Almería

Day 1: Alcazaba, old town and the city seafront

Ease into Almería with history, tapas and the urban beach vibe. You’ll quickly feel the city’s rhythm: mornings for exploring, a long lunch and quiet mid-afternoon, then a lively evening paseo by the sea.

• Morning: Walk up to the Alcazaba for panoramic views and cool, shaded patios; arrive at opening time for softer light and fewer people. Wander back via the old town, peeking into the cathedral and the central market for fruit, jamón and local tomatoes.
• Midday: Long lunch near Puerta de Purchena or along Paseo de Almería; expect shutters down 14:00–17:00 as the city rests. In winter, choose a sunny terrace a la resolana; in summer, sit deep in the shade.
• Afternoon: Hit Playa del Zapillo or El Palmeral for a gentle beach session and a chiringuito coffee or granizado; bring SPF 50, hat and sunglasses year-round. Note smoke-free zones at some city beaches and follow the lifeguard flags if you swim.
• Evening: Do a tapas crawl (a caña comes with a tapa) along Calle Jovellanos and the seafront, then join the paseo on the promenade. Time your sunset for the breakwater or Cerro San Cristóbal for golden light over the harbour.

Day 2: Cabo de Gata – wild coves, volcanic cliffs and lighthouse sunset

Today is about the natural park’s raw beauty: sweeping bays, fossil dunes and crystal water. Start early, carry plenty of water (at least 2 litres per person), and plan around wind and summer access rules.

• Morning: Drive to San José by 08:30 and choose between Genoveses (family-friendly, shallow bay) or Mónsul (iconic lava rock, darker sand). In peak summer, private car access is restricted; use the park-and-ride shuttle from San José and check the wind forecast (Levante can make exposed beaches harsh).
• Midday: Retreat to shade for lunch in San José or La Isleta del Moro (grilled fish is the move), or picnic under an umbrella on the beach. If you fancy a leg-stretcher, head towards Barronal’s quieter sands; wear sturdy sandals for hot, uneven paths.
• Afternoon: Birdwatch at Las Salinas de Cabo de Gata from the hides (flamingos are regulars), then continue to the lighthouse. Photographers: the low sun rakes across the volcanic strata beautifully.
• Evening: Watch golden hour at Arrecife de las Sirenas and linger for pastel skies; keep an extra layer handy as coastal evenings can feel breezy even in summer. Dine in San José or Las Negras—seafood rice and a cold cerveza on a terrace cap the day perfectly.

Day 3: Desert canyons and a dramatic coast (Tabernas + Carboneras/Mojácar)

Contrast the coast with Europe’s only true desert, then choose a cliff-backed beach or a white village for sunset. Keep an eye on conditions: avoid ramblas after storms and pick beaches based on the day’s wind.

• Morning: Set off early for the Tabernas Desert; explore a short trail in a rambla (wide, dry gully) or visit a Western film set for a dose of cinema history. Wear closed shoes, sun protection and carry extra water—the sun feels fiercer inland.
• Midday: Lunch in Tabernas town (migas, salads, grilled meats), then drive east to the coast. If it’s a Levante day, aim for a more sheltered cove; if calm, continue as planned.
• Afternoon: For wild beauty, descend to Playa de los Muertos near Carboneras (15 minutes down/up; strong currents possible—obey flags). Prefer gentler access? Try El Playazo de Rodalquilar or Cala del Plomo; for hikers, Cala de Enmedio rewards a 30-minute walk with otherworldly white rock formations.
• Evening: Sunset options: the clifftop mirador above Los Muertos for epic colour, or Mojácar Pueblo’s whitewashed alleys for views over the coast. Finish with a late dinner on Mojácar Playa or in Agua Amarga; in shoulder seasons, you’ll find quieter tables and warm evenings ideal for lingering.

Notes for all days:

• Hydration and UV: the sun is strong even in winter; reapply sunscreen and wear a hat and quality sunglasses.
• Rhythm: plan active stuff 08:00–12:30 and 18:30–sunset; use mid-afternoon to rest, museum-hop or enjoy a long sobremesa.
• Sea and wind: always follow lifeguard flags; jellyfish can appear in late summer. Choose west-facing spots when the Levante blows, and vice versa for Poniente.

By Air

• Almería Airport (LEI): ~9 km east of the city; 15–20 min by taxi/car. City bus Line 30 runs LEI ↔ city centre/Intermodal Station roughly every 20–30 min (about 25 min).
• Routes: Year-round domestic (e.g., Madrid, Barcelona, Palma) plus seasonal European services (UK, Germany, Netherlands, Nordics). Check schedules outside summer.
• Nearby alternatives:
  • Málaga (AGP): ~2–2.5 h by car via A‑7 (c. 220 km). Frequent onward coaches from Málaga bus station.
  • Granada-Jaén (GRX): ~1.5–2 h by car via A‑92/A‑7 (c. 165–175 km). Coaches from Granada bus station.
  • Región de Murcia–Corvera (RMU): ~2–2.5 h by car via A‑7 (c. 210–230 km). Coaches from Murcia bus station.
  • Alicante (ALC): ~3–3.5 h by car via A‑7 (c. 290–300 km). Coaches from Alicante bus station.

By Train

• Station: Estación Intermodal de Almería (central; shared with the bus terminal).
• Services: Renfe Media Distancia to/from Granada (approx 2 h 30–3 h), then AVE/Avlo/ALVIA onward to Madrid, Barcelona, etc. Typical Madrid–Almería journey via Granada is ~5.5–6.5 h. Limited/direct services may run on select dates—check Renfe for current timetables.

By Bus

• Terminal: Estación Intermodal de Almería (central hub). Main operator: ALSA.
• Typical direct coach times:
  • Granada: ~2–3 h
  • Málaga: ~3–4 h
  • Murcia: ~3–4 h
  • Alicante: ~4.5–5.5 h
  • Seville: ~5–6.5 h
  • Madrid: ~6–7.5 h
  • Valencia: ~6.5–7.5 h
• Multiple daily departures; more frequent in peak season.

By Car

• Main routes: A‑7 (Mediterranean motorway, toll‑free) along the coast; A‑92/A‑44 inland via Granada.
• Approximate driving times:
  • Granada: 1 h 45–2 h (A‑92/A‑7)
  • Málaga: 2–2.5 h (A‑7)
  • Murcia: 2–2.5 h (A‑7)
  • Alicante: 3–3.5 h (A‑7)
  • Madrid: 5–5.5 h (A‑4/A‑44/A‑92 → A‑7)
  • Seville: 4.5–5.5 h (A‑92 → A‑7)
• Parking is generally straightforward outside peak summer; city centre has paid zones and public car parks.

By Ferry

• Port of Almería (near the centre; ~10–15 min walk from the Intermodal Station).
• Regular services (seasonal variations) to Melilla (Spain) and North Africa (e.g., Nador, Oran, Ghazaouet). Typical crossings: ~6–8 h (Melilla/Nador) and ~9–11 h (Algeria). Operators and schedules vary—check current timetables.