3 Days in Almería: The Hidden Gem of Spain
Written By Caty Neeser
If you’re the type of traveler who craves the real deal when exploring a new country, I have just the place for you. While I may be a bit biased, as I’ve lived here for the past two years, Almería is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a truly authentic Spanish experience.
Almería boasts charming alleyways packed with little shops, traditional tapas restaurants, a wide range of cultural activities, and a lovely beach to bask in the sun. The city also experiences 320 days of sunshine per year, so you are almost guaranteed pleasant weather during your visit. To top it all off, you won’t have to worry about tourist traps, pickpocketing, or long waits, as the city remains a hidden gem.
The next time you find yourself in Spain, make sure to add Almería to your itinerary and see for yourself why I never want to leave.
DAY ONE
Breakfast
Almería is very traditional, so no matter where you go, you will be served one thing and one thing only: a tostada. However, the quality and service at Cream is the best, so you will start your day off there.
A tostada is essentially just a good piece of bread with olive oil and salt, but most commonly it’s topped with tomate and jamón (tomato puree and cured ham). All I knew how to order my first month in Spain was a “tostada con tomate y jamón,” so I’ve personally overdosed on them, but you have to give it a try. The coffee here is also soooo good.
Refugios de la Guerra Civil
After breakfast, you’re going to head for the Refugios de la Guerra Civil (civil war shelters) for a history lesson. You must pre book a tour here.
Many are completely unaware, as was I prior to moving to Spain, that the country endured a horrific civil war from 1936 to 1939. The war was fought between the Nationalists and Republicans which ultimately resulted in the Nationalists victory and the installment of a dictatorship until 1975.
Almería was a Republican city that faced regular bombings from the Republican party and their supporters — supporters as in Nazi Germany. The underground tunnels were built so citizens could seek refuge during an attack.
During your tour, you learn more about life during the war and the impact it had on Almería. I highly recommend doing this first, because it will make you look at the entire city differently.
Unfortunately tours are only offered in Spanish, but if you don’t speak it, don't let it be a reason you don’t go! Do your research beforehand and it will still be a fascinating experience to see them in person.
Exploring the Center
To wind down after the refugios, you are going to stroll the city center’s shops and monuments.
The main street in Almería is called the Paseo de Almería. Here you will find jewelry kiosks, clothing stores, perfumerias, cafes, and more. I recommend heading to Paseo 79, a very cute concept store, where you will surely find yourself some souvenirs. The Mercado Central (Central Market) is also located right off the paseo and is a great place to buy traditional Spanish foods, such as cured meats, olives, and cheese.
You also will want to visit the Cathedral and Plaza Vieja (the town hall square) to see the best of Almería’s architecture. This part of town has lots of little streets filled with shops to stroll through, my favorites being Arte21 and the Andywalen Vintage Shop.
Lunch Time
When traveling through Southern Spain you will have plenty of opportunities to get a small taste of Moroccan culture, and you absolutely should!
That’s why you’re heading to Teteria Almedina Baraka for lunch. Not only is the food incredible, but the tiles and tapestry will make you forget you’re in Spain at all. Check out the rooftop for a view of the city.
Alcazaba
Alcazaba, meaning fortress, is like the Alhambra of Almería. Plopped on a hill that towers over the city, construction began in 955 by the Moors and was later renovated by the Christians. While much smaller than the fortress in Granada, you can still enjoy panoramic views and marvel at what remains of the massive fortress.
Entry is 1.50€ and hours of operation can be found here.
Siesta
After a long day exploring, it's time for another traditional Spanish experience: the Siesta! Not only will you be tired, but most shops, cafes, and restaurants will be closed from the hours of 3:00-6:00 pm. So head back to your hotel and rest up!
Tapas Tour
Almería is one of the only cities left that offers free tapas with every drink order (beer or wine). To take advantage of this amazing deal, you’re going to head out on a tapas tour. It’s common in Spain to move to multiple locations for dinner, so you’ll fit right in.
