Have you decided to spend a day in Almería? You’re right, it’s enough to discover its fascinating heritage. You’ll be seduced by its imposing Alcazaba overlooking the bay, its fortified cathedral and its vibrant atmosphere.
In this article, we offer you a detailed itinerary to make the most of your day in Almerìa! You’ll also find our practical tips for exploring the region’s treasures.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Practical tips for visiting Almería in 1 day
What can you see in Almería in 1 day? Is it long enough?
A day trip is all it takes to discover Almería’s two must-sees: its Baroque cathedral and its impressive Alcazaba, testimony to the rich past of Muslim Spain! If you have the time, you can also immerse yourself in its urban atmosphere, untouched by the tourist circuits. Finally, staying in Almería can also be an excellent option for those wishing to discover the region’s mix of desert, mountains and sea.
Getting around Almería
The best way to get around is by foot, as the city center is very easy to get around. We advise you to avoid taking a car in the city center, which is often saturated with traffic.
And if you want to visit more out-of-the-way sites (such as the Casa del Cine) or go to the beaches, you can opt for the good city bus network (more info on the official website here) or for a cab ride (see Unitaxi or Taxi Unión), the network being very efficient and inexpensive.
Finally, for cycling enthusiasts, Almería offers over 80 kilometers of cycle paths, notably along La Rambla and Paseo Mar.
Where to sleep in Almería
WHERE TO STAY IN Almeria
Option 1: In the historic center
Our selection coming soon
- Hotel 1 – See prices, photos and availability
- Hotel 2 – See prices, photos and availability
Option 2: Outdoors
Our selection coming soon
- Hotel 1 – See prices, photos and availability
- Hotel 2 – See prices, photos and availability
See our complete selection of the best hotels in Almeria (coming soon)
Our ideal itinerary: Almería in 1 day
To discover Almería is to plunge into the heart of two cultures that have shaped its history: the Muslim heritage, with its apogee under the Caliphate of Cordoba (10th century) or the Taïfas( 11th century) and the Christian influence, re-established after its conquest by the Catholic Monarchs in 1489. This duality is reflected in its architecture and contrasting ambience, making for an exciting day out!
10am-12pm: Visit to the Cathedral and Monastery
You’ll start your discovery of the city with the Cathedral of the Incarnation. This titanic 16th-century construction elegantly combines late Gothic and Renaissance styles. We were fascinated by its unique fortified appearance, with defensive towers that served to protect the town from pirates. Inside, it’s the opulence of the church’s decoration that is most appealing, with its three Gothic naves, ribbed vaults and remarkable Renaissance stalls.
Just a 5-minute walk from the cathedral, don’t miss the Monastère de las Puras, worth a detour for its pretty, peaceful cloister with Tuscan columns and its sacred art pieces. Founded in 1514 as a female monastery, you’ll get a glimpse of religious life through the various rooms (refectory, bedrooms, ornamented chapels).
12pm-2pm: Lunch on a charming patio
After a morning rich in discoveries, a short break is in order! You’ll find plenty of places to eat and drink in the city center, including good alternatives for eating on the go and even a terrace in the sun! For our part, we enjoyed the colorful patio of Restaurant Tetería Almedina Baraka, where we indulged in oriental specialties and a fragrant mint tea.
2pm-4pm: Discover the secrets of the Alcazaba
Once you’ve grasped Almería’s Catholic heritage, you can move on to its Moorish origins. Head for the heights of the city to discover theAlcazaba. This fortress is one of the most impressive monumental medieval defensive ensembles in al-Andalus. Like us, you’ll be seduced by its vast and remarkable architecture, its well-preserved remains and its incredible panoramas, especially of the Jayrán Wall.
Built in the 11th century, this line stretches all the way to the Colline de San Cristóbal, from where you can see the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on a large plinth, a marble by Macael, built in the 20th century.
4:30-7pm: Late afternoon at the spa
After a day of sightseeing in Almería, what better way to unwind than at the spa? We tested the one at the Hôtel Aire & Ancien Baths, and were won over!
