Where to stay in Almería – A Guide to this Andalusian City
Almería is a city located in the southeast of Andalusia. Almería is the capital of the namesake province and is located on the Mediterranean coast. Almería is famous for its historic quarter dating back to the 10th century, its citadel, its museums and for being a major port in southeast Spain. In this article, we will explore the best areas to stay in Almería, Spain.
Why you should visit Almería
Founded by the Arabs in the 10th century, in a territory formerly inhabited by the Iberians and later the Romans, Almería has a fascinating history. Its strategic location and natural port made it an important commercial city in al-Andalus during Muslim rule.
Almeria’s main historical attractions are scattered around its beautiful historic city centre. The magnificent monumental complex of La Alcazaba is a fortified citadel on top of a hill. On the other hand, the Cathedral of the Incarnation has been rebuilt and remodelled over the centuries since its inception as the main mosque of the city. Other historical and cultural attractions in Almería include the Museum of Almería, the English Cable, the Andalusian Centre of Photography and the Spanish Civil War Shelters. Find accommodation in Almería’s Historic City Centre.
Almería also offers some urban beaches, mainly located east of the city’s port. The most popular beaches in the city of Almería are Zapillo Beach and San Miguel Beach.
The busy Almería ferry port, one of the main connecting points between mainland Spain and North Africa, means this Andalusian city is an important stop for passengers on their way to their final destination. Find accommodation around Puerto de Almería.
When to visit Almería
Thanks to its coastal location in southern Spain, Almería has a semi-arid climate the influence of the Mediterranean Sea moderates the weather conditions. Summers are warm, with average temperatures hovering between 22 and 31 ºC. On the other hand, winters are mild, with temperatures that rarely drop below 9 ºC and can reach up to 18 ºC. The best time to visit Almería is between April and November. From spring to fall, the city’s temperatures are suitable for outdoor activities and going to the beach.
Getting there and around
To fly to Almería, this city is served by the Almería Arisport (LEI). Located about 9 kilometres east of the city centre, this small Andalusian airport offers a handful of domestic flights (to Madrid, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Bilbao, Valencia and Seville) and some European connections to the United Kingdom, Germany and France.
Almería is also connected by train through the Mediterranean corridor with services to Murcia, the Valencian Community and Catalonia, and regional trains to Granada and Seville. Find train schedules, routes and fares. Additionally, Almería is also very well-connected by ferry. This city has ferry connections with various cities in North Africa, such as Melilla, Nador, Oran and Ghazaouet. Find ferry schedules, routes and fares.
The best way to move around Almería y reach other areas in the province is by rental car. If you prefer to use public transport, the city has several urban bus routes, taxis and mobile applications (such as Uber and Cabify).
Where to stay in Almería
The best area to stay in Almería is the Historic City Centre. Almería’s Old Town is home to the main museums, historical and cultural attractions, excellent nightlife, restaurants and some of the best accommodation in the city. The centre is also very well-connected to the port and the train station. Find accommodation in Almería City Centre.
Other excellent areas to consider when choosing the best areas for tourists in Almería include the Port of Almería and the city’s urban beaches.
Keep reading to learn more about the best areas to stay in Almería, Spain.
The Best Areas to Stay in Almería, Andalusia
1. Recommended area: Historic City Centre (Centro Histórico de Almería)
The Historic Center of Almería is located at the foot of the imposing Alcazaba (citadel) of the city.
This historic area follows the typical layout of the Arab medinas, with narrow winding streets and a multitude of historic buildings.
At the top of the highest hill, you’ll find the Alcazaba, an ancient fortified city built in the 10th century. The Alcazaba of Almería is one of the best examples of Islamic military architecture in Spain and is open to the public.
The Cathedral of Almería is one of the most curious cathedrals in Spain. Built on the old mosque, this church stands out for its thick walls and fortified appearance.
The Refuges of the Spanish Civil War of Almería are a complex of anti-aircraft bunkers dug six metres underground to protect the people of Almería from the constant air attacks of the Condor Legion during the Civil War.
In the historic centre, you can find other cultural attractions such as the Almería Guitar Museum and the Andalusian Center of Photography.
Almería’s Old Town is compact enough to walk around on foot and is very well-connected by the city’s urban bus system.
Both the train station and the city’s port are within walking distance.
The accommodation offer in the city centre is the most varied in Almería and includes simple family-owned properties, tourist apartments and boutique hotels with spectacular views.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Almería:
- Historical attractions
- Ferry and cruise port
- Museums and cultural attractions
- Wide variety of accommodation
- Connected by public transpor
Accommodation in this area
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AC Hotel by Marriott Almería
Located in the cultural and commercial center of Almería, AC Hotel Almeria offers a seasonal rooftop pool and spacious rooms with air conditioning, a 6-minute walk from the Alcazaba fortifications.
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Budget
La Pita Guesthouse
Conveniently located La Pita Guesthouse offers accommodation with free WiFi in Almería, 200 meters from Almería Cathedral and 500 metres from Alcazaba de Almería. It has family rooms, a terrace, a shared kitchen, a shared lounge and a tour organisation service.
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Luxury
Aire Hotel & Ancient Baths
This hotel, which offers elegant rooms with free Wi-Fi and satellite TV, is set in a renovated 19th-century building and features Arabic baths and a roof terrace with a pool and views of the Alcazaba of Almería.
2. Port of Almería
The Port of Almería is located on the coast of the Gulf of Almería, in front of the historic centre of the city.
This important terminal offers frequent ferry connections to North Africa, specifically to Melilla, Algeria (Oran and Gazhaouet) and Morocco (Nador).
The port of Almería also serves as a stop for tourist cruises around the Mediterranean and offers marina facilities.
This area has some tourist attractions such as the English Cable, an old railway infrastructure designed by one of Eiffel’s disciples, the Mirador del Muelle de Levante, the Plaza de las Velas and the Doña Pakyta Art Museum.
As you might expect, the port is one of the best areas to stay in Almería for ferry passengers and travellers who need to be close to the ferry terminal.
3. Almería Beaches
Almería has excellent beaches, renowned for the quality of their sand and the cleanliness of their water.
All urban beaches in Almería are located southeast of the port. Most of the beaches have moderate waves and golden sands. All the beaches between the city centre and the mouth of the Andarax river are all fully serviced.
Playa de San Miguel is the closest to the historic centre and stretches for two kilometres, thanks to its proximity and ease of access by public transport it is one of the most popular beaches in Almería.
A little further to the southeast is Playa del Zapillo, with calmer waters and dark sands, it is the busiest beach in the city of Almería.
Finally, Ciudad Luminosa Beach, also better known as La Térmica Beach, is quieter and has a scenic breakwater.
The entire beach area of Almería is well-connected by public transport and the hotel offer consists almost entirely of tourist apartments.
Accommodation in this area
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|ES| Dónde alojarse en Almería, España.
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