Where to Stay in Almería: Hotels in the City and Coast

Almería city is the obvious base for a first visit. It is a coastal city of around 197,000 people, and most of what you will want to see is close to hand: the Alcazaba y Murallas del Cerro de San Cristóbal, the Iglesia Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación, the Museo de Almería, the Centro Andaluz de la Fotografía and the Museo de Arte de Almería are all within about half a mile of the centre. The ferry port is barely half a mile away too, and the Castillo de San Telmo lighthouse is roughly 2 miles out.

Aguadulce is the coastal alternative, a town of around 13,900 people about 6 miles from the city and 16 minutes by car from the airport. It suits travellers who would rather wake up away from the city streets yet still reach the old centre easily for a day of sightseeing.

Rioja is a small inland village of around 1,300 people, about 7 miles from Almería and 12 minutes from the airport. It is the quietest of the three, with no listed sights of its own, so think of it as a peaceful base rather than a destination in itself.

In Almería city, the appeal is location: a city-centre hotel puts you within walking distance of the fortress, the cathedral and the museums, which matters in July and August when daytime highs reach 32°C and you will want to head back for a break in the afternoon. This is the place for short city breaks and for anyone arriving or leaving by ferry.

Aguadulce, as a smaller coastal town, lends itself to a beach-led holiday at a slower pace, with the city close enough for an evening out. Rioja, being inland and small, is better suited to travellers who want quiet surroundings and do not mind driving to the coast and the sights. Check each listing for the exact location and facilities, as the live prices on this page cover all three areas.

Timing makes the biggest difference. April, May, June, September and October are the best months, with highs between 21°C and 29°C. July and August are hotter and almost completely dry, and that is also when UK school holidays push demand up, so booking early pays off. From November to March days stay mild, between 17°C and 20°C, which makes winter city breaks pleasant, though March is the wettest month with around 49mm of rain.

If you choose Aguadulce or Rioja, consider car hire from the airport; the drive times are short and you can compare car hire here alongside hotel prices. Package holidays combining flights, hotel and transfers are also available from several UK providers, with deals you can compare on this page. Tours and tickets for the city's sights can be checked here too.