bmibaby - Destinations: Almeria

best building:
The Alcazaba
The Alcazaba – the intrinsically beautiful fortress on the hill which casts a shadow over the Old Town – is the jewel of Almería. Built by the Moors with graceful battlements and towering pinkish walls, it was partially converted later by the Christian armies to withstand modern warfare This rambling defence which housed 20,000 troops and a royal family in its hey-day, is the must-see sight in Almería. Open from 9am-8.30pm. Entry free to European citizens with passport.
Where > Parque Ramón Castillo Pérez, Almeria. view map

best curiosity:
Cathedral-Fortress
In the historic quarter down below the Alcazaba, don’t miss the fortified cathedral. From certain angles it appears to be a castle, rather than a place of worship. Grab a beer or coffee in the pavement cafés in the nearby squares which offer a great view over this extravagant and quirky building. Open Monday-Friday from 10am-1.30pm and 4-6.30pm and Saturday from 10am-1pm.
Where > Plaza de la Catedral, Almeria. view map

best tapas:
Bodega Las Botas
The tapas bars are a recurring theme in Almería because they are everywhere. And the best thing about them is that, due to an age-old custom which is now defunct in most of Spain, your “tapa” actually comes free with your drink. You will usually be asked to choose from the array of offerings on the bar and many have found that they no longer need to visit a restaurant after several drinks and the free offerings. The only difficulty with the tradition is actually dragging yourself away from the bars before they close. At the centuries-old Bodega Las Botas you can sit at the oak barrels and enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional tavern with cured hams hang from the ceiling.
Where > Bodega Las Botas, Calle Fructoso Pérez, Almeria view map

best shopping:
Central Market
A trip to Almería’s central market also offers a taste of life in this vibrant Mediterranean city. For curiosity alone it’s worth a stroll around the stalls which stand off the Paseo de Almería. Here you will find the hustle and bustle – the character and the human contact of the genuine street market – along with the chance to pick up some real bargains. From the market, the aptly named Calle de las Tiendas (“Street of Shops”) is on the way back into the Old Town. It offers all sorts of shops selling a range of curiosities and fashion items. It has been one of Almería’s commercial hubs for centuries. Open Monday to Saturday until 2pm.
Where > Calle Aguilar de Campo, Almeria view map

best day trip:
Cabo de Gata natural park
If there’s one day trip to take from the city then it has to be to the Cabo de Gata natural park. This amazing coastal reserve was created by volcanic eruptions under the sea around 10 million years ago. It now contains some of the most amazing beaches and spectacular coastal scenery in Europe. It’s no wonder that it is has been used in a number of Hollywood blockbusters such as Peter O’Toole’s Lawrence of Arabia. The unspoiled fishing villages have top seafood restaurants, many of which look over the sea or the extinct volcanoes.
Where > The best bet is to drive yourself on the A-7 motorway as far as the turn off for San José. Head down the main road to San José – the main village in the park view map