I'm still travelling by Gatwick. Just back from Almeria, 2 flights out, - Belfast to Gatwick, Gatwick to Almeria and vice versa on return. An overnight stay in a hotel in Gatwick - the Premier Inn was the cheapest :-} and was right next to the North terminal where my flight to Almeria was going out from.
I must get my act together and look at Belfast to Alicante or Belfast to Malaga. I know that there is a bus from Malaga to Almeria but I need to try that route out. Don't know if there a bus or train from Alicante to Almeria. Those routes would be less expensive.