Portray of the Destination
The first noticeable feature of Almería is its Mediterranean character. This ancient main port of
Al-Andalus is nowadays an open and warm city, accustomed to welcoming people from all over the
world. From the Muslim atmosphere of La Chanca to the modern large avenues and promenades, the city
shows its splendour with all its different artistic styles and contrasted airs bathed by the
sunlight that shines all year round.
The Parque Nicolás Salmerón is on the verge of an ancient medina, the gate to the Alcazaba
Citadel. Many interesting churches and convents are situated along the city's narrow streets,
inviting visitors to discover the richness of the city's sacred heritage, with the Cathedral being
its greatest symbol. The Plaza Vieja comes into view as a haven of peace, the perfect place to have
a rest. Outside the historical quarter, the streets become even broader and the buildings reflect
the 19th century splendour. The Rambla, always crowded, leads to the Port and the Almadrabillas
beach, dominated by the old mineral loading point known as the Cable Inglés. The Railway Station
and the Museum, situated in modern Almería, are the last spots to be visited of this beautiful city
that has overlooked the sea since the ancient times.
The historical quarter of the city houses a tremendous wealth of bars and restaurants where
you can enjoy delectable
tapas and traditional dishes, blending the monumental
visit with gastronomic pleasure. Besides the view, the visitor should also appreciate the city for
its culinary offer. The sun and the beach are more reasons to visit Almería in any season since the
city enjoys an exceptional climate. During festival periods, the city dresses in all its finery,
another reason to discover this Mediterranean hideaway.
We would like to thank the Almería City Council for the text and photographs provided.
Visit:
www.aytoalmeria.es
Geography
The landscapes and the fauna of Almería is an attraction for peace and nature lovers. No noise, no
litter around its natural surroundings, and each region has its own special features, making them
the main tourist points of Almería. In addition to the extensive and well-known Natural Parks of
Sierra Nevada, Cabo de Gata-Nijar and Sierra Maria-Los Vélez, there are also spectacular natural
areas in the Alpujarra of Almería. Examples of these include the mountains of Sierra de las
Estancias, Gádor, and Los Filabres. Considered the green lung of Almería, Los Filabres is
also the location of the Astronomical Observatory of Calar Alto. The Peñón del Negro, the Arroyo
Verruga Shelter, and the viewing point of Las Víboras offer great views of the pine woods where a
great number of birds of prey fly by, like the impressive Golden Eagle or the Booted Eagle.
The mountains of Sierra de Cabrera-Bédar stretch along the coast with their extensive woods
of holm oaks, cork oaks and pine trees, a habitat where visitors can observe the spur thighed
tortoise, an endangered species. Bird lovers will undoubtedly enjoy the species that can be seen by
the wetlands which are formed both by the estuary of the River Antas and the salt flats of Guardias
Viejas.
Climate
Almería holds the honour of being the city with more daylight hours per year, a total of 3,000
hours. The yearly average temperature is 18/19ºC and its seawater is warmer than its atmosphere in
winter, perfect for year-round swimming. The climate of Almería is typically Mediterranean, warm
and dry, and Almería stands out for having usually clear and bright skies. This makes Almería the
perfect year-round holiday destination, where you can enjoy its beaches or practise any kind of
activity or sport as well as admiring its historical and artistic heritage, nature landscapes and
very interesting caves.
When to go
Almería can be visited all year round. However it is better to do it during the spring or summer
due to the nice weather. In August the local festivities of Almería take place, known as the
Feria de agosto (August Fair). This takes places during
the last two weeks of August, the ideal time to enjoy the fun.
History
Almería's history is marked by the traces left by many different civilizations. Although there are
palaeolithic remains and important Stone Age cave paintings, it was in the Copper Age, during the
Chalcolithic period, when the first settlements began to appear; the Los Millares settlement, with
more than a thousand inhabitants and a culture based on the copper metallurgy, extended all over
the Iberian Peninsula during the third millennium BC. During the Bronze Age, between 1700 and 1400
BC, the important culture of El Argar developed in eastern of Almería. The settlements of Baria
(Villaricos) and Abdera (Adra) were witnesses of the Phonetician civilization in the lands of
Almería. These settlements had contact with the Greek and became Carthaginian when the Punic
civilization spread to south-east Spain.
