Almeria: Natural parks, Moorish castles and movie magic

Getting to Almeria from Malaga takes just over two hours by car, making it one of the more ambitious day trips from the Costa del Sol – but it’s absolutely worth the journey.

This eastern Andalusian city sits close to the border with Murcia and often flies under the tourist radar precisely because of its geographical isolation from the main tourist trail.

That’s a shame, because Almeria offers a compelling mix of stunning coastline, dramatic desert landscapes and genuine Mediterranean charm that feels refreshingly untouched by mass tourism.

Cabo de Gata, the jewel in the crown

The star attraction is undoubtedly the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, a vast nature reserve that stretches along the coast.

Here you’ll find spectacular volcanic cliffs, hidden coves and some of the most pristine beaches in Andalucía.

The park is a twitcher’s paradise (that’s British slang for a serious birdwatcher) thanks to its position as a major stopover point for migrating species between Europe and Africa.

Snorkelling, kayaking and hiking are all excellent here, and the diverse flora and fauna make it feel genuinely wild.

What to see in Almeria city

Back in the city itself, Almeria’s medieval Alcazaba Moorish fortress dominates the skyline.

It’s the second-largest Muslim fortification in Andalucía after Granada‘s Alhambra, with a triple line of defensive walls and sprawling gardens.

From the ramparts, you get panoramic views over the terracotta rooftops, the working port and the pastel-coloured houses of the La Chanca neighbourhood below.

The Renaissance cathedral is another highlight, built on the site of a former mosque and deliberately designed to resemble a fortress, warding off pirate attacks – a very real threat in 16th-century coastal Spain.

Almeria’s Hollywood connection

If you’re driving to Almeria, make a detour to Tabernas, Europe’s only true desert.

This part of Almeria province has been a favourite filming location since the golden age of cinema, thanks to its diverse landscapes, reliable sunshine and low costs.

This otherworldly landscape has doubled for the American Southwest, North Africa and the Middle East in countless films since the 1950s, particularly the Italian-made Spaghetti Westerns.

In fact, several original film sets remain open to visitors if you fancy channelling your inner cowboy.

The Tabernas Desert played starring roles in Sergio Leone’s Dollars trilogy, starring Clint Eastwood, while Lawrence of Arabia utilised both the desert and the dramatic coastline for its sweeping desert scenes.

More recently, the Cabo de Gata beaches appeared in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and the rugged terrain has featured in Game of Thrones, Doctor Who and numerous other productions.

The region’s versatility means it can convincingly stand in for everything from the American Wild West to alien planets.

Getting to Almeria from Malaga

Without a car, you can reach Almeria by train (around four hours with up to two changes) or coach, though hiring a vehicle gives you far more flexibility.

Malaga Guru

The Malaga Guru team comprises individuals of diverse ages and backgrounds who share a common bond – a deep affection for the city of Malaga, its rich culture, and its warm-hearted inhabitants!