The area that we are going to describe below is a composition of beaches, cliffs, sea and light all combined in perfect harmony. If there is anything else along with these features that captures our attention, it is the tranquillity of the area and the natural landscape.
To the east of Almeria, after passing by El Alquian, a traditional fishing port, Retamar and Torre Garcia, where the Romans salted fish in a factory whose remains can still be seen, you reach Cabo de Gata. Passing along the beautiful route between Salinas on one side and the Mediterranean on the other, you get to the bird observatory. This place of great ecological importance has a flamingo population of around 2,500 birds.
Visitors to this area can enjoy a beautiful and natural wealth in a great landscape that has been the product of volcanic activity in the past. A marine ecosystem and crystal clear waters with a variety of fish and shellfish make the experience of diving in the warm waters a sensation you won´t forget.
Strolling through the park you will see the human trace on structures such as water cisterns or defensive towers built in the past to combat pirates as well as Phoenician and Roman remains that are part of the history of the Natural Park.
Within the Natural Park, you have the option of staying in one of their lodgings and enjoy some of its beautiful hiking trails.
Some of the recommended routes are:
Route of Coves
A recommended route for a day, touring the coastline from San Jose to La Fabriquilla and where you can observe the volcanic rocks in the area, dunes, flora and fauna of the Natural Park.
Half-Day Route through the Salinas de Cabo de Gata
This hiking trail of about 4 hours shows you the fishing village, flora, fauna, the industrial area where salt is obtained and the old mining town of La Fabriquilla.
Route Agua Amarga – Playa de los Muertos
This route of 4 hours passes through varied locations such as the Cabo de Gata tourist village of Agua Amarga where it begins, passing by the mineral loading berth where once the ships loaded the mined iron and ending at Playa de los Muertos.
Route San Jose – Los Escullos – La Isleta del Moro
This beautiful route starts in San José and traverses Los Escullos and along a path to Isleta del Moro; continuing along the beach of Peñon Blanco you come to the cove Cala de los Toros. This tour will show the volcanic origin of Cabo de Gata and coniferous flora and palms through about 4 or 5 hours it takes; for the return journey there is a bus available.
The route by road from Malaga passes through towns such as Motril and Almeria; it is an easy route you can do in one day, quite recommended.
If you are planning a visit to this beautiful natural park, you can hire a car in Malaga or book a Malaga airport transfer to Cabo de Gata in Almeria.
The road route to Cabo the Gata can be found on the following map:
Credit cards accepted
