Cabo de Gata-Níjar in Almeria
Located in Almeria, the area around Cape Gata is full of volcanic reefs, such as the Mermaids' Reef, and caves carved out by the force of the sea. Its beaches, the scene of mythical shipwrecks and legends, can still escape mass tourism. Cape Gata is the ideal setting in which to celebrate a romantic anniversary.
Essential
Gata Lighthouse
The lighthouse was built on top of the old castle of San Francisco de Paula and is now a privileged place to watch the sunset. Nearby is the Sirenas viewpoint, from where you can see the impressive reef of the same name.
El Faro de Gata, 7km from the town, is located on a rocky promontory, above the old castle of San Francisco de Paula, which no longer exists. As well as being a privileged place to watch the sunset, it is worth a stroll in the vicinity and a visit to the Mirador de las Sirenas, from where you can contemplate the striking reef of the same name, the remains of an ancient volcanic chimney.
Opposite Cabo de Gata is La Laja, a submerged reef where a steamship was wrecked in 1929. It is one of the places to visit for diving lovers along with Los Escollos or Cala Higuera. A seabed with barracudas, shipwrecks, striking rocky forms and posidonia meadows, under the protection of the Natural Park.
Beaches of Mónsul and Los Genoveses
These two inlets of dark sand, still waters and fossil dunes are the most emblematic of the Natural Park. Both have been used as backdrops for the filming of movies and video clips.
From Cabo de Gata to Coal bunkers numerous beaches are spread out. Two of the most emblematic are the beaches of Monsul and Los Genoveses. From San José a track leads to these two beaches of dark sand and calm waters. The image of Monsul Beach is the most emblematic of the park thanks to its enormous living dune and a huge rock that juts into the water. The beach is surrounded by erodible lava walls that fall onto the beach, forming hollows in which to take shelter from the sun.
Amethyst Viewpoint
Located in the upper part of Isleta del Moro, this viewpoint offers spectacular views over the volcanic landscape of the area.
Las Amoladeras Interpretation Centre
A visit to this centre is essential to become aware of the importance of the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park.
To get to know the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park better, we recommend a visit to the Las Amoladeras Interpretation Centre, open from 10am to 3pm. It has several projection and exhibition rooms where visitors are offered a tour of the marine ecosystems of the Park that may be useful before exploring it.
With more time
The Almadraba of Monteleva
a village of white houses located on the road between San Miguel and the lighthouse.
One of the most emblematic localities, whose visit is a constant for tourists who visit the area, is La Almadraba de Monteleva. A white village located on the road between San Miguel and the lighthouse, with immense mountains of salt, due to its past of salt exploitation, and a more than interesting church.
Diving in Cabo de Gata
On the seabed it is easy to spot barracudas, posidonia meadows and groupers. Los Escollos and Higuera cove are two of the most attractive places for divers.
