Wondering if Almeria is worth visiting? As the lesser-known region of Southern Spain, Almeria is an emerging holiday destination that boasts experiences you won’t find anywhere else in Spain.

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Is Almeria worth visiting in 2025?

Where is Almeria?

Almería is located in the southeastern part of Spain, in the autonomous community of Andalusia. It lies along the Mediterranean coast, bordered by the provinces of Granada to the west and Murcia to the north. Almeria is not well established on the tourist track, as its famous neighbors like Malaga, Granada, or Seville.

What is Almeria known for?

Almeria is mostly known for the Tabernas Desert, Europe’s only true desert, making it a popular spot for Wild West town experiences. No wonder this unique Spanish landscape has attracted Hollywood, featuring in classics like The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly and Lawrence of Arabia. More recently, Almeria also appeared in Game of Thrones. In addition, the region of Almeria is famous for the Cabo de Gata Natural Park and some of the most spectacular, lesser-known Spanish beaches, like Playa de los Muertos. Within the European Union, Almeria is considered a major agricultural hub for fruits and vegetables, known for its extensive use of greenhouses. So, if you go shopping for Spanish food souvenirs in a local supermarket, you’ll notice that many greens and berries come from Almeria.

Best time to visit Almeria

The hottest months in Almeria are July and August. Although the temperature rarely drops below 25°C or rises above 35°C, there is very little shade. I would recommend visiting in the spring (April to June) or fall (September to October). Winter will still offer sunny days, but the evenings can be cooler, and it’s often quite windy in Almeria. Even though temperatures rarely drop below 6°C during the winter months, it’s a good idea to bring some extra layers with you.

How long to stay in Almeria?

I would recommend staying at least 4-5 days to fully explore the region. However, on a fast-paced itinerary, you can see most of the landmarks in 2-3 days. Additionally, on my list of Spanish road trips, I often suggest combining Almeria with Murcia. Alternatively, you could stay in Almeria’s Mojacar and visit Murcia via day trips.

Where to stay in Almeria?

As we visited Almeria with two small kids, our hotel options were quite limited since we needed a spacious room or a full flat. The only reasonable choice was Barcelo Cabo de Gata, which was a great option.

Unique experiences to book in Almeria

Almeria is a great destination for adventure lovers in Spain. Below, you can find a few of the most popular experiences not to be missed in Almeria:

Full-Day Western Theme Park Tour of Mini Hollywood (check availability)
Tabernas Desert 4WD Adventure (check availability)
Horse Riding Tour Through the Tabernas Desert (check availability)
Tabernas Desert Horse Riding – for experienced riders (check availability)
Cabo de Gata Natural Park Kayaking and Snorkel Excursion (check availability)
Cabo de Gata Caves and Los Muertos Sailing Tour (check availability)

Top Reasons To Visit Almeria

1. Unique Landmarks of Almeria

You’ll need at least a day to explore the city of AlmerIa, as there are quite a few unique landmarks to check out. The highlight is definitely the Alcazaba, one of the most stunning castles in Spain and also a filming location for Game of Thrones. The Alcazaba was built in the 10th century by the Arabs who ruled the area and was later taken over by the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella in the late 15th century. The city of Almeria and the Alcazaba were largely restored after the 1522 earthquake, the most destructive in Spain’s history. Main sights not to miss in Almeria include: the Alcazaba, the Cathedral of Almeria, the John Lennon statue, Almeria’s air raid shelters, La Rambla, and the mineral-loading dock, Cable Ingles. After a long day of sightseeing, you can head to the Arab baths and indulge in a relaxing spa experience. Due to the long Arab presence in the region, hammam is a popular activity in Southern Spain.

The Alcazaba Is almeria worth visiting — *The Alcazaba*

Top things to see in Almeria — *Cable Ingles in Almeria*

2. Las Tabernas Desert

One of the top otherworldly landscapes in Spain is the Las Tabernas Desert. This unique location has served as the backdrop for countless Hollywood movies and Spaghetti Westerns, including Lawrence of Arabia (1962), Cleopatra(1963), The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966), Once Upon a Time in the West (1968), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), Dance of the Vampires (2001), Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014), and more. The Las Tabernas Desert is the only true desert in Europe and evokes the dangerous landscapes of Arizona and California. To learn more about the Wild West town experience in Almeria, check out this post.

