Almeria |
| Thursday, 31 January 2008 00:00 |
|
The city of Almería is of Moorish origin and the capital of the province of Almería in southern Spain’s Andalusia. The name means “mirror of the sea”. Almería is most popular for its beautiful, sandy beaches that stretch out endlessly, giving it a touch of paradise. There’s something in here for everyone, whether you’re looking for some rest and recuperation or excitement and adventure. The hinterland is marked by several astonishing mountain ranges offering sportive activities such as hiking or mountain biking. Almería was under Arab administration for a long time and the Arabs have left their marks. The town has heavy North-African influences, giving it a unique flair and a touch of the Orient. A rental car offers lots of independence and the opportunity to explore the entire coastal region, visiting nearby little towns with their exceptional architecture. The coastal region and all its gems are best discovered by rental car giving you the freedom to explore. When you do you may come across little treasures like the archaeological site “Los Millares”. This is an ancient settlement that dates from the Copper Age, just 12 miles from Almería, easy to get to by car. Another memorable trip is the visit to the Parque Natural Cabo de Gata-Nijar, a rocky semi-desert that was turned into a national park in 1997. The unique landscape has a fiery past: these used to be volcanic lands – great snapshots are pretty much guaranteed in Europe’s only desert. Almería has a population of about 165,000 and its main industry is tourism, which comes as no surprise, seeing as it’s the sunniest region in Almería and therefore tourists stream in from all over Europe. The town is well-equipped with bars, restaurants and cafés. You will notice that even the local cuisine has a strong African touch. Once you have fuelled up on local food you´ll be ready to explore the cultural heritage of the city. Some of the most important landmarks are the Moorish fortification of Alcazaba, the 16th century cathedral, the renaissance Iglesia de Santiago and the Puerta de Purchena, a beautiful square in the town center. The Museo Arquelógico (the archaeological museum) has Phoenician, Greek, and Moorish items on display. Do not miss out on the harbor, a great place to relax and maybe try one of the excellent fish restaurants. A very traditional afternoon would be to attend a bull fight in the Almería arena. This is a unique spectacle for those with strong nerves. On a more surprising note you might discover that Almería has a traditional film industry as well, including such famous productions as Once Upon a Time in the West and other western and adventure flicks. Every bigger town has a student district, popular among those that seek a laid-back life style and Almeria is no exception. The La Chanca district has a buzzing and colorful atmosphere which it owes to its inhabitants: college students and Gypsies. The university naturally gives the city’s nightlife a boost. Numerous bars, clubs and discotheques offer plenty of opportunity to end your day with a proper celebration. Or maybe you’d prefer to sip a glass of whine in one of the quiet bars by the beach? Wherever you end your night, you’ll have lots to look back on after a sunny day in Almería. |
Top