Off the Beaten Track in Southern Spain: Slow Travel in Almeria

“Slow Travel” is nothing new. It’s the idea of slowing down and engaging all your senses to soak in the essence of a place; seeing less, but learning more. Instead of ticking sights off a list, it’s scrapping the list and taking joy in experiences as they present themselves to you. Now is the perfect time for slow travel. With a growing number of travel restrictions in place at every border you cross, the idea of spending more time in fewer destinations is more appealing than ever!

Today, we’re joined by local guide Jesus, who lives in a quiet corner of southeast Spain called Almeria. It’s the perfect, off the beaten path spot to sink into the Spanish landscape and culture.

Off the Beaten Track in Southern Spain: Slow Travel in Almeria

As a local person in Almeria, I made two firm decisions in my life when I was in my forties. One was to live forever in this land that I loved and continue loving so much... and the second one was to show it to people travelling from other places in the world, so they could enjoy it in the same way that I do.

So what and where is Almeria? It’s one of the most unique places you’ll find in the Mediterranean, filled with unspoiled landscapes, a unique desert in Europe, the most mountainous area of Spain, where you can see wild flamingoes, birds and other animals, and experience a land rich in history and culture. Come and be guided by an experienced local insider that loves these lands where he was born and that he knows so well...come and see, I will show them in the most friendly way.Almeria is the perfect place to experience slow travelling in Europe and Spain; driving from the coastline up to 2200 meters above sea level in the nearby high mountains will take us no more than one hour. There are so many things to see and do here every day, that you will not feel rushed to travel to your next destination, but be content with the pleasure of exploring this region thoroughly.

In our way we will enjoy the panoramic views of this mountainous part of the world, where as we say here "the sun spends its winter time". Mountain goats can be spotted as we drive into the mountains, along with other wild animals like deer, boars and foxes, or perhaps graceful golden eagles or griffon vultures. And at the same time on our walks we will meet local shepherds, that are such friendly people to talk with.Before we reach the mountains, you will see abandoned villages and other white-washed ones with so few people living in them, and we can talk about their history since old roman times and even the prehistory of the area. We will drive to traditional local places in the so-called “Almeria desert”, where lots of spaghetti western have been filmed. "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly", "For a Fistful of Dollars" or "Once Upon a Time in the West" - all were filmed here. I will show you where “Sweetwater Farm” is still resisting the passing of time, the original building that appears in Sergio Leone´s film, with Charles Bronson, Claudia Cardinale and Henry Fonda. You will be able to recognize many of the landscapes where "Indiana Jones" was filmed, and also the 60s movie of "Lawrence of Arabia", with Peter O´Tool as a main actor.Almeria’s geography, with so many different landscapes (volcanic ranges, high mountain peaks, desert, and coast) is one of the most beautiful areas in southern Europe. If you are looking for something different, something other than visiting monuments and museums in big guided groups, Almeria is its own open museum in the wild; a paradise of diversity and land of contrasts: a perfect place for travelling as a real "traveller".Here you will get a deeper understanding of Spanish culture and geography, at your own pace, with a local to guide you. Spend time lost in good conversation in the southern Spanish landscape (what I call mountain therapy), enjoying every minute and each mile of road, and always travelling as friends in the safest and most comfortable way. Together we will discover, live and enjoy the "real Spain" that feels worlds away from any tourist circuit.

From Almeria, we are no further than a couple of hours to Granada, where the Alhambra palace is located, so this is another option for organizing a day to see a true Spanish wonder. And of course watching nature at the famous "Cabo de Gata" Nature Reserve, where brilliantly coloured flamingoes can be found in the wild, among many other birds and wild creatures.Welcome to Almeria in the south of Spain. So many things to be talked about and to be enjoyed!

Looking for unique, off the beaten path travel ideas in Europe? Check out our list of Ten European Cities You Haven’t Visited – and Should! These towns offer cozy cobblestone streets, peaceful river views, and a chance to experience true European charm - without the crowds.