At the rugged south-eastern corner of Spain, the peninsula known as Cabo de Gata - officially known as the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Nature Park - is, with its 29,000 hectares, Andalusia's largest coastal Nature Park. Contrasting dramatically with the arid, volcanic inland mountains- the Sierra de Cabo de Gata - the shoreline is composed of sand dunes and saltpans, making it the leading wetland of Almeria Province. The coast is composed of jagged cliffs and small, hidden coves with white sand beaches, slashed everywhere with parched gullies. The pristine waters of the peninsula are ideal for underwater photography and all types of fishing, as well as sailing and windsurfing, while the inland areas are ideal for mountain biking and land vehicle excursions.

The city of Almeria is located at the foot of a mountain range that is crowned by the magnificent Alcazaba, an Arab fortress (built by the Calph of Cordoba, Abd-erRahman) with three huge walled enclosures (in the second of which are remains of a mosque, converted to a chapel by the Catholic kings). In times of war, the Alcazaba could hold an army of more than 20,000 men. From here, there is a good view of the city's famed cave quarter, 'Barrio de la Chanca' and of the strange fortified Cathedral with its gothic style construction and renaissance facade. Dating from the 16th century, it was built during an era when the southern Mediterranean was terrorised by the raids of Barbarossa and other Turkish and North African pirate forces, its corner towers once held canons. Situated in the centre is the great altar with its wealth of priceless art work including a tabernacle dating from the 18th century, designed by Ventura Rodriguez, paintings by Alonso Canoñ; a typical Andalusian altar piece made by Araoz and the statue of St. Indaletius, the patron saint of Almeria, sculpted by Saizillo.

True historians will appreciate the Almeria Museum that contains numerous objects discovered by the well-known Belgian mining engineer, Louis Siret.

Gastronomic specialities include Gurullos (stew with pasta), Trigo (stew with grains of wheat, pork, beans and herbs), Gachas (hot and spicy clam stew) and Escabeche e Sardines (fresh sardines in hot sauce). As well as cultivating tourism over the past decade, Almeria has also cultivated innumerable plastic covered greenhouses and now produces the bulk of the province's fruit and vegetables, much of it for export.

The History of Almeria

A large Islamic fort, the Alcazaba, dominates the city and is the main reminder of Almeria's heyday when it was the major port of the Cordoba caliphate. It grew wealthy on trade and the textile industry with silk woven from the silkworms of the Alpujarras.

In 1489, the city was taken over by the Catholic Monarchs and its Muslim populace expelled soon thereafter. In 1522, Almeria was devastated by an earthquake and rebuilding and recovery did not really get underway until the 19th century.

Nijar

Much of Andalusia's attractive and unusual glazed pottery is made in this small town north east of Almeria and it is worth making the detour as it is a very charming pueblo and there are several reasonable hostels and restaurants located in and around the town centre.

Sorbas & Tabernas

The site of many Western movies, northern Almeria is a virtual lunar landscape with canyons and rocky wastes. Clint Eastwood, Raquel Welch, Charles Bronson were all here before the big time movie industry moved on leaving behind their Wild West film set which is now open as a tourist attraction.

Sorbas

The town is on the edge of a deep abyss overlooking the Rio de Aguas. It has an interesting 16th century church & 17th century mansion said to have been a summer retreat of the Duke of Alba. Local pottery is also available here & nearby are the fascinating Yesos de Sorbas caves.

Tabernas

The site of many Western movies, northern Almeria is a virtual lunar landscape with canyons and rocky wastes. Clint Eastwood, Raquel Welch, Charles Bronson were all here before the big time movie industry moved on leaving behind their Wild West film set which is now open as a tourist attraction.

Vera

A town located not far south east of Huércal Overa towards Mojácar.
Vera is in the middle of the dessert. There is not one tree to be found here . The rigged landscape with its exquisite colours makes the whole place look a bit alien.

Cantoria

A village located west from Huércal Overa towards Baza, off the A 334 road.
When in Cantoria take the very narrow road C3325. This road is not in very good condition but the breathtaking view from the 2000-meter high Sierra de los Filabres makes it worth your while. You can try to go even further to Tahal but the road is very bad. A 4-wheel drive is necessary.