Sandwiched between the coast and the Sierra Nevada, Almeria is an ideal destination for holiday makers who enjoy outdoor activities. The mountains offer excellent opportunities for hiking and biking, while at the beach you can either just relax on the powdery sands or get into any of the many water-based activities on offer. On days when it’s too hot to be outside, family visitors can take a trip to the fascinating aquarium in Roquetas de Mar.

Aquarium Roquetas 
A good day out for all the family is guaranteed at this popular visitor attraction located in the nearby town of Roquetas de Mar. A variety of large tanks support different ecosystems and consequently different species of sea creatures making for a fun and interesting introduction to the planet’s vast array of aquatic life forms. Phone: +34 950 16 00 36.

Beaches 
Almeria’s beaches promise fun for families with little ones and independent holiday makers alike with their combination of soft white sands and calm ocean waters. Nueva Almeria is a good family option as it’s well equipped with facilities and is patrolled by lifeguards. Other notable beaches include Las Salinas de Cabo de Gata and Playa de Retamar. Almeria’s beaches also offer numerous water sports, including windsurfing, snorkelling and scuba diving.

Golf 
There’s a good selection of golf courses across the province; however, the one closest to Almeria City is the Alboran Golf, an 18-hole course of championship standard located a stone’s throw from the beach. Clubs and trolleys are available for hire. Also within easy driving distance of the city are courses in Almerimar, Roquetas, Enix, Turre and Mojacar.

Hiking 
Almeria is real trekking country and anyone with a map, a compass and a sturdy pair of boots can take advantage of the hundreds of possible routes that are available. The Sierra Nevada is the ideal place to start, taking trekkers across a variety of terrains and introducing them to charming little mountain villages and stunning landscapes along the way.

Mountain Biking 
The same areas that lend themselves well to hiking are also ideal for mountain biking, so if you prefer to experience the mountainous surroundings at a faster pace, there’s every opportunity to do so. There are plenty of established cycling routes and riders can choose between them based on their own technical ability. The Guadix to Cabo de Gata route is an easy and popular route that takes in Yegen, Laujar de Andarax, Bentarique and San José, and offers a mix of mountain and coastal scenery.

Even on a short walking tour of Almeria, visitors immediately get the sense that this is a city with plenty of history behind it. Eye-catching architecture abounds and inside some of the most interesting buildings are displays and exhibitions dedicated to keeping the local culture and heritage alive. Culture seekers will especially enjoy the varied collected of aesthetic works at the Almeria Museum Art Centre.

Almeria Cathedral 
The earthquake of 1522 decimated the mosque that originally occupied this site and two years later, following its design by Diego de Siloé, work began on the cathedral. With fortified towers at every corner, each containing a cannon, the cathedral was an important defence against the efforts of aggressors and often gave refuge to the city’s residents in times of attack. Inside the cathedral are artworks by artists such as Ribera, Murillo and Alonso Cano.

Almeria Museum Art Centre (Centro de Arte Museo de Almeria) 
Housed in a Neo-Mudéjar style building that dates back to 1927, the Almeria Museum Art Centre is home to an impressive collection of contemporary art. The collection is split into themed exhibitions, giving viewers a distinct picture of the different sub-genres within the movement. Phone: +34 950 266 112.

Casino Cultural 
This splendid bourgeois palace dates back to the late 19th century and was originally the home of Don Emilio Perez Ibanez. Later it was modified and renovated in order to house the city’s casino. The interior still maintains a distinct period appearance, with the lounge and ballroom presenting especially notable examples of this.

Olive Oil Museum 
Housed in a stately home in the city’s old quarter, the Olive Oil Museum is a must for anyone with an interest in good food and gastronomic matters. Visitors can watch a video that offers an insight into the production processes and uses of the oil, as well as view a number of related artefacts including an authentic antique oil press. A small onsite shop gives the opportunity to purchase some Spanish olive oil as well as other products made in Almeria.

Palace of the Viscount and Viscountess of Castillo de Almansa 
This splendid building was constructed between 1773 and 1780 and was once home to Spanish aristocrats but these days is the seat of the Provincial Historic Archive (Archivo Histórico Provincial). Of interest are the building’s two doorways, both illustrating design influences typical of the period and allowing entry to the building from two different streets.

The local cuisine reflects the city’s and the province’s Moorish history and is hence strongly influenced by Arab and North African cooking styles. With the sea so close, fish and seafood naturally feature significantly in local dishes and with tomatoes and olive oil among the foods produced locally, there are plenty of dishes featuring both. Rice is the staple carbohydrate in many Almerian dishes.

The city’s restaurant scene is vibrant and choices for diners are many and varied. There is no shortage of venues at which to try the local food, with many located in the old quarter around the cathedral. Tapas bars are popular in this area and prices are generally reasonable. Puerta de Purchena also has some good value-for-money eateries, while diners wanting to splash a little cash can hit the venues on Avenida de Frederico Garcia.

For shopping, the city has a variety of retail outlets centered around locations such as Puerta de Purchena, Paseo de Almeria, Calle de las Tiendas and Obispoorbera. Here you’ll find a mix of local craftsmen, food shops and clothing retailers. If you are looking for something authentically Almerian to take home, then the traditional ceramics, textile and basketwork products are your best bet.

In neighbouring Roquetas, head for the promenade of an evening and you’ll find plenty of stalls selling souvenirs and products aimed specifically at tourists. Roquetas also has a large shopping centre known as the Gran Plaza with retailers selling branded clothing and accessories among a wide variety of other goods.