Here’s a list of some of my favorite tapas restaurants that are all located close to one another:
La Consentida (only offer tapas on weeknights)
La Bambalina (this is located in a really cute alleyway packed with restaurants)
DAY TWO
Breakfast
You will start your day off at La Favorita, which is un-ironically one of my favorite cafes. I recommend ordering a glass of their fresh squeezed orange juice with your tostada.
Walk La Avenida Federico Garcia Lorca and Cable Ingles
Federico Garcia Lorca is the other main avenue of the city. It is divided in the center by a lovely paved path for pedestrians. There are statues, fountains, palm trees, and flowers to enjoy on this morning stroll.
You will then head to the Cable Ingles (English Cable) for a wonderful view of the entire city and sea. Read here for the history of the structure and hours of operation. It is free to walk, just make sure to get there by 12:30 to be allowed entry.
The Beach
After getting your steps in, it's finally time to go to the beach. The city of Almería has nearly 2 miles of beach for you to choose from. I typically set up camp in front of Alehop.
Lunch Time
Running parallel to the beach is the Paseo Maritimo with endless restaurants to choose from for lunch.
Here are a few of my favorite options:
This was the first place I ate in Spain and I’ve been back 100 times since. They offer traditional Spanish tapas that are extremely cheap but so delicious. I recommend trying carne con tomate, berenjenas con miel, chorizo, and patatas bravas.
You can never go wrong with Italian food!
Located a bit farther down the beach you will find several chiringuitos (restaurants plopped right in the sand) to choose from. I would recommend these to anyone who really loves seafood or anyone who really wants to experience the beach vacation vibes.
Siesta
Given that you’re already on the beach, you can opt to finish your siesta there or head back to your hotel. You are really going to need it because later you’re hitting the streets of Almería for a night out -Spanish Style. Which means not entering a club until at least 2am.
Dinner
To start off your long night, you’re going to treat yourself to a nice dinner at Saona. By Almería’s standards, this place is pricier, but by U.S. standards it's one of the best deals you will ever see. They offer menus that include an appetizer, entree, and dessert for as little as 12 euros. It is brand new and offers a very chic aesthetic.
Night Out
Believe it or not, it’s 11:00 pm but your night has just begun. Just a few minutes away from where you had dinner, is a plaza filled with places to grab a drink. My favorite is Santa Madonna.
If you’re feeling brave and ready to dance, you can head over to Porron or Alambique around 1:00 am for level 2 of going out. And if you really want to earn your Spanish badge of honor, you will head to the club no earlier than 2:00am and stay until at least 5:00am…. I know. I don’t know how they do it. Berlin is my favorite, but La Clásica is also a fun option.
DAY THREE
Churros
You’ve tried the tostada already, so it’s time for another Spanish delicacy, churros. Make sure to order a side of chocolate or a coffee to dip them in!
My favorite cafe for this is Coimbra. Keep in mind they are typically served in the morning or around 5:00pm for “merienda,” meaning snack time.
Spa Day
To recover from your long night out, you’re going straight to the spa. Inspired by the ancient baths once used in roman civilization, Aire Spa provides an unbelievably relaxing experience. You can choose just to do the thermal baths, or opt for a spa package and pick one of their many massages.
Dinner
For your last night in Almería, you are actually going to leave the capital and head to the neighboring town, Aguadulce. The Port of Aguadulce offers plentiful options for dinner, all with a view of the sea and surrounding mountains.
My favorite restaurants are PORUNBESO or Stanley & De Marco.
You can easily take a bus from this stop. It is about a 15 minute ride and will cost 1,50€, which you will need in cash. Or you can call a taxi, but it will cost about 20€ each way.
As you can see Almería really does have it all. It’s no Sevilla or Barcleona, but that’s what makes it so special! It’s size, charm, and authenticty are guarenteed to impress anyone looking for a more off the beaten path destination.
This itinerary only covers the capital city, but there is sooo much more to do in the surrounding province of Almería, like Mini Hollywood and Cabo de Gata. Be on the look out for more guides that will help you explore it all!
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