Travel Guide To Almeria
Being on the southeast coastline of Spain, its obvious that the name of the province is derived from the old Arabic term "The Mirror of the Sea". The capital city of the AlmerÃa is AlmerÃa city. The city was founded in 955 AD by the Arab rulers.
AlmerÃa was once an autonomous state that was rich in the silk trade, but over the years was incorporated under Spanish rule. The discovery of iron mines in the region led to its major importance in the 18th century. AlmerÃa settled as a prosperous region under Spanish rule up to the Spanish Civil War when the region was subject to severe bombings by the German air force and navy, and was one of the last regions in Spain to surrender to the National Government of General Franco. Since the mid 20th century, AlmerÃa prospered once again due to Tourism and extensive agriculture. With over 300 days of sunshine in the year, AlmerÃa boasts one of the driest and sunniest climates in the continent of Europe, boasting an average annual temperature of 19ºC.
AlmerÃa is well connected by the A-7 Mediterranean Highway, and the Spanish A-92 route that connects it to the rest of the Andalucian region. AlmerÃa Port runs shipping lines to the North Africa coast and there are plenty of tourist cruise opportunities from the harbour marina, so bear this in mind. AlmerÃa International Airport is the fourth largest airport in the Andalucian region. The Airport is reached via the A-7 Motorway which is from the AL-17 dual carriageway. The Airport serves many European destinations through many carriers.
What to See and Do in AlmerÃa
Visit the Alcazaba - The Alcazaba is a fortified structure that was created in the tenth century as a defensive citadel for the city, and was constructed by the Moors inhabitants. There are three lines of walls and the preserved keep part of the castle. The Muslim artwork and structures are fascinating to see. The ruins of the Castle of San Cristobal is located close to the Alcazaba and connected through a line of walls.
Check out the beautiful beaches of the Costa AlmerÃa - Cabo de Gata, El Lancon, El Monsul, El Playazo, Garrucha beach and Roquetas de Mar are some of the more popular beaches in AlmerÃa.
Visit AlmerÃa Cathedral - AlmerÃa Cathedral was originally built in a fortress style, designed to protect and defend it against theMediterranean pirates. There was once a Mosque on the site which was turned into a church. It was destroyed by the earthquake of 1522. Restored to its glory in the 16th century and built in the Renaissance style.
Visit La Chanca - A wonderful group of houses that is carved into massive rockfaces.
Take a trip to the Parque Natural Cabo de Gata - and enjoy the beauty of its wild beaches and the fascinating diversity of its nightlife. The park is volcanic in origin.
Visit the tourist resort of Mojacar - Mojacar is a wonderful ancient fortress town that is positioned on a massive rock structure, and overlooks the wonderfully clean beaches and the Mediterranean's glistening waters. Mojacar is now probably the largest tourist resort on the Costa AlmerÃa but it has not lost its charm - the narrow whitewashed streets of the town remain. The Moorish fortress called The Arches of Luciana is a must visit, as is a trip to the beaches Playa de los Genoveses and the Playa de Monsul.
Tourist Activities to enjoy - There is so much to do and see in AlmerÃa with plenty of tourist activities from scuba diving, golf, horse riding, water sports, theme parks and much more. The region offers wonderful food (with tapas a speciality) and wine! You will be spoilt for choice with what to do in AlmerÃa!
Enjoy the Relics of the Museum of AlmerÃa - This enthralling museums includes the relics of the region from prehistoric times to the Moorish occuptation.
Enjoy the Landscape of AlmerÃa - AlmerÃa boasts the only desert landscape in Europe. The landscape of the region is quite varied, from beach areas, to mountainous regions, to cities, to cactus-covered hills. Due to its location, the region has a prestigious cinema past due to the creation of many Hollywood Spaghetti Western movies in the region, together with the shooting of the film "Lawrence of Arabia".
AlmerÃa Fact: Not many people know that celebrated Beatle John Lennon composed the wonderful "Strawberry Fields Forever" whilst filming a WWII movie in AlmerÃa in 1966! Today there is a monument commemorating the gifted Liverpudlian playing his guitar on the ‘Rambla' in AlmerÃa City.
Tempted to take a trip into the wonderful delight that is AlmerÃa? If you are planning on a holiday in AlmerÃa, the best way to explore the captial city and region is to avail of a top quality car hire. For the very best deals in car rental, visit our Car Hire Almeria Airport page.
John writes for Novacarhire.com - an independent car hire reservation website where you can book low cost car hire at over 5, 000 locations worldwide.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com