The conflict with Roma marked the end of the Carthaginian presence and the arrival of new
settlers. We can still admire the ruins of fish-salting factories which shows the existence of a
flourishing trade, with its main outcome being
garum, a fish-based sauce seasoned with herbs, which was
considered a delicacy at the time.
After many years of Roman domination, Almería was taken over by the Vandals, the Visigoths
and the Byzantines. However, having settled in the area for some eight centuries, the Islamic
civilisation is by far the most influential culture in the region. At the beginning of the 8th
century, the Arabs, Yemeni to a large extent, and the Berbers arrived in Almería, developing an
agriculture which had as a result a substantial landscape transformation. In the year 955, the
building of the Alcazaba (the second biggest Muslim fortress in the Iberian Peninsula, after the
Alhambra) was ordered by Abd-ar-Rahman III, with the idea of holding back the threat of the Fatimid
Caliphate. This was the official birth of the city of Almería, which was until that moment was the
port area of Pechina. This new town became the main port of the Caliphate of Cordoba, developing
important trade links between the Eastern Mediterranean and North Africa.
The downfall of the Caliphate of Cordoba led to the founding of the Taifa kingdom of Almería.
The silk industry was Almería's main source of wealth during the 11th century. With the end of the
Almerian Taifa Kingdom at the hands of the Almohads, the city was still a trading centre strongly
desired by the Christian Kingdoms. Emperor Alfonso VII, backed up by Catalans, Genoeses, Pisans and
Franks, led a crusade against the city and conquered it in 1147. However, Almería soon regained its
Muslim background under the Almoravids after a short Christian dominance of ten years until the
takeover by the Catholic Monarchs in 1489.
Even though newcomers continued arriving in Almería, earthquakes and continuous pirate
attacks had its decadent effects on the city. Almería remained in a lethargy until the 19th
century. The mining industry and the grape culture provided prosperity to the city for decades when
a flourishing bourgeoisie emerged as a result. From the 1950s, the province suffered a period of
demographic decline. Over the last years, Almería has become the promised land for North-African
and Eastern European immigrants looking for a better life.
Traditions
The idiosyncrasies and distinctive personality of the locals are best displayed in their customs
and festivals, occasions which give an outlet to festive celebration and folk heritage, the result
of centuries of deep-rooted traditions. Worth noting in these festivals are the typical costumes of
the province, such as the "refajona" and the "curro", which have become a cultural symbol.
In Almería there is a certain element generally found in the manifestation of its culture:
fire. This is the main feature of the celebrations
Noche de San Juan (St. John's Night), a symbolic
Mediterranean element in this Andalusian province.
Romerías, or gatherings at local shrines, is both playful
and religious, in which horses play an important role. However, the best examples of deep-rooted
traditions in different towns of the province are the festivals of
Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians), where the
ancient battles between Moors and Christians are reenacted. The costumes of this festival
constitute one of the most elaborated and surprising features. The festival of Mojácar stands out
among all, but the other important saints festivals are celebrated along the Western and Eastern
coasts and in the inland areas as well.
Very similar are the
Juegos Moriscos de Aben Humeya, celebrated annually in
Purchena every summer. The Almería Festival, in mid-August, lasts ten days and is divided into the
daytime
Feria del Mediodía, which takes place in the city centre,
and the nocturnal
Feria de la Noche, with a wide array of pavilions. The
festival of Our Lady of Carmen and the
Día de la Vieja, mainly celebrated in the east area,
complements the calendar of festivals in the province. Every 29 December a typical fishing
festival, known as
Las Moragas, is held at Roquetas de Mar, in which grilled
fish and meat are prepared and eaten on the beach.
