Cabo de Gata - Níjar 

Relax in a secluded cove bathed in crystal-clear waters, ride horses along the cliffs, venture into the Mediterranean forest, explore the Rodalquilar film valley, and much more. These are just some of the ways to slow down time in Cabo de Gata. The Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, designated as a biosphere reserve in 1997, is Almería's most preserved treasure. Advocates of untouched destinations will appreciate its unique nature, protected from urban pollution and equipped with essential services for eco-friendly holidays. I recommend visiting outside the peak season - the blooming meadows in spring will enchant you, and there's nothing like going for a hike even on Christmas. Almería is a year-round destination.

The natural park to the north begins in the Carboneras region and ends at San Miguel de Cabo de Gata beach, passing through towns such as Agua Amarga, Fernán Pérez, Las Negras, Rodalquilar, Isleta del Moro, and San José.

This protected area includes stunning viewpoints such as Arrecife de las Sirenas and Amatista; and it features ideal birdwatching spots like Salinas del Cabo de Gata and starry skies like Playa de los Genoveses. The area is also influenced by ancient volcanic activity.

More information here

The capital city of Almería boasts excellent beaches, both for the quality of its sand and the cleanliness of its waters. Less than a kilometer from the city center, a nearly three-kilometer-long beach with coarse sand begins. Most of the city's individual beaches have Blue Flag accreditation for their cleanliness and the services they offer.

Beaches

The beaches of Almería, with the exception of those located in urban centers, stand out for their natural environment and in some cases are almost devoid of vegetation and tourists, contributing to the province's characteristic dryness and challenging accessibility, which is appreciated by those seeking wild beaches and privacy. Some of the beaches in Cabo de Gata offer beautiful contrasts, where original rocky outcrops emerge from fine golden sand. The waters are generally crystal clear and rich in marine life.

Well-known beaches:

• Playa de Los Genoveses
• Playa Monsul
• Playa de Los Muertos
• Playazo Rodalquilar
• Playa de las Negras
• San Miguel, Cabo de Gata

• Playa de Los Escullos

• Cala de Enmedio

• Playa de Agua Amarga

• Cala de San Pedro 

Tabernas desert

The Tabernas Desert in Almería is characterized by its captivating landscape, transporting you into the world of cinema. It's renowned for its unique and arid terrain, being the only desert in Europe, with stretches of golden sand, rugged hills, and dry riverbeds. The stark beauty of this desert has attracted filmmakers from around the globe, earning it the title of "Europe's Hollywood".

As you wander through the Tabernas Desert, you'll encounter an unreal mix of barren landscapes and iconic Western film sets. These sets have been the backdrop for numerous spaghetti Westerns, including classics like "A Fistful of Dollars" and "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly". Walking through these abandoned film sets is like stepping back in time to the heyday of the Wild West, with weathered facades and dusty streets evoking a sense of nostalgia.

Despite its seemingly harsh conditions, the Tabernas Desert boasts a unique ecosystem adapted to its dry climate. Resilient plant species and wildlife have found ways to thrive in this challenging environment, bringing a touch of life to the seemingly barren landscape.

For those seeking adventure, the Tabernas Desert offers opportunities for (not only) hiking, allowing visitors to experience the fascinating interplay of light and shadow in the rugged terrain. The stark beauty of the desert, combined with its cinematic history, makes it a destination that must be visited by nature enthusiasts and film buffs alike.

Valle de Almanzora

The area of the Almanzora Valley is the valley of the Almanzora River, which stretches north of the Sierra de los Filabres and south of the Sierra de las Estancias. You have to go against the flow of the Almanzora River, dotted with blooming almond trees, orange groves, and orchards, to discover all the contrasts that its valley offers. The local areas are called the "green lungs of the province." Another typical feature is marble, which is extracted from the depths of this territory. 

I recommend visiting the former mining town Las Menas Poblado Minero.

Learn more about the region on this web. 

For ideas on what to experience in the area, click HERE.

Cuevas del Almanzora

Cuevas del Almanzora is located 96 kilometers from Almería, and a stone's throw away from the towns of Vera, Garrucha, and Mojácar. It is situated in the coastal area known as Levante de Almería.

Cuevas del Almanzora offers its visitors many tourist attractions, including several archaeological sites, the Marqués de los Vélez Castle, numerous churches and monasteries, mining monuments, a water reservoir with amazing views, historical residential caves of Cuevas del Calguerín, and more. What can you visit?

• Calguerín Caves. Near Cuevas del Almanzora, there is a rocky area called "Terrera de Calguerín," where you can find the largest complex of cave houses in the Almanzora Valley. There are approximately 300 caves here, which have been used throughout history (some since the Paleolithic period) as shelters and for living. 

Almería inlands

Almería offers much more than just the coastline of Cabo de Gata, the Tabernas Desert, and the capital city. Venture out to explore the beauty of the countryside, foothills, mountains, and beautiful valleys. Just a few minutes' drive from the coast, you'll find yourself in a completely different environment. Discover untouched areas, authentic picturesque villages, vineyards, forests...

Embark on hikes, wine tastings, and sampling other typical products, or visit an observatory at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level.

The regions at the western end of the province are among the best for rural tourism in Almería. These are Alpujarra Almeriense and Poniente Almeriense. In fact, they are home to the highest mountain ranges in the province. Firstly, the Sierra Nevada, which stretches from Granada with peaks towering over 2500 meters above sea level, such as Chullo and Almirez. And secondly, the Sierra de Gádor with peaks like Morrón de la Lagunilla (2,249 meters above sea level). 

• Alpujarra Almeriense

Although not as famous as its counterpart in Granada, the Alpujarra in Almería has much to offer - a diverse green mountainous landscape suitable for growing wine and other crops, and enchanting villages where time seems to stand still.

• Sierra María y Los Vélez

The northern part of the province is one of the most pleasant surprises - a densely wooded area with a long history and a mix of cultures that have influenced local customs and gastronomy. The most famous landmark is the castle Castillo de Vélez-Blanco.

Ideas what to experience to be found HERE.