Cabo de Gata natural park

Covering 45,663 hectares to the east of Almeria city Cabo de Gata is Andalucia’s largest coastal protected area, a wild and isolated l;andscape with some of Europe’s most original geological features.

The eponymous mountain range is Spain’s largest volcanic rock formation with sharp peaks and crags in ochre-hues. It falls steeply to the sea crating jagged 100m high cliffs, which are riven by gullies leading to hidden coves with white sandy beaches, some of the most beautiful in Andalucia. Offshore are numerous tiny rocky islands and, underwater extensive coral reefs teeming with marine life.

High temperatures and the lowest rainfall in the Iberian peninsular has created a large semi-desert area, with characteristic shrubby vegetation and dwarf palms. But the park also houses an outstanding variety of habitats, from coastal dunes, beaches, steep cliffs, saltpans, a substantial marine zone, saltmarshes, inland arid steppe and dry riverbeds. Designated a Unesco Biosphere reserve in 1997, the park shelters an extraordinary wealth of wildlife, including many rare and endemic plants and endangered fauna.

One of Spain’s most important wetland areas for breeding and overwintering birds is called Salinas de cabo de Gata, a saltwater lagoon that runs parallel to the beach and is separated from it by a 400m wide sand bar. This lagoon is of outstanding ecological interest, particularly for its birdlife.

The pristine waters of the peninsula are ideal for underwater photography, diving, snorkelling, sailing, sea-kayaking, windsurfing and all types of fishing.

Biking and 4X4 excursions are popular in the mountain regions of the park.

The park’s visitors centre is at Los Amoladeras. It has an exhibition of the park’s volcanic geology, flora, saltpans and the sea. It can also provide information on walks and activities in the park

Much of the coastline is only accessible on foot, via some well marked footpaths and walks especially between Cabo de Gata headland and san Jose and Las Negras and aqua Amarga.

The park can be entered from the west via the village of San Miguel de Cabo de Gata. The eastern section of the park can be reached via a mainly inland road linking coastal villages north of San Jose.