Almeria

We are booked on the HAL Eurodam transatlantic crossing that docks in Almeria on April 10 from 8 AM - 6 PM. The big attraction there seems to be a trip to Granada and the Alhambra. We spent several days there a few years ago so are not interested in the $200 pp 9 hour trip.

We are not "stay on the ship" types either.

The options seem to be:

1) Wander around Almeria for the day. I have not found a lot to recommend this on the internet though the Lonely Planet guidebook had a short paragraph with some suggestions.

2) Take a ship's tour ($80) or private tour to Mojacar

3) Take a ship's tour ($65) or private tour to Cabo de Gata & Nijar

I have not found many private tour companies that service Almeria.

Advice?

Almeria is an interesting city with a long Moorish history and plenty to keep you occupied for the day including the Alcazaba (Fortress) http://andalucia.com/cities/almeria/alcazaba.htm , Cathedral http://andalucia.com/cities/almeria/cathedral.htm and several Museums http://andalucia.com/cities/almeria/museums.htm . Some excellent authentic Tapas Bars too.

Cabo de Gata is one of our favourite places - we regularly stay at San Jose on the Cabo. Nijar is charming and has some lovely little shops - especially craft shops

Mojacar Pueblo is a Disneyesque idea of an Andalucían village - very twee and very touristy. Mojaca Playa is an uninteresting strip of sand lined by bars - many owned by Brits.

My personal choice would be either to wander round Almeria city sampling the local Vino and Tapas or the Cabo de Gata and Nijar excursion (would be cheaper to go on one of the tours sold quayside rather than one from your cruise ship).

Almeria is an interesting city with a long Moorish history and plenty to keep you occupied for the day including the Alcazaba (Fortress) http://andalucia.com/cities/almeria/alcazaba.htm , Cathedral http://andalucia.com/cities/almeria/cathedral.htm and several Museums http://andalucia.com/cities/almeria/museums.htm . Some excellent authentic Tapas Bars too.

 

Cabo de Gata is one of our favourite places - we regularly stay at San Jose on the Cabo. Nijar is charming and has some lovely little shops - especially craft shops

 

Mojacar Pueblo is a Disneyesque idea of an Andalucían village - very twee and very touristy. Mojaca Playa is an uninteresting strip of sand lined by bars - many owned by Brits.

 

My personal choice would be either to wander round Almeria city sampling the local Vino and Tapas or the Cabo de Gata and Nijar excursion (would be cheaper to go on one of the tours sold quayside rather than one from your cruise ship).

Thanks! Great advice.

Hi, Frank-

We've been reading about the tunnel system beneath Almeria used for shelter during the Spanish Civil War...the history sounds fascinating but I haven't been able to find a specific tour listed. Thought there might be a lecturer onboard who would have some information, otherwise plan to check with the Tourist Center when we dock in Almeria.

Anyone gone thru the tunnels...are there guided tours available?

Hi, Frank-

 

We've been reading about the tunnel system beneath Almeria used for shelter during the Spanish Civil War...the history sounds fascinating but I haven't been able to find a specific tour listed. Thought there might be a lecturer onboard who would have some information, otherwise plan to check with the Tourist Center when we dock in Almeria.

 

Anyone gone thru the tunnels...are there guided tours available?

 

 

There are guided tours around the tunnels (Museo Refugio de la Guerra Civil) - which are fascinating but not suitbale for anyone claustrophobic or with walking difficulties! The commentary is only in Spanish and limited spaces are available so there is no way to guarantee that you will get entry on your day in port (people are recommended to call in to book the day before they want to visit).

The entrance to the Tunnels Museum is at Plaza Manuel Pérez García. The tunnels are closed on Mondays.