For many years, Almeria was neglected, both by the State under Franco and by tourists, as a dirty commercial port full of communists and migrant workers.

However, Almeria has a rich and proud heritage, once boasting 20,000 inhabitants living within the walled Alcazaba, providing the Moors with a trading gateway to the Arab world.

Today, Almeria has found new wealth in polytunnel agriculture, exporting salad & vegetable crops to Europe's supermarkets. Cherry tomatoes are the new 'red gold' of the region.

The historic old town is well worth a day visit, with the Alcazaba, Cathedral and Arabic quarter all in close proximity and many cafes, bars and restaurants to sample good seafood and tapas.
For further info: http://www.andalucia.com/cities/almeria.htm