Almeria is the gateway to the desert region of southern Spain. The Andalucian city doesn’t see quite as many visitors as the likes of Malaga, Seville and Granada, but it has plenty to offer. The prime draw, of course, is the sunshine, which lures many tourists to the regions wonderful beaches, but there is more to the city than that. The Alcazaba and the cathedral are magnificent examples of their type, while just out of town is Mini Hollywood. This is part film-set, part theme park, and its fame dates back to the days when the spaghetti westerns need a cheap filming alternative to the American desert. Films such as The Good, The Bad and The Ugly and A Fistful Of Dollars were shot in the area as a result. So, those who fancy a dose of Clint Eastwood to go alongside their sun tan have come to the right place.
Also worth seeing is the nearby seaside village of Mojacar – there are wonderful views from the top of the castle here.
But it’s all very well knowing what you can see there. What is the best way to get there, though? Many airlines, some offering great deals and bargains, fly into Almeria from cities all across Europe. These include:
Ryanair offers flights to Almeria from Dublin in Ireland and London Stansted in England.
Monarch Airlines offers flights to Almeria from Birmingham and Manchester in England.
Easyjet offers flights to Almeria from London Gatwick in England.
Not all of these fly every day, but they do have a regular service. It is always worth shopping around to see what sort of deal you can get, as the prices can vary dramatically depending on when you book, what time of day you plan to travel and what airport you wish to fly from. You should always make sure you are aware of the full price – including taxes and fees before confirming a booking. Also bear in mind that budget airlines do not provide a full service, such as free in-flight meals, and that you may prefer to pay a little bit extra to get such add-ons.
Alicante, Almeria, Bilbao, Girona, Granada, Jaen, Jerez, La Coruna, Valencia, Valladolid, Zaragoza.