The ancient Andalusian city of Almeria lies sheltered at the base of a bay, proudly dominated by the amazing Alcazaba, a huge Moorish citadel with three walled enclosures dating from 995. A 16th-century Christian castle was built on the foundations of the original Moorish citadel, creating a potent aesthetic mixture of architectural styles. From the citadel, visitors have a good view of the city's most impressive and important Christian monument, the Cathedral, dating from 1524, designed more like a fortress than a church because of the need to defend it from pirate attacks. The Cathedral contains numerous art treasures, including a tabernacle dating from the 18th century and designed by Ventura Rodriguez. With its interesting medieval architecture, Almeria's old town is a delight to stroll through with its tranquil squares, archways and colonnades. The city also has a fascinating archaeological museum and unique cave dwellings in the hillside above the old gypsy quarter.
Telephone : Tourist information: +34 950 280 748
North of Almeria, a lighthouse stands at the tip of the Cabo de Gata Peninsula marking the extremity of Andalusia's largest coastal nature reserve. The park is a fascinating landscape of arid desert, volcanic mountains, jagged sea cliffs, sand dunes, wetlands, a lagoon, and hidden sandy coves. Mountain bikers, hikers, bird-watchers, and water sports enthusiasts enjoy this natural wonderland, which encompasses some quaint fishing hamlets, historic ruins, and magnificent stretches of beach. Two of the most popular beaches are Playa de Monsul, which has picturesque volcanic rock formations, and Playa de los Genoveses, which is within walking distance of San Jose. Tiny rock islands cluster off the rugged coastline and there are extensive coral reefs along the shore. The salt flats between the village of San Miguel and the Cabo de Gata point are home to thousands of flamingos, a delight for birdwatchers. The abandoned mining villages around Rodalquilar are interesting and slightly spooky to explore. The small Morrish town of Nijar is incredibly picturesque and the best place to seek out arts and crafts. Lastly, the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park is a paradise for photographers because of its unworldly and unique landscapes.
Address : The park can be accessed from the village of San Miguel de Cabo de Gata.
Website : www.parquenatural.com
Telephone : +34 950 160 435
About 16 miles (26km) from Almeria and set between the Sierra de Alhamilla and Sierra de Filabres, the little village of Tabernas is in a barren landscape of canyons and rocky wasteland. A few decades ago, when Western movies were the most popular Hollywood genre, legendary stars such as Clint Eastwood, Lee van Cleef, Claudia Cardinale and Charles Bronson strutted their stuff here in the dry heat on film sets which fans will recognise from movies such as The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, A Fistful of Dollars, and The Magnificent Seven. The movie lots have now become theme park tourist attractions. There are three to visit: Mini Hollywood, Texas Hollywood, and Western Leone. All offer a fun day out in Europe's only desert region, with stagecoach rides, live shows, a zoo, and the opportunity to quench your thirst in the saloon. Tabernas is the name of the desert itself, with the barren, eroded landscapes typical of the badlands from cowboy movies, and those who want to experience the real thing, instead of playing at it on the movie sets, can organise horseback treks into the desert.
Opening times : The movie lots are open daily. Times of shows vary
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