Almería vacation packages

Best things to do in Almería

Almería, a charming city on Spain's southeastern coast, is rich in historical landmarks and natural beauty. Whether you're interested in culture, nature, adventure, or relaxation, Almería vacations offer something for everyone.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Alcazaba of Almería: This historic fortress is one of Spain's largest citadels, providing stunning views of the city and the Mediterranean.

• Cabo de Gata: A short drive from the city, this natural park offers magnificent coastal views, rugged cliffs, and pristine beaches.

The best districts

• Centro Histórico: Almería's historic center is full of charming streets, traditional shops, and beautiful architecture. Don't miss the Cathedral and Plaza Vieja.

• La Chanca: A colorful district with houses carved into the rock, La Chanca is a unique area reflecting typical Almerían life.

Parks and gardens

• Parque Nicolás Salmerón: Located in the heart of the city, this palm-lined park is perfect for a leisurely walk or a picnic and offers views of the port.

• Jardín Botánico de la Universidad de Almería: This botanical garden is a peaceful spot to appreciate nature, showcasing a variety of regional plant species.

Historical monuments

• Cathedral of Almería: This unique fortress-cathedral combines Gothic and Renaissance architecture, intriguing to explore.

• Civil War Shelters: Take a guided tour of the city's underground Civil War shelters to learn about its history and resilience.

Day trips in the area

• Mojácar: Visit this picturesque hilltop village for its stunning whitewashed buildings and panoramic views of the countryside and sea. Discover our vacations to Mojácar.

• Tabernas Desert: Known for its dramatic landscapes, Tabernas is Europe's only desert and has served as a filming location for many spaghetti westerns.

• Las Negras: This quaint coastal village in the Cabo de Gata Natural Park attracts visitors with its beautiful beach and relaxed vibe.

Activities for families in Almería

On vacations to Almería, there are plenty of fun activities for all ages-from toddlers to teens-ensuring the whole family will have a great time.

• Interactive history sites: Older children will enjoy the interactive exhibits at the Museo de Almería, designed to spark curiosity about natural history and local culture. Storytelling tours at the Alcazaba of Almería transport children back to the times of kings and queens.

• Aquariums: The Aquarium Costa de Almería is a great attraction for families, offering insights into aquatic life and touch tanks to engage with.

• Theme parks: If history and culture become overwhelming for the kids, Oasys Mini Hollywood in the Tabernas Desert offers a variety of rides and activities for children of all ages.

Free things to do in Almería

Almería offers plenty of free activities to make your vacation enjoyable and budget-friendly.

• Free museums: At certain times, admission is free to several museums in Almería, including the Museo de Almería. Check their websites before visiting.

• Free guided tours: Many organizations offer complimentary guided walking tours that highlight the city's rich history and architecture.

• Explore Almería by public transport: Surbus, the city's public bus system, is an inexpensive way to get around. For just $1.05 each way, routes L7 and L11 connect to all major sights.

• Annual festivals: The city hosts free festivals, cultural events, and open-air concerts throughout the year. The Feria de Almería in August and the colorful Almería Carnival in February feature music, dance, and traditional parades.

Wellness in Almería

• Spas and thermal baths: Several luxury hotels in Almería feature spa facilities with thermal circuits, including hot and cold pools. Inspired by Roman and Arab baths, Aire de Almería offers a unique experience with various saltwater pool temperatures. A Kessa massage using locally grown olive oil is a traditional therapy that softens and heals.

Nature and outdoor activities

• National parks: Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park is renowned for its rocky coastline, volcanic rock formations, and clean beaches. It offers fantastic hiking, birdwatching, and snorkeling opportunities.

• Water sports: With clear waters and favorable winds, Almería’s coast is popular for scuba diving, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding.

• Adventure activities: For an exhilarating adventure, try mountain biking on the rocky trails of the Sierra de Alhamilla, horseback riding on the beaches, or jeep, buggy, and quad bike safaris in the Tabernas Desert.

• Hiking: Hiking routes in Almería’s national parks take you through interesting landscapes with breathtaking views. In Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, the Sendero de la Molata route includes remote beaches and volcanic formations. The Calar Alto Observatory trail in the Sierra de Los Filabres offers views of mainland Europe’s tallest astronomical observatory.

Discover Almería's beaches on your vacation

Almería is famous for its picturesque coastlines, making it a top destination for sun lovers and nature enthusiasts. Here’s what you can expect when you visit the beaches during your Almería vacation:

• Playa de los Genoveses - Untouched and scenic, this beach is nestled in the heart of Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park. Its wide, golden sands and crystal-clear waters make it a paradise for swimmers and sunbathers alike.

• Playa de Monsul - Known for its unique volcanic formations and a backdrop to several film shoots, Monsul offers a dramatic landscape combined with fine sand and serene waters.

• Playa de Aguadulce - Popular among families and water sports enthusiasts, Aguadulce boasts well-developed amenities, including beach bars, showers, and rental facilities for a comfortable beach day.

• Playa de las Salinas - Known for its length and historical salt flats nearby, this beach is perfect for long, peaceful walks and bird watching, especially flamingos.

Each of these beaches offers something unique, ensuring that every day of your vacation can be a new adventure. Whether you’re planning a family trip, a romantic getaway, or a solo retreat, the beaches of Almería provide the perfect setting to relax and rejuvenate. Explore our tailored vacation packages to find the best options for an unforgettable seaside escape in Almería.

Local dishes in Almería

The culinary scene in Almería is one of the greatest delights of visiting the area, offering everything from fresh seafood to classic Spanish dishes.

Some typical dishes

• Gazpacho: This chilled soup, made with tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, garlic, and olive oil, is perfect for hot summer days.

• Ajo blanco: Distinctive and full of flavor, this cold almond and garlic soup, sometimes accompanied by melons or grapes, is a staple of Andalusian cuisine.

Tapas dishes

• Patatas bravas: These popular fried potatoes are served with a spicy tomato sauce and aioli – perfect for a hearty snack.

• Chorizo al vino: Chorizo sausage is cooked in red wine to produce a rich and flavorful dish.

Meat dishes

• Jamón Ibérico: Thinly sliced, this flavorful cured ham from acorn-fed Iberian pigs is a must-try.

• Plato Alpujarreño: Perfect for a filling meal, this hearty dish consists of sausage, ham, potatoes, peppers, and fried eggs.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Calamares a la Romana: Often enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon, these squid rings, battered and fried, are simply delicious.

• Gambas al ajillo: Served sizzling hot, prawns sautéed in garlic and chili capture the essence of Spanish seafood cuisine.

Sweets and desserts

• Churros con chocolate: While technically a dessert, churros are often enjoyed as street food during festivals or for a late breakfast, dipped in thick hot chocolate.

• Pestiños: No visit to Almería would be complete without trying pestiños, deep-fried pastries flavored with sesame and anise, often glazed with honey or sugar.

Local drinks

• Sangría: A classic Spanish drink, consisting of red wine, a splash of brandy, and fresh fruit, perfect for cooling down and relaxing on warm summer days.

• Tinto de verano: Similar to sangria, this refreshing drink is made with red wine and lemonade over ice.