Overnight trip to Almería

This is a stunning coastal city that I stayed in for a night.  I took a 3 hour bus ride from Granada, and arrived in Almería at around 7:00.  After wandering around for a bit, I found my way to my hostel beside a huge fútbol stadium.  I was given a room to myself, and after leaving a few of my belongings, I walked the 3 blocks to the shore.  Some photos are of this night and the rest are from the following day.

The next morning I went across the city to the older part, and found my way to the Alcazaba de Almería (the Arabic fortress).  Probably the coolest I have seen so far.  The walls are sheer cliffs and there are gardens and fountains peppering the stone foundations.  Another part is currently an archeological dig.  I was in awe.  I climbed hundreds of stairs and countless turrets.  Slowly I rose higher and higher to the most important palace.  The view was astounding.  It seemed like I could see the entire Mediterranean along with all of Almería.

As I came down from the castle, I walked through the old part of town and to the cathedral that was built to resemble a fortress so that is would not be attacked by invading Muslims in around 411?  I can't really remember, but it was really neat.

I went back to the bus station and bought a ticket for the last train out of Almería at 8:00pm.  I wanted to see the sunset.  So, I stayed on the beach for the rest of the day.  There is a lively boardwalk filled with families and ice cream.  I walked along the shore a few times and also got soaked a few times!!  I watched the sun move across a cloudless sky and around the edge of a mountain range sloping to the west.  It was a wonderful day.  Here are some photos: