Almería: Sun, Sultans and Sheriffs in Andalucía’s Wild East

Almería’s story is inextricably linked to the Mediterranean, which gave it lucrative trading opportunities, yet also left it vulnerable to pirate raids. Under Muslim rule, it flourished by exporting fine silks and marble, but later it became sidelined, hampered by poor overland communications through the rugged, mountainous terrain. The city recovered thanks to a mining boom in the 1800s, before reinventing itself as a hub for agriculture and movie-making.

Starting in the Parque de Nicolás Salmerón between the port and the city, you’ll explore the area around Almería cathedral, developed by Bishop Diego de Villalán in the 1500s. From there, you’ll climb through the Almedina district to the Alcazaba (fortress), while hearing about Almería’s origins as the main port for the Caliphate of Córdoba and its period as a prosperous, independent Muslim taifa (kingdom).

In the second half of the tour, you’ll stroll through elegant squares and boulevards laid out in the 19th century, including Plaza de la Constitución, Puerta de Purchena, and the newly pedestrianised Paseo de Almería. Along the way, you’ll get a flavour of Almerían society in the 19th and 20th centuries, including the dramas and intrigues that punctuated the sedate rhythm of everyday life. The tour ends near the port, opposite the Cable Inglés, which was used to transport iron ore to waiting ships.

On this 120-minute Almería walking tour, you’ll get the chance to:

• Discover why the Christians largely abandoned the old Muslim medina when they conquered Almería
• Visit the Museum of Contemporary Spanish Realism or Doña Pakyta art museum to appreciate works of art from Almería and around Spain
• Get the lowdown on the notorious crime which inspired the writings of Carmen de Burgos and Federico García Lorca
• Uncover the hidden entrance to a subterranean network of tunnels created during the Civil War
• Find out why filmmakers like Sergio Leone and Steven Spielberg were drawn to Almería
• Learn what Almerians mean by a “sheriff gun” and an “Americano”
• Discover the true story behind the song Strawberry Fields Forever

During this tour, you’ll discover the people and stories behind Almería’s main sights. You’ll also get a sense of how the modern city has evolved from its medieval origins, and hear about its ambitious plans for a bright future.