In the province of the same name, Almería is a bustling city in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula. Its name derives from the Arabic “Al-Mariyya”, meaning “The Mirror” or “The Watchtower”, a reference to Almería’s role throughout history as a lookout point and maritime defence post.
Almería: A Destination With a Past
With a coastline stretching for 200 km – from Pulpí in the east to Adra in the west – Almería has been home to many civilisations throughout history due to its strategic location on the Mediterranean coast. The Arab influence was the most significant, lasting almost eight centuries, with Arabs ruling over one of Muslim Spain’s most important taifas (kingdoms). Traces of Islamic history can be found in the architecture, monuments, and museums dotted throughout the city. As well as being an Arabic stronghold, Almería was also the principal harbour in Andalusia.
If you’re planning a short trip to this fascinating city, here are the top three cultural attractions to visit – all in a day.
Alcazaba
Alcazaba, a Moorish castle, is the second largest of the Arabic fortresses in Andalusia, after the Alhambra in Granada. Alcazaba is visible from many parts of the city and dates back to the tenth century. Its construction began in 955, under the Umayyad prince Abd al-Raḥmān III, and was finished by Hayrán, taifa king of Almería, in the eleventh century. After the Reconquista, Alcazaba was reformed by the Catholic Monarchs and later Charles I to adapt it to the new defensive technologies of the time.
Alcazaba comprises three walled enclosures, the second of which housed a royal residence. The Catholic kings converted the site’s mosque into a church at the end of the fifteenth century. You can access Alcazaba on foot from the Port of Almería by following the signs in the old town. From the entrance, there are a considerable number of steps to the top, so make sure you bring along appropriate footwear!
Almería Cathedral
In the heart of the old quarter stands Almería Cathedral, built in the sixteenth century after an earthquake destroyed its predecessor. The cathedral features a blend of styles, with a Renaissance façade and elements of Gothic architecture evident in the six towers, which once held cannons used to ward off Moorish invaders. As well as being a place of worship, Almería Cathedral also doubled as a defence against the attacks carried out on the city by Barbary pirates.
If Almería Cathedral looks familiar, it could be because the site was used as a filming location for Patton (1970), a biographical war film about US General George S. Patton. The cathedral’s interior is home to several classic artworks including La Annunciation, by Alonso Cano, which depicts the Annunciation, the famous biblical event during which the archangel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive the son of God, Jesus Christ.
The Museum of Almería
Founded in 1933, the Museum of Almería showcases the region’s rich archaeological history, through everything from Greek pottery to ancient relics discovered by Belgian-Spanish brothers Luis and Henri Siret. Luis Siret, who is widely considered the father of the museum, has enriched the collection with artefacts uncovered during various excavations carried out in the province. The exhibitions are mainly dedicated to Copper and Bronze Age history. There’s also an extensive focus on the societies of Los Millares and El Argar, from the second and third millennium BC, where you can learn more about how these prehistoric communities lived and worked. You’ll find exhibitions on Roman society and trade in the southeast of Spain, as well as Islamic Almería and hunter-gatherer society. The museum also holds a library, which is open to the public, where you can explore archives detailing Almería’s fascinating history.
Alcazaba, Almería Cathedral, and the Museum of Almería are all within walking distance of each other, so you won’t have to travel far if you plan to see them all in one day. Whether you’re heading to the city for a short break or a longer stay, there are plenty of things to see and do. Looking for some ideas of where to stay? Read on!
Where to Stay
Luz de Mar: This modern seafront apartment, perched on a cliff, offers sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountains. Guests recommend heading to the furnished terrace to sunbathe and soak up views of the sunrise. The property offers free WiFi and private parking, as well as a picnic area and barbecue facilities, making it the perfect place to dine al fresco in the Spanish sun. Alcazaba is five miles away and the Museum of Almería is six miles from the property, so it’s only a short car drive to the city’s main attractions.
Tú Barco: If you’re after a sun, sea, and sand kind of holiday, you’ll be pleased to hear that this cosy apartment is close to various beaches, with Zapillo Beach, Nueva Almería Beach, and Las Olas Beach all less than three miles from the property. Among the facilities at Tú Barco are a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, and a fully equipped kitchen. Home comforts like an ironing board and coffee and tea machines are available. There are also accessible facilities for disabled guests such as a roll-in shower.