Gastronomy
Walking along the warm streets and towns of Almería offer invigorating and delightful surprises at
mealtime, thanks to the varied cuisine on offer. This Andalusian location is a perfect place to
enjoy the typical "tapeo" together with a refreshing beer or the local wines. In the city of
Almería, the quarters of Pescadería, Aquitán and in Cabo de Gata, among others, are the best places
for fresh fish and meals seasoned with the excellent oils from Tabernas and La Alpujarra, always
garnished with the best seasonal products. Should you wish to try a traditional home-made meal, we
recommend the
migas (fried breadcrumbs),
patatas a lo pobre (fried potatoes with pepper and onion),
embutidos (cold meats) or pork loin. These tapas can be
found in the small villages surrounding Almería. Finally, for dessert, the local pastry is
recommended.
Basic Dictionary
Yes:si. No:no. Hello:hola. Good bye:adios. Good morning:buenos días. Good afternoon:buenas tardes.
Good night:buenas noches. Please:por favor. Sorry:lo siento. Thank you:gracias. Doctor:médico.
Pharmacy:farmacia. Numbers: 1:un. 2:dos. 3:tres. 4:cuatro. 5:cinco. 6:seis. 7:siete. 8:ocho.
9:nueve. 10:diez. 11:once. 12:doce. 13:trece. 14:catorce. 15:quince. 16:dieciséis. 17:diecisiete.
18:dieciocho. 19:diecinueve. 20:veinte. 21:veintiuno. 22:veintidós. 30:treinta. 40:cuarenta.
50:cincuenta. 60:sesenta. 70:setenta. 80:ochenta. 90:noventa. 100:cien. 1000:mil. Days of the week:
Monday:lunes. Tuesday:martes. Wednesday:miércoles. Thursday:jueves. Friday:viernes.
Saturday:sábado. Sunday:domingo. Common words: big/small:grande/pequeño. Hot/Cold:caliente/frío.
Open/Closed:abierto/cerrado. Good/bad: bueno/malo. New/old:nuevo/viejo. Push/Pull:empujar/tirar.
Entrance/exit:entrada/salida. Ladies/Gentlemen:señoras/señores. Far/near:lejos/cerca.
Left/Right:izquierda/derecha. Taxi:taxi. Bus:autobús. Meals: Breakfast:desayuno. Lunch:comida.
Dinner:cena. Menu:menú. Wines:vinos. Dessert:postre. The bill:la cuenta. Common sentences: Do you
speak English?:¿Habla inglés?. I don´t understand:no entiendo. where is it?:¿donde está? How much
is it?:¿Cuánto es? What time is it?:¿Qué hora es? Could you help me?:¿Puede ayudarme?
Currency
The official currency is the Euro. The banknotes are of 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 Euros. Also coins of 1 and 2 Euros, 50 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. It can be changed in any Foreign Exchange office, although it is advantageous in any bank.
Currency Exchange
1 EUR (Euro) = 1.20 USD (United State Dollar)
1 EUR (Euro) = 0.66 GBP (Sterling Pound)
Prices
Compared with other European Union countries, and, perhaps due to its tourist reputation, Spain is
one of the cheapest countries for travelling. Obviously, prices depends on the season. The peak
season is summer and the low season winter.
Useful Info
Official nameAlmería
CountrySpain
Time Zone+1 GMT
Official LanguageSpanish
Surface area8,774 square km
Population611,037
Political RegimeConstitutional Monarchy
Public holidaysJanuary 1: New Year's Day
January 6: Epiphany
February 28: Day of Andalusia
May 1: Labour Day
June 24: St John's Day
August 15: Assumption
August 25: Our Lady of El Mar
October 12: Columbus Day (Día de la Hispanidad)
November 1: All Saint's Day
December 6: Spanish Constitution Day
December 8: Immaculate Conception
December 25: Christmas Day
ReligionThe principal religion of Spain is Roman Catholicism, yet there is generally freedom of worship.
Judaism and Islam are also commonly practiced.
ReligionRoman Catholic
Arrival / DepartureAlmería is within easy reach from any place in Europe. The airport is located only a few minutes
from the capital and connects the main Spanish and European capital cities. Almería is a port city
that receives ships and cruisers arriving from many countries, covering scheduled lines to the
ports of Melilla, Nador (Morocco) and Ghazaouet (Algeria), in the north African coast. By road, the
rest of the region is easily reached through the “Autovía del Mediterráneo” (Mediterranean
Motorway), and the A-92 road links Granada and Almería via Guadix. A complete road network covers
the region, connecting the capital with the northern towns and Níjar, as well as the roads that
pass through the Natural Park.
