Car Rental Almeria

If you are collecting your rental car at the airport, you’ll find Almería and its many attractions are around 15 minutes away via the AL-12. The city is just off Autovía A-7, a major route running along the Mediterranean coast, beginning close to the border with France.

This route connects Almería with neighbouring coastal destinations including Málaga, around 200km south and Alicante, just under 300km to the north. You can even follow it all the way south to Algeciras, the largest city on the Bay of Gibraltar.

From Almería it’s also easy to follow the A-7 and join the A-44 inland to Granada, home to one of the region’s most famous attractions - the Alhambra. Further north, the A-7 takes in destinations including Valencia and Barcelona. It provides a free alternative to the AP-7, part of Spain’s Autopista network of toll roads.

Spain has an excellent road network, so driving across the country can be enjoyable. But always allow plenty of time if your route takes you through any of its major cities.

Parking in the historic old town of Almería is limited, but there are many conveniently placed parking lots where you can leave your rental car behind for a few hours. Try the 55 Garage on Calle Real, just a short walk from the Alcazaba, or the Parking Plaza San Pedro, situated in the square of the same name. Several hotels in the city centre also offer parking facilities for their guests.

Home to unspoilt beaches and magnificent Moorish architecture, Almería boasts all the ingredients for a spectacular Spanish getaway. With a rental car, you’ll also be able to explore further afield. Here’s our quick guide to a few of the best attractions in and around the city.

Natural beauty

Almería is the gateway to the only desert in Europe - the Cabo de Gata. Home to soaring mountain peaks overlooking the Mediterranean, it also boasts beautiful beaches that are relatively untouched by the mass tourism.

There are hiking trails of all lengths and difficulties throughout the park. Even some of the shortest, such as the Trail Caldera de Majada Redonda, will take you through wild volcanic landscapes. Alternatively, you can admire the scenery from one of the beaches – Playa de los Genoveses is one of the most popular choices among locals and visitors alike.

Heart of the city

Back in the city, the ancient fortress of Alcazaba should be at the top of your sightseeing list. This magnificent Moorish palace is the largest of its type in Spain after the Alhambra in nearby Granada, and is the city’s most impressive historical attraction.

First built in the 10^th century, the compound once housed the palace of the city’s Muslim rulers along with a mosque and residential living quarters. Parts of the original structure still stand, while others have been replaced with fragrant gardens and water fountains. Climb up to the ramparts to enjoy spectacular views of the city and surrounding coastline.

Tapas and tavernas

Almería was named the Gastronomic Capital of Spain in 2019, and the area around the centre of the city is a food lover’s paradise. The Central Market - housed within a grand 19^th century building - is the perfect place to sample fresh seafood straight from the Mediterranean, served up in local delicacies such as pescado frito – fried fish.

The city is also famous for its tapas, often served as a single free plate when you order a drink in one of its bars or restaurants. The best tapas bars in the city include Casa Puga and Restaurante Casco Antiguo, renowned for its delicious dishes and lively atmospheres. Specialties include seafood paella, sea snails and octopus, although many tapas bars, including Tito’s City, now cater for vegetarians and vegans too.

Movie magic

When you rent a car in Almería it’s easy to take the short drive out of the city and explore the surrounding desert landscapes. Many famous TV shows and movies, including Hollywood’s Spaghetti Westerns and more recently episodes of Game of Thrones, have been filmed here.

Today, some old movie sets remain standing and have been turned into popular theme parks, such as Oasys Mini Hollywood where The Good, The Bad & The Ugly was filmed and Fort Bravo, which is still used to shoot TV and movies today. With Western-style saloons and even live cowboy shows, they’re a must for any lover of the Hollywood classics.