7 Otherworldly Places to Visit in Almería
Almería, in the northern corner of Andalusia, is one of Spain’s best-kept secrets. Far less touristy than the Costa Blanca or Costa del Sol, it’s a region of wild beaches, glittering caves, and mountain sunsets that feel more like a dream than reality.
If you’re looking for landscapes that truly feel out of this world, here are 7 otherworldly places in Almería you’ll never forget.
Playa de los Cocederos
1. Pulpí Geode | A Crystal Cave Beneath the Earth
Beneath the quiet town of Pulpí lies one of Europe’s most extraordinary natural wonders: the Pulpí Geode. This underground crystal cave is lined with enormous, perfectly formed gypsum crystals, some as long as two metres. Walking through tunnels before emerging into a cavern filled with sparkling light feels like stepping into a fantasy realm.
• Why it feels otherworldly: It’s like standing inside a giant gemstone.
• Travel Tip: Best for ages 8+ as the cave requires walking through tunnels. Tickets must be booked online in advance.
2. Playa del Monsul | A Volcanic Movie Set
Playa del Monsul
Deep inside Cabo de Gata National Park, Playa del Monsul is no ordinary beach. With volcanic cliffs, shifting dunes, and surreal lava rock formations, it feels more Martian than Mediterranean. No wonder it’s been used as a backdrop in films like Indiana Jones.
• Why it feels otherworldly: The volcanic landscape looks like another planet.
• Travel Tip: No shops or facilities nearby, so bring plenty of water, shade, and snacks
3. Tabernas Desert | Europe’s Wild West
Almería is home to Europe’s only true desert, the Tabernas Desert. Its rugged ravines, rolling sand-coloured hills, and endless skies have stood in for America’s Wild West in countless films, from old spaghetti westerns to modern blockbusters.
• Why it feels otherworldly: Nowhere else in Europe feels so much like Arizona or Morocco.
• Travel Tip: Join a 4×4 or guided tour to explore safely — summer temperatures soar.
4. Playa de los Cocederos | A Natural Amphitheatre
Playa de los Cocederos
On the border of Murcia, Playa de los Cocederos is one of Spain’s most unusual beaches. Its golden sandstone cliffs have eroded into honeycomb caves, creating a natural amphitheatre that curves around a shallow, sandy cove.
• Why it feels otherworldly: The caves and cliffs look sculpted by hand, creating a surreal, hidden playground.
• Travel Tip: Bring water shoes for rocky patches underfoot.
5. Sierra Cabrera | Sunsets in the Mountains
Sierra Cabrera
Just above Mojácar lies the mountain village of Sierra Cabrera, where whitewashed Moorish houses dot the hillsides. At sunset, the mountains glow golden and the whole landscape feels dreamlike.
• Why it feels otherworldly: Moorish architecture, silence, and fiery skies all combine into something magical.
• Travel Tip: Stay for dinner. Bar del Arco serves legendary paella (book 24 hrs ahead), while Fatima’s offers a Moroccan-inspired menu with magical garden vibes.
6. Mojácar Playa & Pueblo | Where Rock Meets Sea
Perched on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean, Mojácar Pueblo is a maze of whitewashed houses built into the rocks themselves. Below, Mojácar Playa stretches out with golden sands, lively chiringuitos, and some of the most spectacular sunsets on the coast.
• Why it feels otherworldly: The way the old town spills into the cliffs above the shimmering sea feels timeless.
• Travel Tip: Mojácar Playa is stroller-friendly and perfect for families, while the Pueblo is best explored on foot.
7. Las Salinas de Cabo de Gata & Playa Fabriquilla | Flamingos by the Sea
For a softer, more serene kind of magic, head to the Observatorio de Uso Público — the public birdwatching viewpoint on the salt flats of Cabo de Gata. From here, you can spot hundreds of flamingos feeding in the shallow waters, framed by the Mediterranean Sea behind them.
Right beside the observatory is the Las Salinas de Cabo de Gata church, a solitary whitewashed building standing starkly against the coastal backdrop. Its lonely silhouette makes it one of Almería’s most iconic sights.
Nearby, Playa Fabriquilla offers long, sandy beaches where you can swim, kayak into Cabo de Gata’s hidden coves, or simply enjoy a chilled seaside lunch in one of the three or four relaxed beachfront restaurants.
• Why it feels otherworldly: Flamingos, salt flats, a lone church by the sea, and unspoilt coastline all in one place.
• Travel Tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon for the most bird activity.
Final Thoughts
Almería is a region of contrasts — from crystal caves and volcanic beaches to deserts and flamingo-filled salt flats. Each of these places feels like stepping into another world, reminding you that Spain is more than resorts and tapas; it’s wild, cinematic, and full of wonder.
If you’re looking for authentic adventures, breathtaking landscapes, and hidden gems far from the crowds, Almería might just surprise you as Spain’s most otherworldly destination.
