Walks: The prettiest streets to stroll along are 'Las Ramblas', the 'Paseo de Almería'. A walk around the San Nicolás Salmerón park is also very pleasant. Las Ramblas go all the way to the port and the Almadrabillas beach.

    Palaces and Castles: La Alcazaba (Arabic fortress) - located in the historical quarter, consists of three areas:

• The Muslim Medina: Built at the foot of the la Alcazaba in 955.

• Houses, baths, hermitages dating back to the Reyes Católicos and remains of the Al-Mutasin palace.

• The Christian Area established by the Reyes Católicos.

    This fortress was built on top of a hill to get a good view of the horizon so that the city could be well defended against invaders.

    Remains from the Moor occupation of the city: These can be found in the historical quarter starting in 'la plaza Vieja' (the old square) where you can find the townhall, el Barrio de la Chanca (the Chanca neighbourhood), the San Nicolás Salmerón Park (the Alcazaba gardens), San Juan church (includes the remains of a 15th century mosque wall and a 12th century tomb) and the arabic baths.

    Cathedrals and churches:

• Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación Cathedral: 15th century - its tower 'el Sol de Portocarrero' is the symbol of the city.

• Santo Domingo Convent: 16th century

• Las Puras Convent: 16th century

• San Juan Parish Church: 16th century - located in the 'Plaza de las Chafarinas' (las Chafarinas square) one of the best historical sites in the city, it was built on the remains of a 10th century mosque.

• Las Claras Convent (also known as Convent of la Encarnación): 18th century - it has been recognised as an artistic historical monument.

• Santo Domingo Convent: 16th century.

• Santiago Parish Church: 16th century

• San Pedro el Viejo Parish Church: (now known as the church 'del Sagrado Corazón')

    Museums : The archeological museum; the Capitular (Chapter House) Museum; the Religious Sculptures Museum; the Morera Art Museum.

• The Villaespesa Public Library: It holds part of the Almeria Museum's archeological archives on prehistory.

• The Provincial History Archive Collection : It holds information on the province's ancient history.

• The Olive Oil Museum: Located in the historical quarter in a 19th century stately home. At the end of a visit you get the opportunity to taste a variety of different types of olive oil.

    There are a number of stately homes from the Christian period which are worth visiting. They are all located in the Barrio de la Musalla (the Musalla neighbourhood):

• Casa de las Mariposas (the Butterfly House): Located in the 'Puerta de Purchena'

• The Casino Cultural

• The Cervantes theatre

• Casa de la Música (the Music House): nowadays the tourism office.

• Vizaconde de Almansa Palace

• Casa de los Puche: 17th and 18th century, located in la plaza de Bendicho (Bendicho square).

• Don Francisco Jover y Tovar: The historical archive centre for the province.

    Palacio Arzobispal (the Archbishop's palace): Opposite the cathedral, a very austere building with fortified towers. It has an interesting main door.

    What to buy in Almeria: Mainly pottery and wickerwork (pottery in Níjar and Albox and marble in Mácael and Albanchez). Also good for fresh local fruit and vegetables.