Almería – Moorish citadel, 300-year-old hospital, Gothic cathedral

Cabo de Gata, Níjar – The largest coastal protected area in Andalusia: more than 4.5 million square metres (1.2 million of which are maritime). It was declared part of UNESCO’s Biosphere Reserve in 1997. Its natural seagrass beds are a refuge for the now endangered monk seal. Also worth a visit are the numerous glazed pottery workshops in Níjar.

Gergal – Europe’s most powerful telescope in Europe’s clearest sky, and spectacular panoramic views of the Tabernas desert.  In Gergal you can also find the Solar Platform of Almería, an EU solar research energy centre.

Sierra María – Los Vélez Natural Park and the spectacular Vélez Blanco Castle, which conjures up images of knights-of-old.

Sorbas – Natural park area, with Spain’s most important gypsum karst landscape and Spain’s largest gypsum cave, the Cueva del Agua.

Punta Entinas, Sabinar – 15km of protected coastline southwest of Roquetas de Mar: freshwater and salt lakes with more than 150 different species of birdlife, including one of the world’s rarest seagulls, Audouin's gull.

Albufera de Adra – a small wetland reserve, with coastal lagoons full of exceptional birdlife

Mojácar – White village perched on top of a hill, with stunning views of the sea and the surrounding countryside.

Tabernas – Europe’s only semi-desert. More than a hundred films (notably the ‘Spagehitti Westerns’) were shot in its Wild West villages, known as Mini-Hollywood, Texas-Hollywood and Western Leone.

Baños de Alhamilla – Natural hot springs.
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