Facing the Mediterranean Sea and with a spectacular contrast between the volcanic landscapes of its soils and its impressive crystalline beaches is Cabo de Gata, located in the province of Almería and belonging to the municipality of Níjar.
We are not talking about just any place, it is an area classified as a World Geopark, and it was also the first maritime-terrestrial reserve in Andalusia ever. The relief of its volcanic territory is so extensive that it is the place with the largest ecological surface in the Mediterranean. Impressed? Well, that's nothing compared to what it has to offer.
Did you know that the landscapes of Cabo de Gata have been featured in movies? We are talking specifically about the blockbuster Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, which was partially shot on the beach of Mónsul, one of the must-see spots in this area.
Continuing with the most interesting beaches that Cabo de Gata has to offer, we come across the beach of Los Muertos, an area that has no services as it is unspoilt, so if you want to get there, make sure you pack everything you need if you decide to spend the say here. Before lying down to the sand, let yourself be seduced by the views from the viewpoint.
The beach of Los Genoveses offers not only a natural spectacle, but also fine golden sand in contrast with its crystal-clear waters, where you can enjoy a day with unbeatable views. Due to the waves it receives, it is the ideal destination for surf lovers.
El Playazo in Rodalquilar, or Los Escullos beach with its fossil dune will be two ideal visits for those who do not want to leave without taking a dip in the sea.
In Cabo de Gata there are not only large beaches, there are also small charming coves such as Cala de Enmedio, which will surprise you with its white limestone formations; or Cala del Plomo, for which we recommend that you prepare yourself for the walk of just over an hour that awaits you until you reach it.
The Arrecife de las Sirenas (Mermaids' Reef) and the Cabo de Gata salt mines are other charming places where you can enjoy the views and the culture.
In Cabo de Gata everything is related to the sea, although it doesn't necessarily have to be a beach, and you can find its lighthouse, which dates back to 1863 and offers spectacular views over the Mediterranean.
The most beautiful villages of Cabo de Gata are Carboneras, where you can visit the castle of San Andrés, Agua Amarga, to discover its urban beach; Rodalquilar, which still preserves its mining essence and in fact, you can visit the mine’s ruins; San José, one of the most touristic destinations and close to the main beaches or Las Negras, whose name comes from the women who lived here and who lost their husbands in an accident at sea. The mourning they wore gave its name to this fantastic and charming village.
Finally, you can't leave Cabo de Gata without trying those dishes with a traditional flavour of which this region can boast of. Dishes such as garlic-cooked al ajillo meat, chickpea pot with cod or red mullet with ajoblanco soup. From this area’s Moorish heritage come the gurullos (a small-shaped pasta) with cuttlefish that we are sure you will love.
Experience Cabo de Gata and enjoy the volcanic landscapes, the charming beaches, mysterious coves and the villages full of tradition!
