The diversity of Almeria's landscape, its desert hilly landscapes have been depicted in numerous westerns, as well as in the movie "Conan the Barbarian" and in one part of the Bond.
Almeria's most famous natural park, Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, is of volcanic origin and is the largest and most ecologically significant in the western Mediterranean. There are 380 square kilometers of beautiful coastline - the natural jewel of Spain, wrapped in a hot subtropical climate.
Almeria is the driest zone on the map of Europe. The rainy season in Almeria occurs only in winter. In turn, the dry season falls during the traditionally hot summer months. Away from the coast, the climate is temperate, arid or semi-arid.
Almeria's vegetation and fauna
Almeria's arid volcanic landscapes, salt mines, Mediterranean steppe, cliffs and maritime prairies have not only provided a vibrant backdrop for episodes of Doctor Who and Asterix at the Olympic Games, but have also been home to a wide variety of bird, sea and animal species for thousands of years.
The sea near Almeria maintains a unique underwater ecosystem that is home to various species of crustaceans, molluscs and fish. The fauna of the region is predominantly represented by water birds - thousands of flamencos, flocks of gulls, ducks and herons can be found near the coast. Birds inhabit areas near salt marshes. Rocky areas are also favored by vipers and the coastal steppes by Dupont skylarks.
The vegetation of Almeria is represented by many endemic species. For example, the salt mines are partially surrounded by almajos and salicornias reeds, while the sea belt is surrounded by the beautiful Posidonia algae, which resembles green grass and forms underwater lawns.
One of Almeria's most famous natural areas, the Cabo de Gata Natural Park is of volcanic origin and is an ecologically significant area of the European part of the Mediterranean Sea. The park is also home to some of Almeria's most beautiful natural beaches.
In general, Almeria is home to sandy pads, volcanic sand dunes, volcanic slopes and cliffs, the black forest of Palmitos, ancient forest hills, small enclaves with fig trees and the salt mines of Cabo de Gata. The water from the springs in the dry area has created green oases with carob trees, chestnuts, walnuts, eucalyptus, pines, dwarf palms, olive, fig and a variety of fruit trees.
