The Alcazaba Castle of Almeria
This consists of three fortified enclosures surrounded by battlemented walls. It still has interesting halls and passages open to the exterior. Built by the Arab Abderramàn III over what was possibly a Roman castle, as the Roman road known as the " Via Herculea " passes by the castle.
History / Places of Interest
The name " Almería " stems from al-Meraya ( Arabic , " the watchtower " ), because of its magnificent Moorish castle, Alcazaba among the Muslim fortresses
of Andalusia, only Alhambra is larger.
Declared a Biosphere Reserve, the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Park 38,000 hectares of land and 12,000 hectares of sea are one of south-eastern Spain's most valuable protected spaces.
The city of Almería is also rich in civil heritage, with such exceptional examples as the Casa de los Puche, in the Plaza de Bendicho. From a later period we can see the Ayuntamiento, integrated into the monumental Plaza Vieja, presided over by the monument to "Los Coloraos", as well as the house of the Mariposas, the Casino Cultural and the Cervantes Theatre. Beautiful examples of civil buildings, such as town halls, granaries and bull rings, can be seen in other parts of the province.
Anyone visiting is surprised by the apparently inhospitable area's rich ecosystems and economic resources such as the salt pans and mining activity which man has used wisely since antiquity, maintaining a careful environmental balance. For
divers the surprise is even greater as they are able to enjoy the magnificent sights of what is hidden beneath the Park's waves.
Different types of terrain are to be found in the Natural Park where there is a habitat of a wide range of fauna including amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.
Almería, dominated by its impressive Moorish Alcazaba, occupies a corner of Eastern Europe where brillant sunshine bathes its inland fields, beaches and coves.
Almería-Cabo de Gata-Nijar has been a cultural crossroads since the mists of time and still is an important communications hub between the East and West today.
Almeria city has a wealth of historic sites, museums, art galleries, good
restaurants and traditional tapas bars. It is famous for its long avenue with pretty squares, street cafes and children's play areas known as La Rambla.
Throughout the city there is a strong African influence thanks to the large number of migrant workers from Tunisia, Morocco and other African countries. You can
also take a trip from the ferry port to North Africa.
To the west of Almeria city there is the tourist resort of Aguadulce with plenty of hotels, international restaurants, a yacht harbour and a variety of watersports. A little further along the coast you'll find the popular resort of Roquetas de Mar, an attractive fishing village with whitewashed houses, a bustling harbour and a good range of sports including an 18-hole golf course.
At the western end of the Costa Almeria is the town of Adra, a former Roman colony which now boasts a modern sports marina and yacht club. The coastal lagoons here are a haven for many bird species including flamingoes.
Sailing can be practised all year round due to the excellent climate. Even if you
are not an experienced sailor there are excellent sailing schoolsnearby, where all necessary equipment will be provided.
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