10 Amazing Things to Do Year-Round in Almeria Spain

Key Takeaways:

• Almería blends ancient history, dramatic desert landscapes, and a sunny Mediterranean coastline that you can enjoy all year.

• The city offers a mix of cultural festivals, natural parks, and hidden beach coves that stay accessible in every season.

• Whether you’re into hiking, history, or film locations, Almería delivers epic adventures without the crowds.

Located in southeastern Spain along the Mediterranean coast, Almería is one of the sunniest and driest regions in Europe. This ancient Andalusian city is known for its Moorish fortress, whitewashed villages, and its role as a filming location for dozens of Western movies. Almería once served as a strategic seaport under Islamic rule and still carries traces of its Arabic, Roman, and Spanish roots.

People love Almería for its laid-back vibe, year-round warmth, and wild landscapes that look straight out of a movie scene. With nearby desert hikes, tapas trails, and beachfront escapes, the city offers a blend of adventure and authenticity. Whether you’re coming in July or January, Almería makes a perfect all-season escape that combines history, sunshine, and soul.

Table of Contents

1. Explore the Ancient Walls of the Alcazaba of Almería

2. Hike the Desert Trails of Tabernas

3. Relax at the Hidden Coves of Cabo de Gata

4. Visit the Museum of Almería’s Roman and Moorish Past

5. Wander the Colorful Streets of Barrio La Chanca

6. Watch a Sunset at Playa de los Genoveses

7. Take a Day Trip to the White Village of Níjar

8. Catch a Flamenco Performance in the Historic City Center

9. Discover Almería’s Film History at Oasys MiniHollywood

10. Enjoy Local Tapas with the Free Tapa Tradition

1. Explore the Ancient Walls of the Alcazaba of Almería

Towering over the city, the Alcazaba of Almería is one of the largest Moorish fortresses in Spain—and it’s open all year with free admission. Built in the 10th century, this massive fortress includes three layers of defensive walls, tranquil gardens, and sweeping views of the sea and city below. It’s a stunning example of Islamic architecture and Andalusian history, often compared to the Alhambra in Granada (but with far fewer tourists).

Visiting the Alcazaba gives you a deep sense of the region’s layered past. You’ll wander through ornate archways, peer into ancient cisterns, and walk along fortified walls that once defended this coastal stronghold. Whether in summer sun or mild winter breezes, it’s an epic journey through centuries of culture, conquest, and craftsmanship.

2. Hike the Desert Trails of Tabernas

Just 30 minutes outside the city, Tabernas Desert is Europe’s only official desert—and it’s an otherworldly place to hike and explore. Known for its strange rock formations and golden canyons, the area has served as the backdrop for countless Spaghetti Westerns. There are several marked trails ranging from easy to moderate, offering dramatic views and a chance to spot wildlife like mountain goats and kestrels.

The desert is best explored in the cooler months between October and April, but early mornings and evenings work well even in summer. Local guides offer cinematic history tours that blend geology with movie trivia. You’ll feel like you’re walking through a natural film set—because you actually are.

3. Relax at the Hidden Coves of Cabo de Gata

Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park is one of the crown jewels of southern Spain, with volcanic cliffs, hiking trails, and remote beaches that stay quiet and pristine. Unlike Spain’s more built-up coastal cities, Cabo de Gata offers secluded calas (coves) like Cala de Enmedio and Playa de los Muertos, where you can swim, sunbathe, or snorkel in crystal-clear waters.

The park is protected, so development is limited—making it feel like a true escape into nature. Many coves require short hikes or dirt-road access, but the reward is an untouched Mediterranean paradise. It’s a top pick for travelers looking for beach time without crowds, and it’s magical in any season—especially during spring and fall.

4. Visit the Museum of Almería’s Roman and Moorish Past

The Museo de Almería is the perfect indoor destination for history lovers, offering a deep dive into the city’s archaeological and cultural heritage. The museum’s three floors guide you through Almería’s timeline, from prehistoric settlements and Roman occupation to Islamic rule and modern times. Exhibits include ceramics, coins, weapons, and full-scale dioramas of ancient homes and markets.

It’s open all year and often features temporary art and photography exhibitions as well. The building itself is a striking piece of contemporary architecture, blending old with new. Whether you want a break from the sun or a dose of historical context, this museum is an enriching experience that doesn’t take all day.

5. Wander the Colorful Streets of Barrio La Chanca

La Chanca is one of Almería’s most visually captivating neighborhoods, filled with rainbow-colored houses carved into the hillside just below the Alcazaba. Once home to fishermen and artists, today it’s a living community that blends folk culture with urban art and has inspired poets like Federico García Lorca. Narrow, winding streets reveal bursts of murals, mosaic tiles, and unexpected viewpoints overlooking the sea.

