Where can you sleep?
Staying in Almería is difficult. Well, actually, what is difficult is choosing only one place to stay here, from the many charming villages and towns where you can stay.
Some of them are in the coast, some in the inland, and some even in the mountains. The most popular ones, in terms of the number of visitors they receive each year, is Mojácar, which has become the perfect place for holidays for youngsters, since it is close to the beach and very lively nights.
Roquetas de Mar is another of its popular destinations, where strolling about its marina, o swimming in its beaches, is the perfect combination for you to enjoy your holidays to the fullest.
Tabernas and its spectacular desert can also be a very good option, just like San José, a small and very quiet fishing town where you can enjoy of some great views and the best quality life.
And like these, you will find many other destinations, open for you to discover them little by little, an their beaches that make for an ideal place for family holidays, nature lovers....
What to do in the area?
When you have finally found the right place and it's one with such a wide tourist offer, choosing whichever route you will be following in your trip is not so easy, but it's not impossible either. If you want to spend a day in the beach, you will find many options here, with some of the most popular beaches being la Playa de los Muertos, Mónsul, los Genoveses, or Playazo. Don't forget visiting the small, natural oasis such as the one of Arrecife de las Sirenas, or any of its intimate, virgin bays around it.
The viewpoints located in the highest parts of the province will allow you to enjoy of the most impressive views of the Cabo de Gata, an ideal spot to wait for the sunset. For the more daring ones, the desert in Tabernas will make you feel like you're in a proper Tuareg.
The cathedral and the Alcazaba are two examples of the combination of cultures that is particular to this area, and which you will be able to witness in the city itself. For a more cultural visit, visiting the archaeological site in Berja is also a great option to learn more about this area.
What typical foods are recommended?
Por supuesto, no pueden faltar los pescados, cocinados con patatas y productos de huerta también.
The location of Almería and its combination of sea and mountain, are reflected in the local gastronomy where they are both joined in the most delicious dishes that combine products coming from both.
You can't miss out on trying the local specialties, such as traditional dishes like Gurullos con conejo, a dish that is prepared especially during hunting season, where rabbit becomes very popular.
The Olla de Trigo is another of the star dishes of the local gastronomy, bean based and mixed together with flour and pork, in any of its local variants.
Finding escargots in you menu will be the perfect reminder of where you are staying, as they are a local delicacy, and very popular here.
Of course, you mustn't forget of the local fish, usually cooked with potatoes or vegetables on the side.
Where are the festivities?
There are festivities and occasions that you must join celebrating here if you have the chance to, because of the fun they are and the cheerful atmosphere that you will see during these days.
Grab a pen and a paper and write down the Fiesta de la Castaña, celebrated in Paterna del Río, one of the biggest events celebrated around here.
Moros y Cristianos is another special occasion for the inhabitants in Mojácar, who celebrate it with great devotion. Another important date in the town of Huebro is the romeria, or pilgrimage, where thee arrival of the Moorish population is commemorated.
Last but not least, you cannot miss the Feria de Almería, which the biggest event celebrated in the capital, honouring the Virgen del Mar during the 9 days that this celebration takes place, during the second half of August.
As you will see, participating and engaging in the local celebrations of Almería is, without question, one of the best experiences you will be able to enjoy doing if you're staying in this province.
