10 Best Things to Do this Summer in Almeria

The Alcazaba of Almeria is a fortified Moorish citadel that sits on top of a hill. It’s not easy to get to, but it is worth the climb. You might want to dedicate about an hour or 2 of your day to the hike up and exploring the fortress.

You can sign up for a free walking tour, so you can get to know the historical and cultural significance of the fortress. As you wander around the grounds, you’ll find the ruins of public baths, courtyards, and extensive gardens. No matter what time of day you visit, you’ll see stunning views of the city below.

Oasys Mini Hollywood is a Wild West-inspired theme park in the Tabernas desert. Aside from exploring a former movie set, you can watch performances such as Can-Can dances, parrot shows, and mock shoot-outs.

Within the park, there’s a zoological reserve, which is home to 800 animals and over 4,000 trees. You can go on a guided tour to learn about the animals and their conservation programmes for certain endangered species. In the summer, you can cool off in the Aquatic Zone. It has 2 pool areas and a Jacuzzi. The smaller of the 2 is for kids and it comes with slides.

San Cristobal Hill has 3 Muslim towers and 4 Christian towers, which exemplifies the city’s rich military history. Built on a large pedestal is the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which was built in the 20th century. Although the site was just restored in 2000, it has some graffiti written on it.

The hilltop is close to Alcazaba, making it convenient to visit at the same time. You can reach it by descending the fortress through Barranco de la Hoya. It’s a great place to reflect on the diverse history of the city and to take in amazing views of modern Almeria.

Cabo de Gata Natural Park is the go-to destination for stargazing in Almeria. Far from the blinding lights of the big city, you’ll see constellations and planets unfold before your very eyes. You can even join a tour to have the important sights pointed out. You’ll also be taught about the mythologies behind them. By the end of the tour, which should last about an hour or more, you’ll know how to identify the constellations.

If you’re an astronomy aficionado, you can sign up for an advanced class with telescopes. You’ll use a high-powered telescope to gaze at lunar craters, distant galaxies, and more. This is definitely among the best things to do in summer in Almeria as the skies are especially clear at this time of year.

Sierra de las Estancias is a breathtaking location where you’ll find various wildlife such as snakes, wild boars, and foxes. It’s also a go-to destination for outdoor excursions such as hiking and horse-riding.

Towards the southern end of the mountain range, you’ll find a family-run ranch called Rancho Luz del Sol. It’s located 600 metres above sea level, offering a wide array of hiking opportunities. You can rent a horse, especially if you know how to ride one. If you're new to horse-riding, you can sign up for a class.

Mojácar is an old town in Almeria, located north of Cabo de Gata-Nijar Parque Natural. It’s famed for its hilltop whitewashed houses and cobbled streets. It might be tempting to just stop by the white villages, but there’s so much to see and do beyond these hills.

The commercial centre, which is close to the sea, is bustling with life and energy. It has a wide array of shops and restaurants where you can indulge in fresh seafood before amazing views of the coast. If you’re up for an adventure, you can go on a hike. There are trails for various skill levels, so you can easily find one you’re comfortable with.

Cala de San Pedro is an isolated beach located within Cabo de Gata-Nijar National Park. Although it’s a relatively easy hike to the beach from the car park, its sole parking area tends to fill up quickly in summer. You might have to park by the side of the road. Alternatively, you can reach the cove by sea.

The beach’s calm, clear waters make it an excellent place for swimming and snorkelling. It’s also one of the only beaches in the area where you can go camping. There are no facilities on this beach, so pack all your essentials with you before heading out.

Cortijo el Cura is a winery situated within the Sierra Nevada Natural Park of Almeria. It’s known for its organic wines and sustainable practices and offers a variety of guided tours and activities, which you can tailor to fit your interests and time. If you do go on a guided tour, the owner will show you around the winery and vineyards while explaining the history of the place.

Of course, no trip to the winery would be complete without wine tasting. After your tour, you can try out their wines and snacks.

Playa El Playazo is a large, very accessible beach in the old mining village of Rodalquilar. It has a parking lot just right next to the beach, which makes it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, especially in the summer.

This beautiful beach has fine golden sand and crystal-clear waters. It’s great for swimming, diving, and snorkelling. You can also sunbathe and take in the landscape, with mountains, rugged rock formations, and the castle of San Ramon in the background.

Lucainena de las Torres is a former mining village with stunning whitewashed houses. You can explore the town by following walking routes. The Via Verde is a popular choice, which leads you to one of the most significant remnants of the mining age – the smelting ovens.

For sweeping views of the town, you can head to the lookout points. Whether you go to Mirador del Garruchete or Mirador del Poyo de la Cruz, you can enjoy panoramic views of Almeria’s rugged landscape.