It’s a great place for a self-guided walk during the day, especially in spring or early fall when the weather is pleasant and the streets are alive. While it’s still a residential area, locals are welcoming and proud of their roots. You’ll find hidden cafés, artisan workshops, and maybe even a spontaneous guitar session if you’re lucky.

6. Watch a Sunset at Playa de los Genoveses

One of the most breathtaking beaches in Cabo de Gata, Playa de los Genoveses offers wide golden sands, calm waters, and untouched natural surroundings. Unlike tourist-packed resort beaches, this spot feels wild and cinematic—it’s often used in films for its sweeping views and desert-meets-ocean aesthetic.

Sunset is when the magic really happens. The sky turns pink and orange as the cliffs glow and the beach empties out. Whether you hike down early for a swim or arrive in the evening with a blanket and snacks, it’s an unforgettable way to end the day. Accessible year-round, it’s especially peaceful outside the summer rush.

7. Take a Day Trip to the White Village of Níjar

Nestled on the edge of the natural park, Níjar is one of Andalucía’s most picturesque pueblos blancos (white villages). It’s known for its narrow streets, hand-painted pottery, and artisanal textiles. The town is a great place to wander, shop for souvenirs, or just sit in a plaza sipping coffee as the church bells ring in the distance.

Níjar is lively in summer but quiet and equally charming in the off-season, making it a perfect year-round destination. Local shops sell handwoven rugs and ceramics with patterns dating back to Moorish times. The surrounding hills and olive groves add to the tranquil, timeless atmosphere.

8. Catch a Flamenco Performance in the Historic City Center

You haven’t truly experienced Almería until you’ve felt the pulse of live flamenco. Several venues in the city center host intimate performances throughout the year, where dancers, singers, and guitarists share the soul of Andalusian tradition. Places like Peña El Taranto offer authentic, small-stage performances in historic stone venues that enhance the intensity of the experience.

Even if you don’t speak Spanish, the emotion in flamenco transcends language. Fall and winter are particularly good times to find indoor shows, while summer often brings open-air concerts. Whether you’re watching from a dimly lit tavern or a plaza stage, flamenco in Almería is raw, rhythmic, and unforgettable.

9. Discover Almería’s Film History at Oasys MiniHollywood

Built as a movie set for spaghetti westerns in the 1960s, Oasys MiniHollywood is now a full-blown Wild West theme park located in the Tabernas Desert. Visitors can explore old saloons, jailhouses, and movie props while enjoying reenactments, cowboy stunt shows, and even a zoo with desert animals.

It’s open year-round and surprisingly fun for all ages—especially for film buffs and families. You can stroll through original sets where Clint Eastwood once filmed and then cool off in the park’s pool area or relax at the onsite restaurants. It’s kitschy, but also a great nod to Almería’s unique place in global film history.

10. Enjoy Local Tapas with the Free Tapa Tradition

Almería is one of the last places in Spain where you still get a free tapa with your drink at most local bars—a culinary tradition that delights visitors and keeps locals loyal. Whether you’re sipping a caña (small beer) or a glass of tinto de verano, you’ll receive a small dish like grilled octopus, jamón, patatas bravas, or cheese toasties—on the house.

This tradition makes bar hopping a joy, especially in the city center around Plaza Vieja and Calle Jovellanos. The variety is endless, and many bars allow you to choose your tapa from a menu. It’s not just a meal—it’s a lifestyle. And yes, it’s available all year round.

What to do if you have kids?

Almería is fantastic for families, offering beaches with calm waters, walkable parks, and plenty of cultural spots that keep kids engaged. Spend a morning at Oasys MiniHollywood or explore the Museum of Almería, where exhibits are interactive and visual. Cabo de Gata’s beaches are great for safe swimming, shell collecting, and hiking short trails. The city also has open-air playgrounds and squares with kid-friendly cafés nearby. With sunshine nearly every day and relaxed locals, Almería makes traveling with kids both easy and enjoyable.

Where can I find free events in Almeria Spain taking place this weekend?

To find fun and free events happening this weekend in Almería, visit PlanMyWeekend.ai. This AI-powered tool curates local festivals, concerts, workshops, and cultural experiences happening near you—no alcohol, no expensive tickets, and no hassle. Whether you’re interested in dance performances, art pop-ups, food tastings, or outdoor fitness events, PlanMyWeekend shows you what’s happening in real-time. Just select your city and your vibe, and start exploring.

Final Thoughts on Planning a Trip to Almeria

Almería is a destination that delivers on sunshine, authenticity, and year-round adventure. From Moorish castles to desert hikes and free tapas nights, it offers a side of Spain that’s still under the radar. Whether you’re planning a winter escape or a summer tour, this city gives you warmth, wonder, and a true taste of Andalucía. Don’t just pass through—stay, explore, and let Almería show you its magic one experience at a time.