Almeria overview

Few of the droves of visitors to the Costa del Sol make it over to Almeria, although those that do are often flummoxed by its less in-your-face beaches and its ancient Moorish architecture. It sits down in the southeast of Spain between Malaga and Alicante and is fronted by a rugged coastline and backed by an even more rugged interior. Its Arab fortress – the largest in Spain - overlooks the coast, city and old cave quarter of Barrio de la Chanca, while father afield are a collection of quintessential Spanish hamlets. Along with fortresses and castles is an equal measure of cathedrals and churches, as well as a long promenade for amblers. Almeria Airport is the main gateway.