This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Almería.
Almería is a city and capital of the province of the same name in Andalusia. It is a large, bustling city off the coast, overlooking the waters of the Gulf of Almería and the Mediterranean Sea. Like any town or city in Andalusia and Southern Spain, Almería was heavily influenced by the Arabs during the Arab conquest and settlement starting from the seventh century. The name itself is Arabic in origin, Al-Mariy-yat, or the Watchtower.
With that name derivation, the beginnings of Almería centered on the establishment of the Alcazaba or the Citadel. The Alcazaba is a medieval watchtower that was constructed by Abd-al-Rahman III, an Emir and eventually the Caliph of Cordoba. Cordoba was the Islamic kingdom that ruled the large part of Iberia, including Spain and Andalusia. Abd-al-Rahman III was a famous Muslim leader who needed a finer and better defense protection from the enemies of the Kingdom. Alcazaba of Almería is the second-largest Moorish castle in all of Andalusia.
During the reign of the Caliphs, Almería was not only a strategic defense city, but it also grew and expanded as one of the largest centers of commerce and trade in the Mediterranean Sea. Through the harbors and ports of Almería, various products like silks, agricultural products, and livestock were exchanged throughout the region of Spain, Northern Africa, and the Mediterranean traffic.
Throughout the century, because of its richness and strategic location, various emirs of the kingdom, most notably of Granada and Valencia, disputed for the rule of Almería. Almería was eventually conquered by the Pope and the Christians during the Second Crusade and Reconquista.
Almería has since experienced catastrophes like earthquakes and manmade destruction like wars, including the shelling of German planes during the Spanish Civil War. Through all of these, Almería has rebuilt itself to be the beautiful city it is today.
The tourism of Almería is now the focus of its transformation. Visiting Almería is like visiting a gem by the sea polished by various experiences throughout history. Hostels in Almería cater to the numerous tourists and visitors each year. Almería hostels range from simple and small to grand and modern. There are all types of accommodations for the visitors of Almería.
Written by local enthusiast for Almería hostels
Angelica Burrage
