Almería holidays

How to reach Almería

• Flight time: From London and other UK airports, direct flights to Almería Airport take just over 3 hours.

• Transfer time: The airport bus will take approximately 25 minutes to take you to the city centre, which is 10km away. The transfer by taxi to central Almería is the fastest option, taking about 15 minutes.

• Price: From the airport to Almeria city centre, the bus is the cheapest option; a single trip starts at €1.05. Depending on the traffic, a taxi will cost between €20 to €25.

Weather and best time to visit Almería

With a sunny, mild climate year-round, Almería is a great destination to visit anytime. As a result, your decision on when to go will be largely determined by what you intend to do while there.

• April to June is one of the best times of year for exploring the city without the crowds. There is little to no rain, comfortable temperatures between 18°C to 25°C, and 9 to 11 hours of sunshine daily.

• July and August are very warm months, with daily highs often exceeding 30°C and up to 12 hours of sunlight each day. It’s the best time for beach holidays but be ready for intense sun.

• September to November provides ideal weather for sightseeing, and attractions are less crowded. Temperatures are a comfortable 20°C to 27°C with 7 to 9 hours of sun per day, however rainfall is slightly higher.

• December to March still sees 5 to 7 hours of sunshine each day and temperatures remain mild (ranging from 13°C to 18°C). With little precipitation, this time of year is excellent for escaping the British cold weather.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Spanish is the official language but English is commonly spoken in tourist regions.

• Local habits and customs: Typically, shops in Almeria close for a siesta between 2 and 5 in the afternoon, and dinner is served around 9 pm or later.

• Currency: Spain uses the Euro. Most establishments take major credit cards, and ATMs are conveniently located.

• Getting around: Buses and taxis are an efficient way of getting around but renting a car offers more flexibility. Bus fares within the city are priced at €1.05 per trip.

• Electricity and plug types: 220 volts is standard, with continental-style two-pin sockets. UK travellers will need an adapter.

• Time zone: Almería operates on Central European Time, which is 1 hour ahead of GMT, observing Daylight Saving Time.

Best things to do in Almería

Almería, a lovely city on the southeastern coast of Spain, is rich in historical landmarks and natural beauty. Whether you’re into culture, nature, adventure or relaxation, Almeria holidays have something suitable for all tastes.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Alcazaba of Almería: This historic stronghold, which is among Spain's biggest citadels, provides breathtaking views over the city and the Mediterranean.

• Cabo de Gata: Only a short drive from the city, this natural park offers magnificent coastal views, craggy cliffs and immaculate beaches.

The best districts

• Centro Histórico: The historic centre of Almería is full of charming streets, traditional shops and beautiful architecture. Don’t miss the Cathedral and the Plaza Vieja.

• La Chanca: A colourful district with houses carved into the rock, La Chanca is a unique area that reflects typical Almerían life.

Parks and gardens

• Parque Nicolás Salmerón: In the heart of the city, this palm-lined park is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic and affords views of the port.

• Jardín Botánico de la Universidad de Almería: This botanical garden is a peaceful spot to appreciate nature, showcasing a variety of plant species from the region.

Historical monuments

• Cathedral of Almería: The Gothic and Renaissance architecture of this unique fortress-cathedral has endured the test of time and is intriguing to explore.

• Civil War Shelters: Take a guided tour of the city's subterranean Civil War shelters to learn about its history and how it overcame adversity.

Day trips in the area

• Mojácar: This picturesque hilltop village is a must-visit due to its stunning whitewashed Andalusian buildings and panoramic views of the countryside and ocean. Discover our holidays to Mojacar.

• Tabernas Desert: Europe's only desert, Tabernas is famous for its dramatic landscapes which have served as a filming location for many spaghetti westerns.

• Las Negras: This quaint coastal village, located in the Cabo de Gata Natural Park, draws many visitors because of its beautiful beach and relaxed vibe.

Activities for families in Almería

On holidays to Almería there are tons of fun things to do that cater to all ages – from toddlers to teenagers – ensuring the whole family will have a blast.

• Interactive history sites: Older children will enjoy the interactive exhibits at the Museo de Almería, designed to encourage curiosity about the natural world and local history. Storytelling tours offered at the Alcazaba of Almeria transport children back to the times of kings and queens.

• Aquariums: Perfect as respite from the heat, the Aquarium Costa de Almeria is an excellent attraction for families, with interesting local information on aquatic life and touch tanks.

• Theme parks: If all that history and culture gets too much for the children, Oasys Mini Hollywood, a theme park in the Tabernas Desert, has a plethora of rides and activities for children of all ages.

Free things to do in Almería

Almería offers plenty of free activities to make your holiday both enjoyable and budget-friendly.

• Free museums: At specific times, admission to several museums in Almería, including the Museo de Almería, is free. It’s worth checking the websites before you visit.

