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The lively city of Almería is the capital of Andalusia on Spain's southern Mediterranean coast. It's bursting with tapas bars and vibrant markets packed with fish, fruit and clothing stalls. There's also a lot of history here, from Moorish ruins to elegant 19th-century townhouses. Head out a little way from Almería itself to find sandy beaches where you can sunbathe, swim or watch the sunset, or make time to explore the atmospheric desert dotted with sandstone cones that surrounds the city. 

The Almería hostel scene includes a cosy guesthouse with en-suite bathrooms and bathtubs, and there's a downtown option near the historic centre just a stroll from lively local bars. You can expect free Wi-Fi at most Almería hostels in the city. Look for options that have air con so you'll be comfortable on the hot Almerian nights. Some stays also have an on-site bar where you can have a glass of local wine and ask the staff for tips on the city.

The area surrounding Puerta de Purchena is the historic neighbourhood of Almería, full of old churches, museums and leafy plazas where you can sit and people-watch. There are also heaps of authentic tapas bars here. A short bus ride away, you'll find a handful of beach areas (worth visiting even in spring). If you're looking for culture, head to the city centre, which is home to theatres, museums and exhibition halls.

One of the top sights in Almería is the Alcazaba, a 10th-century Moorish fortress. Wander through the complex to find the ruins of a palace, a chapel and a castle surrounded by serene water channels and lavish gardens. There are also a couple of museums to visit nearby, including one for guitar fans and one for archaeology aficionados. For a feel of local life, head to the lively Plaza de Pavía market to pick up anything from bargain footwear to warm, sugary churros.

Almería has a small airport that's about 9km from the city centre. You can get from the airport to the Estación Intermodal, the city's main bus and train station, by bus in about 35 minutes. Almería is just under seven hours by bus from Madrid and two to four hours from Granada. To get around the city and its surroundings, you can find taxis at Paseo de Almería or call to book.