SafetyTaking into account the importance of tourism in Spain, the security of all visitors is a true
priority for the country. However, some general recommendations are given to visitors, such as only
carrying the required amount of money when going out and not the total amount taken for the
holiday. Precautions also need to be taken in busy places to prevent possible thefts.
VisaEU citizens do not need a visa to enter Spain. Nor do citizens of the United States, Argentina,
Mexico, Brazil and the rest of the Latin American countries, although a return ticket must be
bought. Travellers from Australia, Anguilla, Bermuda, Canada, Cyprus, South Korea, Hong Kong,
British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Israel, Japan, Macao, Malaysia, Montserrat, New Zealand,
Saint Helena, Singapore and Turk & Caicos do not need a visa provided that they do not stay for
more than 90 days in Spain. Visitors from other countries may enter the country on the Schengen
visa, which is valid for 90 days in the Schengen zone.
ClothingThere are no rules about clothing in Almería, as it depends on the season, location and
circumstances. General casual and comfortable clothing should be worn without forgetting warm
clothing in January and very thin clothing in summer.
Electricity220 volts, 50mhz. The Continental-style plug (two circular pins) is used.
Radio and TelevisionThe main radio stations in Almería are: A C L Radio 107.1, Alhama Radio / 107.2 Cadena Cien Almería
/ 97.1,Cadena Dial Almeria / 96.2,Cadena Energia / 88.2,COPE Almeria / 1.224 AM,Europa FM /
93.8,Kiss FM / 104.1,Los 40 Principales / 95.7, M 80 Radio / 99.0, Onda Cero Radio / 1.341 AM,Onda
Sur - Almeria Top Radio / 106.1,Punto Radio / 91.6, Radio Alboran / 88.1,Radio Andalucia
Información / 90.5, Radio Ciudad de Almeria / 98.1, ,Radio Marca / 99.5,Radio SER Almeria /
88.8,Radio TV Información / 107.8,Radioactividad Onda Joven / 98.1,Spectrum FM Costa de Almeria /
92.6.
The local TV stations Indalo TV, Huercál-overa TV, Ejido TV, Canal Sur TV and Canal 28 can be
viewed in Almería, as well as the state channels.
TelephoneThe Spanish international code is 34 and the Almería code is 957. To make a phone call to another
country you must first dial 00 and then the international code of the country you would like to
call and finally dial the subscriber phone number. For phone calls within Spain an special code is
not required. The mobile phone technology used in the Spanish territory is GSM, but in many cases
it is not compatible with some of the technologies used in other countries like the United States
and Japan.
The most important mobile phone operators are Amena (www.amena.com), Movistar/Telefónica
Móviles (www.movistar.tsm.es) and Vodafone (www.vodafone.es). Telephone booths are easily found
along the streets and they work with coins or phone cards. You can also visit a
locutorio, which is a call centre where you can make calls
at very cheap rates. Coins or phone cards are not needed, just pay at the till (cash only) at the
end of your call. Here you can also send and receive fax and access the internet.
Police062
Ambulance061
Fire Brigade080
Tourist health care services112
Newspapers and MagazinesApart from the national newspapers, Almería publishes the local newspapers
La Voz de Almería and
El Diario de Almería. Regarding magazines, the provincial
magazine
Almería Verde is worth a look, as well as the national
periodicals.
Postal ServiceThe postal service is efficient. Mail sent within Europe takes between 3 and 5 days to reach their
destination. A registered letter costs 2.50 Euros minimum. For the addresses of post offices in
Almería visit
www.correos.es
Opening hours: 8:30am to 9:30pm and Saturdays from 8:30am to 14pm (depending on the office).
