It is located in Andalusia in southeast Spain, and its capital is the city of Almería. It has 200 kilometres of Mediterranean coastline, and its natural resources include a combination of sea and desert, as well as one of the most fertile agricultural areas in the whole of Europe. Of particular interest are the Sierra María-Los Vélez Nature Reserve, with its castle, and the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Reserve, with its endless unspoilt beaches and cliffs.

Its historic and artistic heritage includes several major archaeological sites, the rock paintings at Los Vélez and the Phoenician settlement of Villaricos. Visitors should not miss seeing the capital city, Almería, or the film studios, where over 200 films and series have been shot.

Its gastronomy features both seafood and garden produce, particularly peppers and  "pimentón",  the ground paprika-like red pepper made from them.