Spain’s Andalusia region is an adventure playground. Its diverse landscape spans a long coastline, mountain ranges and national parks, offering many opportunities for visitors to explore and try some of the many activities and sports available.

For those who like to take things a little slower, it’s a great region for hiking, birdwatching and even stargazing. And with warm summers and mild winters, it’s always a good time to visit Andalusia.

The province of Almería encapsulates the region’s diversity. From its beautiful coast to its nature reserves and forests, there are many terrains to explore. The 120-mile coastline is a great place to start, with watersports including diving, sailing and waterskiing.

But you don’t have to venture far from the beaches to reach some of Almería’s forests, parks and vast natural spaces. There are nine protected areas across the province to help preserve its flora and fauna.

Part of the Sierra Nevada mountain range can be found in Almería, which can be explored on foot, as can the Sierra de Los Filabres, on the edge of the desert, which boasts some great walking trails through its forests.

Almería is also home to the only desert area in Europe, the Tabernas Desert, a rugged landscape with attractions including a castle, olive mill and Europe’s largest solar energy plant.

Three of the best outdoor activities

1. Hiking

The Sierra Nevada and Sierra de los Filabres are home to many hiking trails and walking tours of these parks are the best way to see their most impressive topographical sights.

2. Birdwatching

Many species of birds can be seen across Andalusia, and Almería is a great place to go birdwatching, with highlights including the Punta Entinas-Sabinar nature reserve on the coast.

3. 4×4 tour

The Desert of Tabernas in Almería is best explored by 4×4, which means passengers can get up close to the unique rock formations that have provided a backdrop for a number of films.