Things to see and do Almería

It is the main tourist attraction of Almería. After the Alhambra of Granada, it is the largest of the citadels built by the Arabs in the Iberian Peninsula and probably one of the most beautiful Andalusian fortresses because of its construction and its location on a hill from where you can superbly overlook the whole city, the medina and the modest district of La Chanca with its colourful facades. Looking at the Mediterranean horizon from the towers, we can better understand why the city became the most important sea exit from Al-Andalus. The Alcazaba was built by Abd al-Rahman III in 955, transformed and enlarged by Al-Mansur and then by Hayran, the first independent Emir of Almeria. It has three enclosures, two of Muslim design and a third of Christian origin. It was abandoned in the 19th century and restored in 1950. The visit of the first enclosure allows you to cross a whole area of very pleasant gardens with fragrant plants. In total, the tour includes 19 points that will introduce you to the Casa del Alcalde, built at the beginning of the 20th century by Prieto Moreno as a romantic tribute to the Alhambra, as well as Muslim casas reconstructed to evoke their domestic aspect and permanent exhibition sites. Both are located in the second enclosure and next to it you will find something to refresh yourself. Allow two hours for this visit. It can be completed by an ascent to the hillside of San Cristobal, the best viewpoint in the city.

Located 300 metres from City Hall, these underground shelters were used as shelters in 1936 and 1937 during the Spanish Civil War. Designed by architect Guillermo Langle Rubio, they are 9 metres deep and represent a total of 4.5 km of underground circuits, of which about 1 km has been recovered. The visit shows different spaces: the shop, the Guillero Langle refuge and the surgical space with all the instruments of the time. Today, they are the largest shelters of this type open to the public throughout Europe.

Located on Plaza Vieja, or Plaza de la Constitución, whose final appearance dates back to the middle of the 19th century, this building was built in 1899. Its cream and pink facade is charming. Access, strongly recommended, is via a small street or passages in arcades. In the centre, we will find the monument to the martyrs of freedom, an obelisk dedicated to the 24 liberals fighting against the despotism of Fernando VII and shot on 24 August 1824. If you spend this day there, you will be surprised to hear the Marseillaise accompany this commemoration.

This company linked to Viajes Solar organizes mini cruises, sea walks (from 16 €), excursions, fishing to the Bahia de Aguadulce, Cabo de Gata or Roquetas de Mar.