Dimora Buono: This stylish resort is less than a mile from the Andalusian Centre of Photography and less than two miles from Andarax Park and the Almería Air Raid Shelters. Dimora Buono is well-connected, with the San Miguel bus stop only 400 metres from the property and within walking distance of the town centre. The apartment comes with a balcony and a terrace, so you can catch some rays without leaving your accommodation. If you’d like to eat out but don’t fancy travelling far, you’re in luck—Dimora Buono is located above a highly-rated restaurant serving traditional Italian pasta and pizza.
How to Get There
Ryanair offers direct flights from London Stansted to Almería Airport (LEI) and flights start from just £75. There are an average of three flights a week, and it takes approximately two hours and 50 minutes to get from Stansted Airport to Almería Airport. The cheapest month to fly is in October when, despite being autumn, it’s still pleasantly balmy with blue skies, plenty of sunshine, and an average temperature of 24°C.
The quickest way of getting from the airport to your accommodation in Almería is to pre-book a transfer with Shuttle Direct. This eliminates the hassle of waiting in long queues at the airport, getting you to your destination quicker so you can start your holiday sooner.
Overview
UK to LEI flight time: 2 hours 50 minutes
LEI to Almería distance: 12 kilometres
Shuttle Direct transfer time: 17 minutes
Types of Transfer
At Shuttle Direct, we understand the importance of providing a range of services for different types of travellers, budgets, and requirements. Explore the options below and decide which one suits you best:
Taxi: Looking for an Almería Airport transfer that’ll get you to your destination as quickly as possible? A pre-booked taxi could be the option for you. You’ll benefit from a door-to-door service that’s tailored to your needs, and you’ll avoid having to wait in line with other passengers after you land. Your driver will be waiting for you at the airport, ready to deliver you to the doorstep of your accommodation without delay.
Shuttle bus: If saving money is a priority and you don’t mind travelling with other passengers, consider pre-booking a transfer from Almería Airport to Almería by shuttle bus. You’ll meet at the airport before travelling to a central drop-off point near your accommodation. While this option doesn’t offer the convenience of a door-to-door service, it’s more economical than a taxi or private transfer without compromising on your comfort or safety.
Private transfer: With a private transfer, Almería Airport to Almería will be a journey of the utmost convenience. You’ll be greeted inside the terminal by a friendly, professional driver who’ll escort you to a top-of-the-range vehicle and drop you off at the doorstep of your apartment in no time. If money is no object and you’re looking for a touch of luxury, then a private transfer is the option for you.
Minibus transfer: A minibus transfer from Almería Airport to Almería will simplify the logistics of travelling with a group of family or friends. Because of the larger capacity vehicle you’ll be travelling in, everyone will be able to travel together with their luggage in tow, saving you the bother of booking separate taxis. The cost savings are also significant, so travelling by minibus is not only stress-free, it’s also budget-friendly.
Choosing the Right Transfer
Every traveller is unique, so only you can decide which transfer option will suit you best, but the choice often boils down to two competing priorities: cost or convenience.
Cost: If you’re travelling on a budget and you’re concerned about breaking the bank while you’re on holiday, one of our shared shuttle buses is the perfect option. Because you’ll be travelling with other holidaymakers, the cost is split between all passengers, making this option cheaper than a private airport transfer, but still a reliable way of getting from A to B.
Convenience: If, however, door-to-door convenience is a must-have and travelling alone is non-negotiable, then a pre-booked taxi or one of our private transfers is your best bet. You won’t have to worry about meeting points or waiting around for other passengers, but you’ll have to pay a little extra for the luxury of being dropped off at the door of your accommodation.
About Shuttle Direct
At Shuttle Direct, we provide safe, comfortable, and affordable transfers to and from destinations all over the world. Whether you choose a cost-effective shuttle bus or a high-end private transfer, we’ve got you covered for all your travel needs. No matter where you’re going or how you like to travel, we can accommodate you. Pre-book with us today and let us take care of the details—all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!
