Free things to do in Almeria
Posted on 14 October 2022
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Almeria is a beautiful old city and province located in Andalusia, Spain. Situated on the Mediterranean Sea, Almeria boasts numerous beaches, fascinating historic sites, natural parks, desert-like landscapes, and a warm climate that is perfect for holidaymakers. While there is plenty to see and do in Almeria, what can you get up to if your budget is tight? The good news is that there are lots of free things to see and do in Almeria and in this guide, we highlight just some of the possibilities.
Tapas
Food plays a key part in any successful holiday and Almeria is certainly able to cater to requirements with a selection of fantastic restaurants, bars, and cafes to choose from. Finding tasty local grub can also be an inexpensive affair in Almeria, as the delicious tapas Spain is known for are served up for free when you order a drink. Just head into one of the charming local bars or restaurants, buy a refreshing beverage, and enjoy some authentic tapas. For example, look out for the Almeria tapa known as Cherigan – basically a toasted sandwich with a variety of tasty fillings. There are many great tapas bars to choose from, including the likes of Bar Bahía de Palma, which serves up delicious fried fish, and the occasional flamenco performance!
READ ALSO: Reasons to make a trip to Almeria
Fun at the beach
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One of the best ways to experience Almeria and enjoy its fantastic, hot weather is to spend plenty of time relaxing at the beach. The good news is that Almeria has plenty of options to choose from, meaning you will never get bored by having to visit the same spot. For example, you can stay within the city itself and visit Playa del Zapillo – a popular spot for tourists with easy access to lots of facilities and amenities. You can head to Roquetas de Mar and enjoy 2,500 metres of dark sand at this much-loved Blue Flag Beach. Then there is the abundance of beaches located in the Cabo de Gata National Park (more on this later), featuring the likes of the family-friendly Mónsul beach, the hidden Los Genoveses beach, and the great scuba diving location of Los Muertos.
Sonja, from the travel blog, Migrating Miss, has been to Almeria and highly recommends checking out the local beaches: You don’t need to go far to find the beach in Almería, with Zapillo beach being part of the city itself. The Paseo de Maritimo stretches parallel to the beach and provides a prime spot to enjoy a drink or meal directly across from the ocean. Just to the east of the city is the beginning of Cabo de Gata, a natural park that boasts a unique coastline and stunning beaches.”
Tara, from the travel blog, Where is Tara, is another fan of Playa del Zapillo and its promenade, sharing: “A trip to Spain wouldn’t be complete without visiting a beach, so make sure to spend an hour or two at Playa del Zapillo. The promenade is lined with palm trees stretching to the skies and is paved with tiles in a variety of patterns. The sand is soft and the beach is long. There are plenty of shops and restaurants along the beach if you need to get out of the sun. You’ll see locals walking their dogs (there are A LOT of dogs in Almería) and families rinsing their feet under the beach showers.”
READ ALSO: 48 hours in Almería
A night of culture
There is a lot of culture to be savoured in Almeria and one of the best ways to experience it is with a free night out, courtesy of the Noche en Blanco. This special event takes place once a year, filling the streets of the city with six different stages and more than 70 shows. Running all through the night across Almeria’s streets and squares, visitors and locals alike can enjoy a range of leisure programming for free, including concerts, fashion, children’s activities, theatre, and much more. It’s a wonderful way to get to know Almeria a little better while enjoying a free night out on the town that everyone in the family will appreciate. Noche en Blanco took place in May 2022 so keep an eye out for future dates as the event may coincide with your upcoming trip!
Cabo de Gata
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Almeria is a fantastic city in its own right but it also boasts a nearby treasure that can’t be missed during your visit to the area. The Cabo de Gata is a stunning natural park and the largest protected coastal area in Andalusia. It’s an area known for its wild and rugged landscapes, desert-like climate, and stunning beaches. This massive area is best experienced by car and is free to explore. You can enjoy the otherworldly landscapes on an epic drive, get up close to volcanic formations, take in awesome views from the Cabo de Gata lighthouse, go hiking around the park’s dozens of rocky trails, and, of course, relax on one of its many beaches.
Molly, from the Spanish travel blog, Piccavey, shares a few insights into what you can enjoy during your visit to Cabo de Gata: “Driving around Cabo de Gata Natural Park takes you back in time. The route includes old windmills, water cisterns and Arab waterwheels made from wood. You´ll also see several fishing villages such as Isleta del Moro or Las Negras where you can taste fresh seafood. Some viewpoints along the Almeria coast are breathtaking. Mirador de la Amatista or Mirador de las Sirenas are a few highlights.”
Laura, from the travel blog, Eternal Expat, has a big love for the Cabo de Gata, sharing some reasons why she thinks you should visit: “I’ve explored some seriously beautiful parts of the Mediterranean, like Cassis and the Italian Riviera, but the ruggedness of Cabo de Gata really surprised and delighted me. This is the place to come if you love exploring off-the-beaten-path beaches. If you love hiking, swimming in the sea, and kayaking along volcanic cliffsides, then you will love Cabo de Gata.”
Festivals
Andalusia is known for its incredible, vibrant festivals, packed with colour, processions, and lots of emotion. Almeria is no exception, with a collection of exciting fiestas taking place throughout the year, marking different important dates in the local calendar. From the likes of May’s Cruces de Mayo – rooted in the search for the Cross of Christ by a Byzantine empress – and the August fair in the last two weeks of the month to the fantastic Nativity scenes at Christmas and the epic scope of the Easter and Holy Week processions, there’s a lot to be excited by. You can even enjoy a night of bonfires and fireworks on the beach during Noche de San Juan on the 21st June. It’s well worth checking the local calendar to see if there is a festival taking place during your time in Almeria, as they are a perfect opportunity to get immersed in local culture, get swept up in the atmosphere, and try something a little bit different.
Honourable mentions
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Almeria makes it very easy for people to access some of its most amazing attractions by making it free to enter for EU residents and just €1.50 for everyone else. However, in practice, these sites don’t tend to charge anyone so you might end up getting in for free. However, even for a small entrance fee, your budget tour of Almeria should certainly include the Alcazaba – a fortified complex built in the 10th century that has been used as a filming location for big movies like Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Wonder Woman 1984, and Conan the Barbarian. Another attraction to consider is the Museum of Almeria where most of the archaeological objects from the Alcazaba are kept.
READ ALSO: Interesting facts about Cordoba
Free things to do in Almeria, Spain
– Fun at the beach
– A night of culture
– Tapas
– Cabo de Gata
– Festivals
A visit to Almeria is full of many possibilities and the perfect location to enjoy some free activities during your time on the Spanish coast.
If you are planning to explore Andalusia, adding Almeria to your to-do list is a must. With a car rental in Malaga, you can be in Almeria in just two hours, and easily experience all that this beautiful part of Spain has to offer.
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