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Almeria and its treasures

The province of Almeria lies on the South Eastern edge of the Spanish cost in region of Andalusia. The city of Almeria nestles in the south of Almeria province and is one of Andalusia`s capitals. The name "Almeria" has its routes from the Arabic for "The Mirror", as a description for it being the mirror of the sea. Being on the coast, the city has bright blue seas and pebble beaches, the villages seem to blend into the surrounding nature with their white houses and natural, rustic elegance.

The area possesses one of the warmest climates in Europe, with a yearly average of 19C, this can range from 17C in winter to a toasty 30C in summer. Sea temperatures remain an average of 17C in winter and rise to 26C in summer, making the idea of a swim an appealing prospect.

Because of its natural and arid surroundings (which are quite a welcome contrast to the busy cities and towns), Almeria has been an excellent choice as a film location, going back to the 1940s, for various film genres including old style spaghetti westerns. Notable films include The Wind and the Lion (1975), Lawrence of Arabia (1962), The Magnificent Seven (1960), The good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966) and more recently Imagining Argentina (2003) and The Reckoning (2003). Some sets from previous films are still present in the Tabernas desert.

Attractive locations to visit include the medieval fortress Alcazaba, which was founded in the early 10th century by Caliph of Cordoba, Adb-erRahman. This is the second largest Arab fort in Andalusia and could hold an army of 20,000 men in times of war. Almeria`s cathedral in the heart of the city was built in 1524 after the previous building in its place was destroyed by an earthquake. This building has a fortress like appearance with a mix of architectural style and contains many Muslim and Arab features as well as later Christian additions.

With the city being one of Andalusia`s eight provincial capitals it possesses a good range of museums. The Almeria Museum holds various objects revealed by Louis Seret. Art lovers will appreciate the city`s museum of art and various street sculptures round the city. Other worthwhile visits include the Chance houses that have been carved from rocks and the beautiful Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park that boasts one of the Mediterranean`s richest coastlines and significant ecological surroundings.

Almeria can be reached by flights from UK airports including Manchester and London direct to Almeria International Airport. This is located 10KM east of the city, at the end of the AL-12 dual carriageway. www.comparecarhire.co.uk Car rental Malaga provides the freedom to discover the many wonderful locations and take in the scenery of Almeria. To rent a car, you will need a full UK licence and in all other respects driving in Almeria and Andalusia is similar to most European countries. There are a large number of hotels throughout Andalusia, some within a short distance of the airport and directly in front of the beaches of Almeria city.