Las Tabernas Desert in Almeria Southern spain — *Oasys MiniHollywood*

Las Tabernas Desert in Almeria Fort bravo — *Fort Bravo*

3. Cabo de Gata Natural Park

Fans of Spanish natural parks can’t miss Cabo de Gata, known for its spectacular seashores and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean coast. While we visited with small kids and weren’t planning any hiking, even the drive there was stunning. Here are a few epic spots that will make you fall in love with Almeria: Monsul Beach, Vela Blanca Tower, Cabo de Gata Lighthouse, San Felipe Castle, Viewpoint of La Amatista, and Playa de Los Muertos Beach (one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain). In addition, Cabo de Gata is a unique kayaking destination in Spain.

Cabo de Gata Natural Park In Almeria — *San Felipe Castle in Cabo de Gata Natural Park*

Best Road Trips in Spain — *Driving across Cabo de Gata Natural Park*

4. Mojacar

For me, Mojacar is the prettiest of the famous white villages in southern Spain. While the town is touristy during the summer months, it is still not as overcrowded as other areas on Spain’s Costa Brava. In Mojacar, you’ll find traditional Spanish white-washed houses alongside a modern beach area full of trendy bars, hotels, and restaurants. So, Mojacar is definitely on my personal list of the most beautiful small towns in Spain. You can read more about all the things to see and do in Mojacar in this post.

mojacar almeria spain — *Mojacar is such a picture-perfect village*

5. Secret Villages in Almeria

While Almeria is a lesser-known Spanish destination, I wouldn’t entirely call it a hidden gem. However, if you enjoy exploring Spain off the beaten path, Almeria is a great choice, as it’s full of secret Spanish villages. Here’s the ultimate list of Almeria’s hidden small towns to explore the region like a local: Roquetas de Mar, Carboneras, Las Negras, Agua Amarga, Berja, Velez-Blanco, Seron, Lucainena de las Torres, Laujar de Andarax, Laroya, Gergal, Ohanes, Cuevas de Almanzora, Velez-Rubio and Cobdar.

Agua amarga villages in almeria — *Agua Amarga in Almeria*

6. Rodalquilar and Cortijo de Fraile

Dark Tourism enthusiasts can’t miss the ancient mines of Rodalquilar and Cortijo de Fraile, both of which are listed among the top spooky places in Spain. However, keep in mind that the road leading to both locations is unpaved and quite uncomfortable to drive.

Cortijo de Fraile was the crime scene of the infamous Crimen de Níjar (1928), a tragic event that has inspired several Spanish works, including Bodas de Sangre by Federico Garcia Lorca and Puñal de Claveles by Carmen de Burgos. This makes it a great spot for fans of contemporary Spanish literature. Although the place is now completely abandoned in the middle of nowhere, its desolate state only adds to its eerie atmosphere.

Rodalquilar is known for its mining history, particularly its gold mines, which were active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The village thrived during the mining boom, and several old mining structures, including the mining towers and the Rodalquilar Gold Mine, still stand abandoned as major historical landmarks of the region.

Cortijo de Fraile In Almeria mysterious places — *Cortijo de Fraile in Almeria*

7. Pulpi Geode Crystal Cave

The Pulpi Geode Crystal Cave, or La Geoda Gigante de Pulpí, is a relatively new tourist attraction in the region of Almeria – but it is epic. We couldn’t visit it during our last visit because children under 8 were not allowed. Additionally, you need to book your visit in advance, as tickets are limited.

8. Beaches of Almeria

Since Almeria is known for its warm Mediterranean climate with over 300 days of sunshine a year, it’s a great destination for beach lovers year-round. Whether you prefer quiet calas, long sandy stretches, or dramatic rocky shorelines, Almeria has beaches to suit all tastes, from family-friendly options like Playa de los Genoveses to the more secluded Playa de Monsul or Playa de los Muertos. The Mediterranean coast of Costa de Almeria is still not as well-known as Costa Blanca or Costa del Sol, so take advantage of this fact for as long as you can. Here’s an ultimate list of spots in case you’re visiting Almeria in search of beautiful beaches: Playa de Monsul, Playa de los Muertos, Playa de los Genoveses, Playa de las Negras, Playa de los Escullos, Playa de Agua Amarga, Cala de Enmedio, Playa del Playazo, Playa de las Salinas, and Playa de Aguadulce.