Almería ( 168.000 pop.)

The capital of the province with the same name. Places of interest are the  “Alcazaba” (Arab fortress) which was started in the year 995 and is considered one of the greatest fortresses in Andalucia, occupying 43,000 square meters. Also very important is the Cathedral-fortress unique in Andalusia and needed due to the great threat of pirates in the area, along with the churches of San Sebastian, San Pedro and Santiago as well as the “Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Mar” and the Monastery of Santa Clara. We must not forget that this area is famous for the great variety and quantity of tapas included when you order a glass of wine or a beer in any bar. 

Description

To the east of Almería is the Cabo de Gata – Níjar Nature Reserve, with its secluded and quiet wild beaches this  part of the Almeria coast is called Levante which ends  in Mojácar. The interior of Almería surprises the visitor because of the mixture between mountain ranges and the desert. When going towards Granada, you can choose between crossing the Alpujarras or following the route north of Sierra Nevada. Another option is the route that travels to the north of the province to the “Nature Reserve of Sierra de Maria Los Velez”.
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Mojacar

The town of Mojacar is one of the most picturesque in the province, it is white and situated two kilometres from the beach on a hill with narrow winding streets and long staircases that disappear behind arches, Here you can enjoy fantastic views of the entire area while walking along the pretty streets. Places of interest are “El Torreón”, “El arco de Luciana”, the ruins of the Castle of Mojacar, “La ermita de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores” and the “Church of Santa Maria”. Mojacar Playa is the prolongation which is situated on the coast, the beach is around 20 kilometres long practically reaching the next town called Garrucha . All along the beach you will find all types of restaurants ,bars hotels and shops. The restaurants offer a great variety of food from different countries and Mojacar Playa enjoys a very international environment.

Landscapes and natural reserves

The landscape that surrounds Almería is mastered by the spectacular Cabo de Gata – Níjar Nature Reserve and the mountainous areas of the Mountains ranges of Gádor, Alhamilla and Filabres. Enclosed between the last two, you will find the Tabernas desert,  unique in Spain. On the way to Sorbas, the desert adjoins with the  natural landscape  of Karst in Yesos.

Town of Níjar ( 15.400 pop.)

White village situated just outside of 
the Natural park, it is famous for its
local crafts (ceramics, rugs ). 
Places of interest are the neighbourhoods
 of “El Portillo” and “La Atayala” (which 
remain in their original layout) and the
 Mudejar Church.

Tabernas ( 3.200 pop.)

In the desert of the same name this
 sleepy town of white cube like houses
 with a Moorish air, is presided over by the ruins of what was once an impregnable Moorish Alcazabar. This ancient fortress played a decisive role as a defensive stronghold of the Kingdom of 
Granada until it was finally forced to 
surrender to the Catholic Monarchs in 1489
. Places of interest are the parish church
 and the Sanctuary of “Nuestra Señora de
 las Angustias”.
Due to the resemblance of this desert to 
the landscape of the “wild west” this area
 was converted into a film location and is
 now immortalised into screen set towns,
 such as “Mini Hollywood” and  “Western 
Hollywood” popular stops for children of 
all ages!