Hiking in Almeria: trails through Cabo de Gata, the Tabernas Desert and the hinterland

Almeria is one of the most rewarding provinces in Spain for hiking. The variety of landscapes is remarkable: from unspoilt beaches and volcanic cliffs to genuine desert, gypsum karst and mountain ranges inland.

A well-developed network of official trails covers virtually the entire province. Whether you are walking in the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park, the Tabernas Desert, the gypsum karst of Sorbas or the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, you will find routes to suit every level — easy family walks, moderate day hikes and more demanding outings.

In this guide you will find some of the most popular trails, with practical details on distance, duration and difficulty, plus direct links to the tracks on Wikiloc.

*Always check the condition of the paths before setting out, carry plenty of water and respect the rules of the protected natural areas.

Popular hiking routes in Almeria

Sendero de los Genoveses (Cabo de Gata)

One of the classic and most accessible walks in the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park. The trail starts in San Jose and leads to Playa de los Genoveses, a wide, usually quiet sandy beach. A Genoese fleet landed here in the 12th century — hence the name.

Distance: approx. 2.5 – 5 km (depending on the variant)
Duration: 1 – 1.5 hours (one way)
Difficulty: easy
Type: linear or circular (easily combined with Monsul)

Ideal for families and anyone who wants to combine walking with a swim. The route can also be done by bicycle.

View track and more details on Wikiloc

San Jose – Genoveses – Monsul

An extended version of the Genoveses trail that continues to the well-known Playa de Monsul. This beach is famous worldwide as the location of one of the most iconic scenes in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), featuring Harrison Ford and Sean Connery.

Distance: 8 – 12 km (depending on the route)
Duration: 3 – 5 hours
Difficulty: moderate

Perfect if you want to link several beaches in a single day and walk through a genuine film location.

View track and more details on Wikiloc

Minas de Rodalquilar – Cerro del Cinto

A highly recommended route to discover the mining history of Cabo de Gata. The walk explores the former gold mines of Cerro del Cinto, with striking rock formations and abandoned industrial remains.

Distance: 6 – 8 km (depending on the variant)
Duration: 3 – 4 hours
Difficulty: easy to moderate

One of the best ways to understand the geology and more recent history of the park. Both short and longer variants are available.

View track and more details on Wikiloc

Hiking in the Tabernas Desert

Europe’s only true desert on the mainland offers unique walks through badlands, dry ravines and former film sets. This was the natural studio for Sergio Leone’s great spaghetti westerns: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, For a Few Dollars More and A Fistful of Dollars, among many other productions.

Difficulty: easy to moderate
Tip: Avoid the hottest hours of the day in summer and carry plenty of water.

The landscape is completely different from the coast and highly photogenic. Several western towns (Mini Hollywood, Western Leone, Fort Bravo) can still be visited.

View Tabernas hiking routes on Wikiloc

Gypsum karst of Sorbas (Karst en Yesos)

Although the caves can only be visited with a guide, the natural area offers several surface trails (Camino de los Yesares, Molinos del Rio Aguas and others). The gypsum landscape is unique in Europe.

You can find more details on the dedicated page for Sorbas.

Other interesting routes

Volcanic and coastal trails in Cabo de Gata: From San Jose to Cala Higuera, Las Amoladeras or the coves between Agua Amarga and Las Negras. Geology, fossils and swimming combine particularly well here. More information on the Cabo de Gata page.
Sierra de los Filabres: Mid-mountain routes, including those around Tahal and other inland villages.
Via Verde de Lucainena a Agua Amarga: A former railway line converted into a pleasant walking and cycling path.

Tips for hiking in Almeria

Water and sun protection: The climate is dry and sunny for most of the year. Always carry more water than you think you will need.
Suitable footwear: Although many trails are easy, the ground can be uneven, rocky or sandy.
Avoid the midday heat: Especially in summer and in the Tabernas Desert and inland areas.
Respect protected areas: Stay on marked paths, do not collect minerals and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Check the track in advance: Download the route on Wikiloc and make sure your phone or GPS device is fully charged.
In Cabo de Gata there is little shade in high season and some car parks are controlled.

Getting to the hiking areas from Malaga

Most of the best walks are in the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park, the Tabernas Desert or inland (Sorbas, Filabres…). From Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport the drive via the A-7 usually takes between 2 hours 15 minutes and 3.5 hours, depending on the destination.

Car hire: the most flexible option

A car is practically essential for hiking in Almeria. It allows you to reach the trailheads comfortably and combine different areas (Cabo de Gata + Tabernas + Sorbas) in a single trip.

Hire a car at Malaga Airport

Taxi or private transfer

If you prefer not to drive, you can book a private transfer from Malaga Airport or from your accommodation on the Costa del Sol to your hotel in Almeria or Cabo de Gata.

Book a transfer from Malaga Airport

*You do not need to enter credit-card details or make any advance payment. We recommend booking in good time.

Other transport options

Public transport reaches some towns (San Jose, Nijar, Tabernas…), but services are limited and many trails start outside the built-up areas. A hire car is therefore the most practical solution.

Final recommendations

If this is your first time hiking in Almeria, start with the easier routes in Cabo de Gata (Genoveses or Rodalquilar).
Combine coast and hinterland: one day of beaches and trails in Cabo de Gata and another in the Tabernas Desert or Sorbas makes for a well-balanced itinerary.
In summer favour coastal routes and set off early in the morning.
In spring and autumn the inland areas (Tabernas, Filabres, Sorbas) are particularly pleasant.

Frequently asked questions about hiking in Almeria

What are the best hiking areas in Almeria?

The most popular are the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park, the Tabernas Desert, the gypsum karst of Sorbas and the inland mountain ranges (Sierra de los Filabres and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada).

Are there easy routes for families?

Yes. The Sendero de los Genoveses, short variants at Rodalquilar and some paths around the salt flats of Cabo de Gata are suitable for families with children and less experienced walkers.

Have famous films been shot on these routes?

Yes. Playa de Monsul is the location of a famous scene from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. The Tabernas Desert was the backdrop for Sergio Leone’s spaghetti westerns (The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and others). Films such as Lawrence of Arabia were also shot in Cabo de Gata.

Do I need a car to hike in Almeria?

It is highly recommended. Most trailheads are difficult or impossible to reach by public transport, especially in Cabo de Gata and the Tabernas Desert.

Can the routes be walked in summer?

Yes, but start as early as possible, prefer coastal routes and carry plenty of water. In the Tabernas Desert and inland areas the midday heat can be extreme.

Where can I find the route tracks?

Wikiloc has hundreds of up-to-date hiking tracks for Almeria. On this page we have included direct links to some of the most popular routes.