Almería

Almería
source
Name	Almería
Settlement type	Municipality
Coordinates	36, 50, N, 2...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Spain
Subdivision type1	Autonomous community
Subdivision name1	Andalusia
Subdivision type2	Province
Subdivision name2	Almería
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	María del Mar Vázquez
Leader party	PP
Area total km2	296
Elevation m	27
Population total	200,578
Population as of	2023
Population density km2	auto
Postal code type	Postal code
Postal code	04001-04009
Website	https://www.almeriaciudad.es/

Almería is a city and municipality in the autonomous community of Andalusia in southern Spain. It is the capital of the Province of Almería and lies on the southeastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula, on the Alboran Sea. Founded in 955 by Abd al-Rahman III, the Caliph of Córdoba, it grew into a major Mediterranean port under Islamic rule. Today, it is known for its historic fortress, the Alcazaba of Almería, its extensive greenhouse agriculture, and its sunny, arid climate.

History

The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with significant settlements by the Argaric culture. Under the Umayyad Caliphate of Córdoba, the city was formally founded as a fortified port and naval base, becoming an important center for silk trade and shipbuilding. After the collapse of the caliphate, it became the seat of a independent taifa kingdom, a period of great cultural flourishing. The city was conquered by Christian forces in 1489 during the Granada War, led by the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile. This was followed by a period of decline, earthquakes, and pirate attacks from the Barbary Coast. In the 19th century, the mining of iron ore and lead brought economic revival, with significant exports to Britain. The 20th century saw further growth tied to agriculture and tourism, though the city suffered greatly during the Spanish Civil War, serving as a base for the Republican Navy and being heavily bombarded by the German battleship Deutschland.

Geography

The city is situated on a coastal plain at the foot of the Sierra de Gádor mountains, with the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park located to the east. It features a hot semi-arid climate, one of the driest in Europe, with over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually and very low rainfall. The landscape is dominated by the Rambla de Belén, a seasonal riverbed, and the city's coastline includes the Port of Almería and beaches such as Playa del Zapillo. The surrounding region is famously arid, with parts resembling a desert, often used as a filming location for spaghetti Westerns.

Economy

The economy is heavily based on intensive agriculture, with the surrounding Campo de Dalías plain covered in a vast sea of plastic greenhouses, known as the "Sea of Plastic," producing vegetables for export across Europe. The Port of Almería handles both commercial freight and passenger ferries to Melilla, Nador, and Ghazaouet. Tourism is a growing sector, focused on the city's historical sites, beaches, and golf courses. Other industries include construction, renewable energy projects, and a small but notable film production services sector, with studios like Texas Hollywood operating nearby.

Culture

The city's cultural heritage is deeply rooted in its Moorish past, evident in its architecture and urban layout. Key cultural events include the Semana Santa processions and the Feria de Almería in August. It is the birthplace of notable figures such as the poet Celia Viñas and the musician David Bisbal. The Almería Cathedral, built as a fortress-church, and the Museo de Almería, which houses artifacts from the Los Millares and Argaric cultures, are central cultural institutions. The local cuisine features dishes like gurullos and ajo colorao, reflecting its agricultural and coastal setting.

Main sights

The most iconic landmark is the Alcazaba of Almería, one of the largest Moorish fortresses in Spain. The fortified Almería Cathedral, designed by Juan de Orea, dominates the city center. Other important sites include the Church of Saint John, built atop the former main mosque, the 19th-century Cable Inglés iron ore loading pier, and the Refugios de la Guerra Civil, a network of underground air-raid shelters. The Museum of Almería offers extensive archaeological collections, while the nearby Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park provides dramatic volcanic landscapes and pristine coves.

Transport

The city is served by the Almería Airport, located east of the city, with flights to major Spanish and European destinations. The Port of Almería offers regular ferry services to North Africa. Road connections are provided by the A-7 Mediterranean motorway and the A-92 inland motorway. The main railway station, Almería railway station, offers services on the Linares-Baeza to Almería line, including a Talgo train to Madrid. Urban public transport consists of a network of buses operated by SURBUS.

Category:Almería Category:Municipalities in the Province of Almería Category:Port cities and towns in Andalusia