Almeria is known for its fine architecture, which reflect not only the skill of its artists and craftsmen, but also its incredible history and culture.

Compared to the other cities in the region, Almeria is distinguished by having a stronger system of defenses. In fact, one of its biggest tourist attractions, the palace fortress called the Alcazaba, was built by Abd-al-Rahman III to protect the city. Its name means Citadel, and it’s the largest fortress ever built by the Moors in Spain. It has a triple wall, and its mosques were heavily fortified as well. Some say that the name “Almeria” was derived from : Al-Mariy-yat (which means the Watchtower).

All these defenses were meant to keep out the invaders penetrating from the Mediterranean sea. It was also meant to protect the vast wealth found in the city. It was the region’s commercial port, and the main centre of trade of the Caliphate of Cordoba. At its peak, it housed over ten thousand textile mills alone. You can imagine the kind of gold that passed through its citizens’ hands in a given day, or the lavish furnishings of the homes of the rich merchants.

Almeria’s location not only made it a centre of trade and military power, but also afforded its inhabitants and visitors a breathtaking view. Mother Nature was generous with Almeria. Aside from the brilliant Mediterranean sea, it had lush and fertile valleys and a majestic mountain range, which according to Islam tradition, was a stairway to heaven. Indeed, Almeria did seem like part of paradise. God’s patio, so to speak, blessed with great abundance.

Today, visitors can get a glimpse of the beauty of the surroundings by climbing the San Cristobal Hill, which gives a view of the sea and the historic quarter. It was constructed during the time of the Taifa Kingdoms. Alongside them stands the Saharan Fauna Shelter.

Almeria also has many religious buildings, such as the Almeria Cathedral, which has several towers, the Church of Santiago the Elder (located in the shopping district), and the Church of San Pedro, a fine example of the Neoclassical style. Visitors should also go to the temple of San Juan, and the numerous theatres and administrative offices.

The poets used to call Almeria the Mirror of the Sea, but even they could never have guessed the treasure that lay hidden for centuries under the seaside cliffs.

Scientists have discovered the crystal caves of Almeria, a geological treasure that is currently being studied by several international teams of experts.

The Crystal Caves contains long gypsum prisms, some measuring eight metres or 26 feet long. Most gypsum prisms are so small they can fit into the palm of your hand.

Scientists believe that these amazing shafts of crystal hese were formed when the sea water evaporated. The process took thousands of years, compacting the crhystals until all that was left were the fantastic salt shards that glittered like diamonds in the light.

Scientists have seen nothing like it, and are excited to study it for an insight into the way the earth was shaped. It has been declared a natural phenomenon, and the government has been forced to put the place under tight 24 hour security to prevent people from stealing these rare formations.

The crystal cave was discovered by Javier Garcia Guinea, a geologist. “Bending your body between the huge crystals is an incredible sensation,” he said in an interview with BBC. “When I was young I dreamt of flying, but never to go into a geode internally covered with transparent crystals.”

Though he, like other scientists, are eager to protect the crystal cave from theft or destruction, he believes that this kind of treasure should not be kept hidden. After all, the very rarity of the find would make it of great interest to the public, and can be (if proper measure are taken) turned into a popular tourist attraction.

About 10 people can fit into the crystal cave, and experts are now studying the logistics of how to allow tours while still maintaining the integrity of the find. A few are suggesting that instead of allowing people in the cave, that they simply be given a chance to look at it from a distance. One option is to drill a hole and inser a window.

Andalucia is the second largest and most populated Spanish Autonomous. It is known for its diverse landscape, a mild and pleasant climate, the friendliness and warmth of its people, and its fascinating historyand culture.

This has made Andalucia very popular among tourists. Ever year they come, in tens of thousands, to enjoy its 3000 hours of sunshine and the long stretches of sun-kissed beaches, and its many other attractions.

In a way, Andalucia has always drawn its share of crowds. Thousands of years before the birth of Christ, the Phoenician travelers would take refuge on its shores. They saw that the waters there were warmer, with less wind. The climate was always pleasant, mild even during the winter. Eventually some of them settled along the Guadalquivir river, the “father” of old civilizations. This was where the first communities were built, which grew into the cities, and then the empires, which have stood on Andalucia’s lands.

Today visitors still take refuge in Andalucia, but for different reasons. They see it as a place to escape from stress and noise. They crave the tranquility and serenity, the sense of escaping into a beautiful place, where time slows down and every face seems to be lit with a welcoming smile. Others seek adventure, thrilled by the opportunity to participate in different sports from skiing in the Sierra Nevada to surfing at the coast of Cadiz.

The visitors rave about Andalucia’s sun kissed beaches, the amazing flora and fauna that can be found in its mountain ranges, and the famous “white villages” with their long tradition of folklore and artisany. The crafts here are very beautiful, and it is advisable for tourists to stop by the markets. What would be a better souvenir than a handmade pot, or a delicate silk shawl, or a hand-painted fan?

Today, some of those traditions have come to represent the magic of Spain, like the beautiful flamenco and the exciting sport of bull fighting, or the magical myths of Don Juan and the passionate opera of Carmen.