Almeria

Stretching a stunning 1,900 meters, this expansive beach lines the entire coastline of Aguadulce, from the bustling marina all the way to La Ventilla Beach. Known for its pristine waters, soft sand, and top-notch amenities, it proudly flaunts the Blue Flag and Q for Tourist Quality. Nestled in the heart of Aguadulce, it becomes a lively hub during the summer, drawing in sun-seekers from all around western Almería. Running alongside the beach, the city's charming seafront promenade offers a delightful array of attractions: think mouthwatering restaurants, lively entertainment spots, refreshing drinks, creamy ice creams, and quirky souvenir shops. You can even pick up beach essentials if you forgot anything! The marina itself is a hidden gem worth exploring, with its bustling atmosphere and picturesque views. It’s a perfect spot to watch the sunset while sipping on a cool drink. Whether you're into water sports or just enjoy lounging with a good book, Aguadulce Beach has something for everyone.

Exploring the Alcazaba is like stepping back in time, where history whispers through every stone and archway. With its impressive 1430-meter walled perimeter, it's Spain’s second-largest Muslim construction, right after the famous Alhambra Palace in Granada. Commissioned by Abderrahman III in the tenth century, this fortress is a remarkable blend of cultures with three distinct campuses: two originally Muslim and one Christian, which was added after the city fell to the Catholic Monarchs in 1489. Perched on a hill, the Alcazaba offers a stunning view of the old city center, known as the medina. As you wander through the first enclosure, you're greeted by lush gardens and serene ponds, remnants of the Muslim era. It feels like a peaceful oasis amidst the historical grandeur. The second area once housed the expansive palatial residence of King Almotacín in the eleventh century. This section featured a public space that now includes the caliphate wells from the tenth century and a striking Christian arch from the 16th century. It’s fascinating to see the layers of history intertwine here. The final section of the Alcazaba is a Christian castle, built by the Catholic Monarchs after they conquered the city. This part of the fortress is a testament to the cultural shifts that have shaped the region over the centuries. It's a unique experience to stand within a Christian castle nestled inside a Muslim fortification, where each wall tells a story of its own. If you visit, take your time to soak in the rich history and breathtaking architecture. The Alcazaba is not just a fortress; it's a living narrative of Spain's diverse past.

The museum, recently reconstructed modern building, located on the Carretera de Ronda, houses inter esantesfondos with valuable works from prehistory to the Muslim period. In addition, the museum was awarded the European Museum of the Year Award in 2008, and inside, in addition to continuous exposure other activities such as conferences, exhibitions and festivals are held. https://www.turismodealmeria.org/en/motivo-tematico/museo-de-almeria-arqueologico/

From the Alcazaba, descend in a northward direction through the Barranco de la Hoya, a line of wall that reaches San Cristobal Hill, built during the time of King Jairán (1012-1028) in the eleventh century. Here are the remnants of the neighbourhood “amurallamiento musalla”, which descends from the hill via the main street Antonio Vico. On the hill, known in Muslim times as Monte Laham, there are seven towers, three square Muslim towers and four semicircular Christian towers. These were built by the Templars of Alfonso VII, who constructed a strong-chapel following the Christian conquest of the city under the command of the troops of Alfonso VII in 1147. On this hill, which has an impressive view of the city, and located on a large pedestal, is the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, constructed of local Macael marble. It was restored in 2000 and it is said to bless the city and the Mediterranean Sea. It was originally built in the twentieth century (around 1930). https://www.turismodealmeria.org/en/motivo-tematico/jayran-wall-and-cerro-san-cristobal-hill/

Costacabana Beach is located near the seafront in the residential area of the same name. It is a beach of sand and small pebbles of 1,200 metres in length. It has some stone jetties that protect the coast from waves. It can be reached Costacabana Beach departing from the Almeria coast in the east, by the extension of the promenade, also called Camino de la Ribera. After passing by the University of Almeria, we get to this neighbourhood. https://www.turismodealmeria.org/en/playas/costacabana/

This is the original centre of the city. Abderramán III, Almería founded in 955 (10th century), by constructing a wall around the heart of the town, building a fortress to defend the city, and provide a mosque for prayer. It extended from the Avenue of the Sea to Queen Street. The route crossed diagonally from the main gateway (at the beginning of Queen Street ) to Sortida or Socorro (at Socorro Street), passing through Pechina or Real de la Almedina street, which were within the preserved route of Caliphate medina. This area can be best described as streets and alleys, where there were no free spaces for squares nor little squares. The squares are found around the Great Mosque, whereas the shopping district was formed for alhóndigas, souks and bazaars. Within here the Alcaicería (luxury shopping district) stood. The shipyard, located in the area of the current Atarazanas street, occupied an important space at the south-eastern tip of the medina. There were many neighbourhoods around this area, each with its small mosque, as in the case of existing in the current Hermitage of San Antón. https://www.turismodealmeria.org/en/motivo-tematico/the-medina-walled-town/