• Free guided tours: Numerous organisations run complimentary guided walking tours of Almería that highlight the city’s rich history and architecture.

• Explore Almería by public transport: Surbus, the city's public bus system, is a cheap and convenient method to get around. For just €1.05 each way, routes L7 and L11 connect to all the main sights.

• Annual festivals: The city hosts free festivals, cultural events and open-air concerts year-round. Most noteworthy are the Feria de Almería in August and the colourful Almería Carnival in February, which both feature music, dance and traditional parades.

Wellness in Almería

• Spas and thermal baths: Several luxury hotels in Almería have spa facilities featuring thermal circuits with hot and cold pools. Inspired by Roman and Arab baths, the Aire de Almería offers a unique experience with varying temperatures of saltwater pools. A Kessa massage using locally grown olive oil, which softens and heals, is a traditional therapy.

Nature and outdoor activities

• National parks: Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park is renowned for its rocky coastline, volcanic rock formations and clean beaches. There are fantastic hiking, birdwatching and snorkelling opportunities in the park.

• Water sports: Due to its clear waters and favourable wind conditions, Almería’s shoreline is a popular spot for scuba diving, windsurfing, kitesurfing and stand-up paddleboarding.

• Adventure activities: For a thrilling adventure try mountain biking in the Sierra de Alhamilla on rocky trails, horseback riding on the beaches, or jeep, buggy and quad bike safaris in the Tabernas Desert.

• Hiking: Hiking routes in Almería’s national parks traverse interesting landscapes with breathtaking vistas. In Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, the Sendero de la Molata route takes in remote beaches and volcanic formations. The Calar Alto Observatory trail in the Sierra de Los Filabres rewards hikers with views of mainland Europe’s tallest astronomical observatory.

Discover Almería's Beaches on Your Holiday

Almería is renowned for its idyllic coastlines, making it a top choice for sun-seekers and nature lovers. Here’s what you can expect when you visit the beaches during your Almería holidays:

• Playa de los Genoveses - Untouched and scenic, this beach is nestled in the heart of Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park. Its wide, golden sands and crystal-clear waters make it a paradise for swimmers and sunbathers alike.

• Playa de Monsul - Famous for its unique volcanic formations and the backdrop to several film shoots, Monsul offers a dramatic landscape combined with fine sand and serene waters.

• Playa de Aguadulce - Popular among families and water sports enthusiasts, Aguadulce boasts well-developed amenities, including beach bars, showers, and rental facilities for a comfortable beach day.

• Playa de las Salinas - Known for its length and historical salt flats nearby, this beach is ideal for long, peaceful walks and bird watching, especially flamingos.

Each of these beaches offers something unique, ensuring that every day of your holiday can be a new adventure. Whether you’re planning a family trip, a romantic getaway, or a solo retreat, the beaches of Almería provide the perfect setting to relax and rejuvenate. Explore our tailored holiday packages to find the best options for an unforgettable seaside escape in Almería.

Local dishes in Almería

The culinary scene in Almeria is one of the biggest pleasures of a visit to the area, offering everything from fresh seafood to typical Spanish cuisine.

Some typical dishes

• Gazpacho: This chilled soup, made with tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, garlic and olive oil, is ideal for hot summer days.

• Ajo Blanco: Distinctive and full of flavour, this cold almond and garlic soup, sometimes accompanied by melons or grapes, is a feature of Andalusian cuisine.

Tapas dishes

• Patatas Bravas: These popular fried potatoes are served with a spicy tomato sauce and aioli – perfect for a hearty snack.

• Chorizo al Vino: Chorizo sausage is cooked in red wine to produce a rich and flavourful dish.

Meat dishes

• Jamón Ibérico: Thinly sliced, this flavoursome cured ham from acorn-fed Iberian pigs is a must-try.

• Plato Alpujarreño: Perfect for a filling meal, this hearty dish consists of sausage, ham, potatoes, peppers and fried eggs.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Calamares a la Romana: Often enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon, these squid rings battered and fried are simply delicious.

• Gambas al Ajillo: Served sizzling hot to the table, prawns sautéed in garlic and chilli embody the essence of Spanish seafood cuisine.

Sweets and desserts

• Churros con Chocolate: While technically a dessert, churros are often enjoyed as street food during festivals or for a late breakfast, dipped in thick hot chocolate.

• Pestiños: No visit to Almeria would be complete without trying pestiños, deep-fried pastries flavoured with sesame and anise, often glazed with honey or sugar.

Local drinks

• Sangría: A classic Spanish drink, consisting of red wine, a splash of brandy and fresh fruit, perfect for cooling down and unwinding on balmy summer days.

• Tinto de Verano: Similar to sangria, this refreshing drink is made with red wine and lemonade over ice.