Health Care ServicesThe health care service of Almería, as well as in all of Spain, offers permanent health assistance
to the entire population in their corresponding zone. These services offer professional care to all
patients. Take care during hot weather to avoid the risk of sunstroke. Spain has a reciprocal
health assistance agreement with all other EU countries, so EU tourists can receive free or reduced
cost medical assistance by showing their European Health Insurance Card (the old E-111 form). This
card must be obtained before travelling.
The principal hospitals of Almería are:
-
Hospital Torrecardenas: Bda. Torrecárdenas, S/N.
Tel: 950 016 000
-
Hospital Provincial Santa Maria Magdalena: Pl. Dr.
Gómez Campana, S/N. Tel: 950 017 600
-
Hospital Cruz Roja: Ctra. Ronda 196. Tel: 950 017
400
The principal health centres are:
-
Hospital Virgen del Mar: Ctra. del Mamí, km 1.
Tel: Enquiries: 950 217 180 ; Emergency: 950 217 240
-
Clínica Mediterráneo: C/ Nueva Musa s/n (Urb.
Nueva Almería) Tel: Enquiries: 950 621 628; Emergency: 950 621 631.
Contact the tourist office of Almería for a list of English-speaking doctors.
AirportAlmería Airport is located on the road to Níjar, 8 km from the city centre and just 10 minutes by
car. The airlines that operate in Almería are: Air Nostrum, Condor, Thomas Cook, British Airways,
Sobelair, Air Berlin, Hapg Lloyd, Ltu, Britannia, Monach, Air 2000, Finnair, Mytravel Lite.
Public TransportThe city of Almería has a broad connection network offering access to any point in Spain or
Portugal, including the recently constructed motorways (Autovía del Mediterráneo, A-92) and the
airport (6 km from the city), the port, railway and the bus stations. There are also other
international airports near Almería; Granada (one hour and a half by road) and Málaga (2.5 hours by
road). Almería is accessible by ship, air, train or bus.
RailwayThe Spanish railway company (RENFE) offers a wide range of services to principal destinations like
Granada, Barcelona, Madrid, Seville and Cadiz. The railway station of Almería is located at:
Estación Intermodal, Plaza Estación, s/n.
Tel. +34 950 26 20 98
www renfe.es
Information and reservations: +34 902 24 02 02.
BusThere are many different bus companies operating from the
Estación Intermodal de Almería, with connecting scheduled
services to all the towns and villages of the province and the main Spanish capital cities like
Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Cordoba, Granada, Jaén, Málaga and Murcia.
Information: Estación Intermodal de Almería, Plaza de la Estación, s/n. Tel. +34 950 26 20
98.
The main bus companies are: Alsa/Enatcar, Alsina Graells, Almeraya, Autedia,
Bergarsan/Frahermar, Frahermar, Bernardo, Eurolines, Linebus, Ramón del pino.
CarAlmería can be easily reached crossing the eastern region through the Mediterranean Motorway E-15,
the road A-92 linking Granada and Almería or by the coast through the N-340 road, where there are
many sections of the Mediterranean Motorway.
ShipFrom the harbour of Almería many ship lines cover these routes:
Transmediterránea: Ghazaouet -Algeria-, Melilla, Nador -Morocco-. Adress: Parque Nicolás
Salmerón, 19. www.transmediterranea.es. Tel. +34 950 23 04 48, +34 950 25 73 90, +34 902 45 46 45.
Limated Ferry: Nador: +34 950 27 07 71.
Comarit: Nador. www.comarit.com, Tel.+34 950 23 61 55
Comanav: Nador. Tel. +34 950 27 48 00
SNCM: Ghazaouet -Algeria-, Tel. +34 950 27 48 00.
Ferrimaroc: Nador -Morocco-. Address: Port of Almería. www.ferrimaroc.com Tel. +34 950 27 48
00
See climatewww.worldweather.orgCurrency converterwww.xe.com/uccA dinner20-40 Euros approx, depending on the restaurant.
The Bus0.80 € for a single ticket; 5.70 € a travelcard for ten journeys. 24.90 € monthly travelcards are available.
The taxiTaxi fares are not very expensive in Almería. Approx. 1.33 € at daytime and 1.64 at night when the meter starts running.
