Worth the climb...

One of the 'must see' things when visiting here is the impressive   'Alcazaba of Almería' which dates from the10th century. It was built by the Moors as a defensive citadel and seat of local government, overseeing the city and the nearby sea port from its strategic location high above the city. 

We had viewed it from afar a number of times (it's hard to miss!), while exploring the city and were determined to make the long climb to see it up close, so glad we did! 

There are great photo ops and 360 deg. views from the battlements.

As you venture deeper into the complex you begin to realise that it was not only a fortress but a palace for the Moorish kings when they visited this area. 

There is still a great deal of work going on in the site but it does not really spoil your visit as it is well cordoned off and you are guided through them safely. 

You can tell that once completed it is going to be even more spectacular. Below are more of the great views you have.

Looking over the 'Mediterráneos de La Hoya Garden' to the 'Castillo de San Cristóbal'. The line of wall to the left that connects the Alcazaba with Saint Cristobal Hill is the 'Jayron Wall' after the king who had it built in the 11th century .

Wednesday for windows...here's some from Almeria

 ...and why not!

Almeria's Three Kings Procession...

On Sunday night we were lucky enough to have ringside seats (well actually a view from our balcony) for Almeria's annual 'Three Kings Procession' (Cabalgata de Reyes)the event marks the culmination of the Christmas season and pays homage to the biblical story of the Three Wise Men. Gaspar, Melchior and Balthasar, who journeyed, with their camels, from the East, following a star, to bring gifts to the new-born Baby Jesus.

After the procession we joined the crowds in the city centre to continue the festivities.

Seaside promenade in Almería...

Yesterday we walked down to the shorefront of the city the 'Carmen de Burgos promenade' and strolled along to its end and back again with a stop for lunch on the way. In all we clocked up13km with by the time we returned to our apartment. 

There were a number of distractions along the way including sand sculptures and this little ensemble who entertained us over lunch.

Hola from Almeria...

Our apartment block in the centre of the city.

We had a pretty straightforward drive from our overnight stay just outside Alicante down to our 'home' for the next 4 weeks here in Almeria. We headed straight out for some tapas and a wee refreshment after our usual stressful last half hour of finding our parking spot through the narrow streets with poor Pauline have to 'read' map as 'Google Maps' lady decided to stop talking to us at a critical point but we made it eventually after a few twists and turns.  We have found to our dismay that our car satnav is hopeless when it comes to the finer details of an actual address.

We have quickly established that our total lack of Spanish will be a problem if our confusion over our ordering of tapas is anything to go by but it did prove tasty and was good value, so hay ho! Then it was fid a supermarket to get in some essentials.

We returned to the apartment and got settled in before heading back out in the evening for dinner and our first real look around. It was obviously too early for the locals to dine but we were happy to wander through the city's Christmas lights which were a delight.

They have created a light cathedral in the square in front of the actual building itself.