to visit.

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ALMERIA CITY GUIDE – ALCAZABA CASTLE

The Alcazaba Castle Almeria is a moorish city and walled fortification. This place was free of charge for UK visitors and well worth a wander round as it was stunning. There are three different areas of the Alcazaba, the first is a gorgeous garden encountered on arrival through the main entrance. It has some stunning water features and was peaceful and picturesque.
The gardens lead to the walls of the watchtowers. From both towers the views are stunning with views up to  the monument on the Cerro de San Cristobal.

Access to the second area of the Alcazaba is via a pretty archway leading onto a beautiful garden area with a pond and fountain. This section was home to the royal palaces, bath houses and mosque of the Alcazaba.
There are huge excavated areas to explore which are mostly ruins, however placards offer depictions of what the palace areas would have looked like.

The third part of the Alcazaba is the Christian castle. The castle comprises of a courtyard and three towers, one of which the tower La Polvora, has cannons positioned in its tower and the dome inside make for an interesting acoustic opportunity.

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ALMERIA CITY GUIDE – CATHEDRAL

The Cathedral in Almeria City is another thing that should be on your Almeria hit list. A stunning building from 1524, it sits in a pretty square and inside are amazing gothic features and an air thick with incense. Its open Monday to Friday: 10 till 6 and Saturday 10 till 2.

ALMERIA CITY GUIDE  – NEW PART

In the newer area of Almeria City is La Rambla, Avenide de Frederico Garcia Lorca, a long tree lined avenue that leads down to the port and beaches. Its much more modern and vibrant with street cafes, shops and water fountains. Close by is Paseo de Almeria, the main road for serious shoppers with its streets packed with small boutiques. You’ll also find the Mediterraneo shopping complex on the Avenida del Mediterraneo.

We wandered along here and happened to catch a rally cars race that was finishing in Almeria City centre so the place was packed with people and cars. We stopped for lunch outside and found there was plenty to choose from and really reasonable.  The night before we had eaten in the old quarter of Almeria and found not many restaurants with menu’s or staff who spoke English, but the newer centre was much easier.

ALMERIA CITY GUIDE – MUSEUMS

You’ll also find museums in Almeria including a film museum celebrating  how Almeria has been used as a location in so many movies over the years. The museum pays homage to the cinema history of Almeria using scenographic exhibitions and displays with impressive special effects.  You can find more info about all the museums in Almeria City on the Almeria Tourist info page.

Hope you’ve enjoyed my Almeria City Guide. Check out my Travel Section for all my other travel posts.

Debs

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