Experience in Almeria, Spain by Lapadat

What is it like to live in Almería? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Almeria is fun, whether you come here for the beach, the food, the wormth of the people, the city is full of life, starting in the morning, where the bars and cafeterias are full of people having their breakfast, then in the afternoon, the seaside gets packed, for a relaxing day at the beach, followed by the night life, thematic restaurants, from authentic spanish bodegas to italian restaurants, and japanese delicatessen. It truly is a mixed culture city.

What is the student lifestyle like in Almería?

It´s great. You can really learn a lot from students all over the world, from different countries and different cultures, different lifestyles, you can share ideas and bond friendships that can maybe last a lifetime. Student lifestyle: A+.

How much does it cost to live in Almería?

From 500 to 1000 euros, depending on your expenses.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Almería? Is there any advice you can give?

It´s not that difficult, you have a lot of hotels, and there are plenty of flats to rent, especially on the seaside, which is where most students look for, because it is near the university. My advice would be : don´t look for flats that are too close to the beach, look for flats in the 5th or 6th row of streets from the beach, because since Erasmus students will be here from september to may or june, it can get quite cold from the wind on the beach. Almeria is not a very cold city in wintertime, temperatures tend to drop between 7 to 4 degrees, but the wind will get into your bones, since it is so damp.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Food is great, try the paella con marisco (spanish rice with seafood), it is wonderfull, or the tipical spanish dry ham, fresh fish everyday, also, the tapas bars are a cheap and fast way to eat when you are in a hurry.

What places would you recommend visiting in Almería?

As a student, I went to see the Alcazaba, the mark of Almeria, it is a beautifull castle in the north of the city, can´t miss it. Also, I visited the Olive Oil Museum, Mini Hollywood, which is like a western theme park, and the beaches in San Jose are wonderfull, very tropical, but in a mediterranian sort of way.

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Is it good to eat out in Almería? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yeah, you can get different types of dishes, depending on what you like. If you like seafood, fish and meat, I recommend LA CABAÑA DEL TIO TOM, it´s a tapas restaurant/bar, where you can enjoy really BIG tapas for a beer´s worth. The tapa is food that comes with the beer, or wine, or whatever alcoholic drink you are having. That place is the bomb, you can literally eat a big variety of tapas for 8 euros.

Is the nightlife good in Almería? Where is good to go?

The nightlife is good, although it is not that vivid as in other cities in Spain, keep in mind, Almeria is small. If I were to recommend a place to go, it would be La Clásica, it is a club in the centre of Almeria. Best days to go: Thursdays and Saturdays.

What advice would you give future students heading to Almería?

Enjoy Almeria! Enjoy Erasmus, this is a great opportunity for you to know different cultures, make friends, live life in a different way, and go home with a beautiful story!

Live the Erasmus experiencie! Live life!