There is no record of the date of the project or the name of the architect author. The only data found in the municipal archives and collected by the historian Emilio Villanueva (“Urbanism and Architecture in Modern Almería”) are proof that the new Apollo Theatre was built in 1881 on the site that had previously occupied the Teatro Calderón. At a time abounding recreational societies was one of them, the Society of Twenty, who promoted its construction becoming the first owner of the theatre. In January 1984, the Directorate General of Architecture and Housing, Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Environment, commissioned the architect Angel Jaramillo Esteban, performing some previous studies for the rehabilitation of the building, and then in 1985 the corresponding project.The works managed by the Hon. Almería City Council, beginning in 1987 under the direction of the same architect and then for various reasons remain stalled between 1989 and 1992, were completed in 1993, having taken part in financing the ministries of Public Works, Transport and Environment and Culture and the Departments of Public Works and Transport and Culture and the Environment of the Junta de Andalucía https://www.turismodealmeria.org/en/motivo-tematico/apollo-theater-2/

Garrofa beach is the last on the westward coast of the city of Almeria. It is a cove of just over 100 metres long pebbled with normally clear water. It is located between cliffs and next to the camping of the same name, through which one must pass to access the beach. This beach has a diving club and own camping facilities that are prepared for both tents and caravans. https://www.turismodealmeria.org/en/playas/garrofa/

The Museum of Spanish Guitar ‘Antonio de Torres’ is more than a museum space, an exhibition and information center that will allow visitors to learn in a fun and easy way primary keys of one of the most popular musical instruments around the world as is the guitar. The most played and produced in the history of world music instrument comes from the hand of its maximum precursor, the luthier Antonio Torres, considered the father of contemporary guitar. Therefore, among the objectives of this project the Culture of the City of Almería as the main driving force behind the same aims that visitors actively participate in the museum itself and, by extension, in the cultural life of the city of Almeria. The Museum offers participants much more than a simple succession of pieces, it is a surprising, relevant, educational, interactive and attractive cultural space, open to the public and visitors. https://www.turismodealmeria.org/en/motivo-tematico/guitar-museum-antonio-torres/

The mineral loading, called “English Cable”, is located in the Playa de las Almadrabillas, dockside lift and the terminal of a branch of the railway. It was originally owned by British mining company “The Alquife Mines Railway Limited” (hence its name), which won the concession in 1901, immediately undertaking the construction in 1902. It is an example and a masterpiece of iron architecture of the early twentieth century. Its construction is possible due to the construction of the port and railway, moving its construction in the current eclectic but introducing a new architectural language characterized by the use of new materials, such as iron. Its surroundings form the beach and a bridge link with the railway station. It consists of two parts: access linking the railway station with the landing, and the pier itself through which the trains could unload directly into the hold of the ships. Your access begins at the terminal of the railway, whose middle section rests in large arches on pillars of stone, separated by metal sections based on large iron beams. In 1998 he was declared of cultural interest for its historical, symbolic and aesthetic values. https://www.turismodealmeria.org/en/motivo-tematico/the-english-cable-structure/

Nestled in the heart of Almería, Aire de Almería is a place where history and relaxation blend seamlessly. This city, with its rich tapestry of influences, owes much to the eight centuries of Muslim presence which have left a lasting imprint on its culture and social customs. One of the most fascinating legacies they left behind is their adaptation of Roman Baths. These weren't just any baths. The Muslims refined them into opulent public baths that continued to captivate generations with their intricate designs and soothing experiences. Imagine stepping into a space where you can almost hear the whispers of history and feel the echoes of ancient rituals. The architecture alone is a marvel, with its graceful arches and serene ambience. It's a getaway that invites you to unwind while connecting with the past in a unique way. And while you're there, don't miss exploring the nearby Alcazaba of Almería. This fortress, with its towering walls and panoramic views, offers a glimpse into the city's storied past and is a must-visit for any history enthusiast.

The Andalusian Center of Photography, belonging to the Ministry of Culture of the Government of Andalusia, was established in 1992 to be the custodian of the photographic collections of the Imagine project and at the same time, to continue the work of promoting and disseminating photography both nationally and internationally. The Centro Andaluz de la Fotografía proposes a permanent institutional offer to treat photography from an interdisciplinary perspective where they have room for treatment and study of the image from different approaches. In October 2007 the new headquarters of the Andalusian Center of Photography in the old Liceo de Almeria, located in the historic center of the city was inaugurated. This building has been renovated and adapted to the needs of a photographic centre of the XXI century, which includes a large exhibition area of six hundred square meters, classrooms for workshops, living scanning, photographic set, library, screening room, archive, store and administrative offices. https://www.turismodealmeria.org/en/motivo-tematico/andalusian-centre-of-photography-c-f/

Nestled in the breathtaking landscape near the Cabo de Gata lighthouse, there's an enchanting spot that once buzzed with the activity of fishermen from days gone by. Today, this hidden gem has transformed into a diver's paradise. The shimmering waters beckon with their promise of underwater wonders, as vividly captured in this stunning photo. The area is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity, offering divers a chance to explore vibrant coral reefs and encounter a variety of sea life, including colorful fish and graceful sea turtles. Imagine the thrill of discovering this underwater world, where every dive feels like stepping into a living postcard. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a curious beginner, the beauty of this place is sure to capture your heart. The sparkling sunlight dancing on the water's surface adds a magical touch to the experience, ensuring that every moment spent here becomes a cherished memory.