Free walking tours in Almería and what to see

Must-sees

The visit starts at the Alcazaba, the great fortified complex that dominates the city from a hill. It was founded in the 10th century and has gardens, walls and views of the port and the La Chanca neighbourhood. Opposite, on San Cristóbal hill, you can see the wall that joins it to the rest of the old defences. Below is the cathedral, which looks like a fortress because of the pirate raids of the 16th century.

The centre is easy to walk. Plaza Vieja, with the town hall and its arcades, is a good starting point. The Paseo de Almería and Puerta de Purchena are the main shopping area. The Civil War shelters, a network of tunnels under the city, and the Cable Inglés, an old ore-loading pier by the sea, are worth a visit. The Museum of Almería rounds off the tour well.

Free tours and guided visits

Free walking tours usually cover the historic centre: the cathedral, Plaza Vieja, the outside of the Alcazaba and the streets of the centre, with Moorish history and local stories. You pay what you like at the end. Among the paid visits, the most useful is the guided tour of the Alcazaba, because the complex is large and makes more sense with explanations. Outside the city there are excellent trips. Cabo de Gata-Níjar Nature Park, with its coves and white villages, is the most popular. There are also outings to the Tabernas desert, where many westerns were filmed, and to Mojácar.

How long to spend

A day and a half is enough for the city. Spend a morning on the Alcazaba and the cathedral, and the afternoon on the centre, the Paseo and the shelters. On the second day you can see the Cable Inglés and the museum, or go on a trip. If you want to get to know Cabo de Gata at a relaxed pace, add at least one more day. With three or four days you will have time for the city, the beach and the surrounding area.

Where to stay

The historic centre, between the cathedral, Plaza Vieja and the Paseo de Almería, is the best base for exploring the city on foot. The monuments are close and there are lots of tapas bars. If you prefer to be by the sea, El Zapillo has a town beach and promenade, and is a walk or a bus ride from the centre. For getting to Cabo de Gata, either area works if you have a car.