From the dried-up riverbeds and desert landscape of its interior to the beach resorts of its vast coastline, Almeria offers fascinatingly diverse scenery. The province’s towns and cities are filled with well-preserved ancient buildings and other cultural sites. Tour a 1,000-year-old fortress, walk around an old Wild West movie set, enjoy year-round beaches and consider staying at a nudist resort.
The capital of the province is also called Almeria. This coastal city spreads out at the foot of a hill that's dominated by the 10th-century Alcazaba. Tour the three compounds of this magnificent fortified Moorish complex. Other historical attractions include the 16th-century cathedral and the Casa del Cine. This movie museum is located in the villa where John Lennon wrote Strawberry Fields Forever.
A short drive from the city is the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park, a vast protected area of volcanic landscapes, mountains, rocky islands and hidden coves and bays. Hike along well-marked footpaths, try mountain biking and join a four-wheel drive excursion. The park’s spectacular beauty has attracted many TV and film directors. Among the movies and shows filmed here are Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and Game of Thrones.
For additional stunning natural vistas, head to Tabernas, Europe's only desert. The lunar-like landscape of rocky outcrops, gullies and dry riverbeds has formed the backdrop to many movies, including The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. See some of the old sets left behind and turned into a cluster of theme parks, such as Oasys Mini Hollywood, which also has a wildlife park.
Take advantage of more than 300 days of sunshine a year by relaxing on Almeria’s many beaches. Practice watersports at Roquetas de Mar and go naked at Vera Playa. This beach is part of a nudist zone that includes a nudist hotel and public streets where people can walk openly naked.
Reach Almeria by flying into Alicante, about 3 hours away by car. Stay for the scenery, history and fantastic beaches.