More Attractions Of Almeria
Alcazaba
The city of Almeria is rich in historical-artistic remains. One of the most impressive is Islamic fortress Alcazaba. It represents the days when Almeria was the capital port of Caliphate.
The fortress dates from 955. You can enjoy a fantastic view of the city from its walls and towers. There are mountains on one end; while on the other hand, there is a view of the harbor.
Alcazaba consists of three levels and each of it is “another story”. At the first level is a garden with beautiful greenery, such as pomegranate and cactuses. “Heart” of the fortress is the second level, where the chapel of Ermita de San Juan is placed. It was a mosque which was turned into a church by Catholic monks. This level hosts many different places such as a palace, baths, parts for the servants and the remains of old water mills.
The third level is the best preserved because the monks added it later. Here you will see another “surprise”- a research center for endangered animals of the Sahara.
Moon region – the location for shooting films
This area is abandoned and it reminds us of the Moon surface. However, Italian directors chose it for their location for making spaghetti westerns in the mid 60’s. The city of Tabernas is the location where they filmed many of those films. Its infertile landscapes of canyons and rocky hills resemble those in the American Wild West. Many famous Italo-westerns such as “A Fistful of Dollars”, “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly,” “The Magnificent Seven “, etc. were filmed here. Sceneries left after the recordings are the main tourist attractions. There are three theme parks: “Mini Hollywood”, “Texas Hollywood” and “Western Leone”. Here you can have fun in the only European desert zone with carriage rides, shows and a zoo.
National park
A national park Cabo de Gata (Spanish words for “cat-like cape”) is placed on the other side of Almeria. It is a UNESCO biosphere reserve. You should visit it, because it is the biggest terrestrial-maritime reserve in Europe. You will be a witness to fascinating landscapes, which are a mixture of infertile land, volcanic mountains and cliffs that descend steeply into the sea, sand dunes, lagoons and hidden sandy coves. This is a place where you will find lovers of cycling, water sports and birds. However, many tourists come here to see authentic Spanish fishing villages, historic ruins and flamingoes.
Fiesta
If you visit Almeria in August, you will be able to enjoy the Almeria Ferias. It is a fair which takes place during the last two weeks of that month. City streets become filled with music, concerts, Spanish singers, dancers, parades, processions and bull racing. This event is beautiful, and the whole city is decorated and transformed into a big party.