Entirely lit by candlelight, this enchanting space offers multiple bathing areas, inspired by Roman and Ottoman baths, for deep relaxation before passing under the expert hands of masseurs. The treatments are as varied as they are refined, for a moment out of time!
Want to extend your relaxation? Book a room in the hotel – Check photos, photos and availability – and book!
8pm-9pm: Tapas evening
You can’t end your stay in Almería without a tapas night! Tapeo is an Andalucia custom emblematic of Spanish gastronomy, the concept of which is to share dishes in small portions. We obviously succumbed to this delicious tradition, and were quick to sample specialties such as ensalada rusa, a creamy preparation of potatoes and tuna, or Polpo a la Galleja, in a garlic-paprika sauce.
Find our best addresses in our article Where to eat in Almería.
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Alternative 1: Discover Almeria’s archaeological heritage
Morning: Discovering the Los Millares site
Just a 20-minute drive from Almería, the Los Millares site offers a fascinating insight into the prehistoric heritage of the Iberian Peninsula. This fortified village, protected by four concentric lines of walls and completed by a necropolis of collective tombs, reveals an impressive defensive system with 13 strategically positioned forts. You can explore the various enclosures and discover the ingenuity of this civilization!
Afternoon: Visit to the Archaeological Museum
Extend your field trip with a visit to the Museo Arqueológico de Almería, inviting you on a journey through the ages, from prehistory to Roman times. We appreciated both the quality of the collections and their playful staging. The museography features video projections, carefully crafted models and even contemporary works of art.
RENT A CAR IN Andalucia
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a compact car, as some villages have very narrow streets!
- Think ofcomprehensive insurance for the same reason
- Book early for choice.
Alternative 2: Discover the cinematic side of Almeria
If you prefer action to archaeology, this is the program for you!
Morning: Excursion to the Tabernas desert
Just a 30-minute drive from the city, the Tabernas desert, unique in Europe, stretches over 280 km² between three mountain ranges.
Nicknamed Andalucia’s Wild West, the natural setting of the Tabernas Desert has served as the backdrop for numerous films since the 1960s, most notably Sergio Leone’s famous spaghetti westerns The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.
Film buffs can visit the former film studios, now transformed into theme parks.
Afternoon: Visit to Casa del Cine
After discovering the film sets, what better way to delve into the filmography that has made Malaga’s reputation? In an old farmhouse, you’ll find archive interviews with famous actors and actresses, film clips and lots of educational content to help you learn more about the secrets of filming!
PLAN YOUR DREAM TRIP TO andalucia
All the information you need for your trip:
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- + 150 pre-selected locations
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Alternative 3: Focus on Almeria’s architecture
Almería’s architecture tells the story of a fascinating urban metamorphosis.
On one side, Las Ramblas avenue embodies modernity, with its palm-fringed buildings. On the other, the picturesque La Chancadistrict, a former fishermen’s haven on the outskirts of the Arab medina. Although the city center, largely rebuilt after the ravages of the civil war, now has a resolutely modern face, it still retains a few charming alleyways.
Among the most emblematic symbols of this alliance between history and modernity is the Cable Inglés, an imposing metal structure dating from 1904. The loading dock, now a listed historic monument, is a proud reminder of the region’s rich mining past.
Other attractions in and around Almería
An afternoon on the beach
Renowned for its heritage, Almería also offers a number of pleasant beaches for a lazy afternoon. We tested the two beaches closest to the city center: Playa de Zapillo and Playa de Ciudad Luminosa, and enjoyed their long stretches of sand. If you come on a weekday, you’ll even be lucky enough to find an almost deserted beach!
If you’re not the swimming type, you can opt for a bike ride along the well-maintained seafront.
Please note, however, that Almeria’s beaches are not on our list of favorite beaches in Andalucia. In fact, we prefer either wild beaches with idyllic settings or beaches with plenty of water sports activities and facilities for children!
