I had an absolute blast this summer on my trip to Almería. Funny how a single photo of cactus I saw six years ago on Pinterest led to a full-blown obsession with visiting the Tabernas Desert and the Almería region, including Cabo de Gata.

Almería might be one of the least touristy regions in Spain, but for me, it’s by far the most fun. Not only is it heavily influenced by Arabic culture, but there’s just something unique about it.

One of the best Arabic teas I’ve ever had was at Almedina Tetería, and don’t even get me started on the incredible interior design. The view from the Alcazaba is pure magic—the city layout, the surrounding hills, everything. But of course, the highlight of this trip was the Tabernas Desert.

I booked a tour through Get Your Guide, which included a guide and a 4×4—absolutely perfect for this kind of adventure. From there, I headed to San José to explore a bit of Cabo de Gata, another Spanish gem. This time, we rode in a military vehicle that must have been at least 50 years old, but the landscape was stunning. Fun fact: you can actually buy a piece of land with a ruined house in Cabo de Gata—you can destroy the ruins and build a new house, but you can’t just buy the land alone. I spotted a few standalone houses in the middle of nowhere, complete with pools on the roof!

Of course, I couldn’t miss Níjar and its cactus museum, which was actually the main reason for my trip. My obsession with cactuses is lifelong, and this museum might just be one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen (and I’ve seen a lot!).

And what’s travel without fashion? Almería has so much to offer in terms of local fashion and designers. I found a quirky dress from Chikloka, inspired by pop art that is my go to outfit for various occasions.  Other must-visit shops in Almería include Valkiria, Tempo and Molly Bracken.

This trip was totally unplanned, and I was completely on my own, which made it all the more enjoyable. There’s something really special about exploring freely, and Almería’s vibe has left a lasting mark on me. My cactus obsession is still going strong—I can’t wait to revisit the Tabernas Desert and dig deeper into Cabo de Gata. I highly recommend checking out this place; let me know if you have any questions!

What’s your favorite part of Spain?

Have you been to Almería, or is there another hidden gem you’d recommend?