Historic heritage
The city of three souls
Almería is one of the few cities in Europe that has preserved architectural traces of three great civilisations in such a concentrated space.
The Alcazaba, a 10th-century Arab fortress on its promontory, still dominates the city as it did in the days of the Caliphate of Córdoba. Its name, from the Arabic al-Mariyya ("the watchtower"), recalls its origin as the great port of the caliphate, founded in 955. Below, the historic Medina and its alleys have remained almost intact.
Alcazaba of Almería
The second-largest Muslim fortress in al-Andalus, covering 4.3 hectares. Begun in 955 by Caliph Abd al-Rahman III, it crowns the hill with panoramic views of the city and the sea.
Fortress-Cathedral
Unique in Spain — a 16th-century Gothic-Renaissance cathedral, built after the 1522 earthquake and fitted with defensive towers to withstand attacks by Barbary pirates.
Civil War shelters
Almost 5 km of underground galleries dug between 1937 and 1938 to protect the population from bombing — one of the largest shelters in Europe, today open to guided tours.
Culture and lifestyle
The Andalusian soul
alive
Almería is not just an open-air museum. It is a vibrant city, full of food and festivals — with a cultural scene surprising for its size.
Flamenco
Authentic flamenco tablaos in the gypsy quarter of La Chanca — a living tradition, far from the tourist shows.
Gastronomy
Free tapas with every drink — a tradition unique to Almería. Seafood, Trevélez ham, fresh oranges.
Museums
Museum of Almería (Iberian and Roman archaeology), the Andalusian Centre of Photography and contemporary galleries.
Festivals and Feria
The Feria de Almería in August is one of the biggest in Andalusia — a week of music, horses and flamenco dresses.
Neighbourhoods to explore
Getting lost in
the golden streets
Each neighbourhood of Almería tells a different story. From the thousand-year-old historic quarter to the modern avenues by the sea.
La Medina
The historic heart — alleys, white houses, flower-filled courtyards and the central market.
El Quemadero / Beach
The seafront and the city beach — seafood restaurants and a lively promenade.
Pescadería quarter
The old fishermen's quarter — authentic, with its tapas bars and its down-to-earth atmosphere.
La Chanca
The colourful cave houses at the foot of the Alcazaba — Almería's gypsy community.
Practical information