We recommend that you head for the superb wild beaches of Cabo de Gata Natural Park, just a few kilometers away, for far more impressive scenery. And if you’re looking for entertainment, delicious chiringuitos (beach restaurants) and activities for the kids, look no further than Malaga’s beaches!
Discover other museums
Almería offers a wide variety of museums to captivate visitors:
- The Local History Museum: not so much a museum as a tour of the tunnels dug by the locals to protect themselves from bombardment during the Spanish Civil War. An immersive and moving experience, by guided tour only.
- The Guitar Museum: a small museum dedicated to this emblematic instrument and to the figure of Antonio Tores Jurado, a renowned local musician.
- The old Jayran Cisterns: once used for water storage, the site has now been transformed into a small local museum retracing the town’s history.
- Doña Pakyta Art Museum: two distinct spaces, one dedicated to classical art in an old mansion, and Espacio 2, featuring contemporary works.
Excursions
The city is also well connected to the various sites of Andalucia, and for simplicity’s sake, you can opt for a day trip:
- Discover the wonders of Granada: see info and availability.
- Cycling in the Sierra Nevada mountains: see info and availability.
- Admire the beauty of the Almeria coast on a cruise: see info and availability.
If you’re in the mood for something different, the Almeria region is full of sights.
- Caving enthusiasts will love the Grottes de Sorbas, with its impressive network of over 1,000 visitable caves (more info here).
- Astronomy fans can go stargazing at theCalar Alto Observatory (more info here).
- Finally, the Pulpí Geode, a cavity lined with giant gypsum crystals, offers the curious a spectacular experience (more info here).
Look out for our article on the best excursions from Almería.
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A road trip from Almería
From Almería, there are several routes to choose from for an unforgettable road trip in southern Spain.
In Cabo de Gata Natural Park
Cabo de Gata Natural Park offers a breathtaking natural spectacle of pristine beaches, volcanic landforms and breathtaking panoramas.
There’s no doubt you’ll be mesmerized by the varied landscapes, including exceptional salt marshes, and the diverse flora and fauna.
You can explore this natural paradise via numerous hiking trails or enjoy water sports activities along the coast.
Discovering white villages and the Costa Tropical
Almería enjoys a privileged location between the sea and the mountains, offering an exceptional diversity of landscapes.
We were charmed by traditional white villages like Nijar, Mojacar and Vélez Blanco, nestled in the hinterland.
The Costa Tropical, meanwhile, boasts some of the finest beaches in the world, including Playa de la Herradura and Playa de la Rijana, punctuated by picturesque villages such as Frigiliana, Nerja and Motril.
What you need to know for your day in Almería
A city before tourism
Almería is mainly a city of transit, with a sometimes limited tourist infrastructure. Although not the most typical city in Andalucia, it offers an interesting experience for those wishing to discover the daily life of a dynamic city. However, some of the downtown streets lack maintenance, which can dampen its overall charm. We advise you to focus on the fascinating historical heritage it offers.
The Spanish way of life
The rhythm of life in Spain, with its traditional siesta and staggered mealtimes, can be destabilizing. Many shops close between 2pm and 5pm, and dinners don’t usually start until 9pm.
It’s important to adapt to this lifestyle to get the most out of your stay.
We advise you to plan your visits around these times, and to take advantage of the end of the day to discover the city when the hustle and bustle picks up again.
The weather in Almería
The weather is generally mild in spring, with temperatures fluctuating between 20 and 25°. Summer becomes much hotter, and 40° to 45° are easily reached in the hottest hours of the afternoon. Even though several improvements have been made in the town (sunshades, shaded promenades), we advise against going there at this time of year.
In fact, we think winter travel is ideal!
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Andalusia
Inspiration
Practice
- Where to stay in Andalucia
- Best luxury hotels in Andalusia (coming soon)
- Rent a car in Andalucia
- Itineraries: 3 days – 4 or 5 days – 1 week – 10 days – 2 weeks (coming soon)
