Cabo de Gata Natural Park

Your Cabo de Gata hiking trip begins in the pretty fishing village of Agua Amarga. Undiscovered by mass tourism, this laid-back beach town is one of Andalucía’s hidden treasures. Your accommodation is right by the beach, in a white-washed hotel built in the typical style of Southern Spain with terraced gardens and views to the bay.

Overnight: Agua Amarga

On your first day you have the option of two different hikes.

Option 1
Distance: 10.5 km | Ascent: 290 m | Descent: 290 m | 3 hrs approx.

The first hike involves a steep ascent through an abandoned 19^th century old iron ore plant to the table mountain Mesa Roldán. Here, you follow a path along an abandoned railway line to the 17^th century watchtower and lighthouse perched on the cliff edge. You will enjoy sweeping views to the sea and over the village of Agua Amarga as you make your way back to the village.

Option 2
Distance: 13 km | Ascent: 230 m | Descent: 230 m | 4 hrs approx.

The section option begins with an inland stroll to an ancient olive tree – the oldest in all of Andalucía and one of the oldest in the entire Mediterranean region. Then you hike toward the coast to explore the typical steppe-like habitat of “los espartales”. You will enjoy beautiful views over the lovely coves Cala Plomo and Cala Enmedio.

Overnight: Agua Amarga

Distance: 21 km | Ascent: 530 m | Descent: 500 m | 7 hrs approx.

Today you hike southward from Agua Amarga, first on inland paths then along the coast to reach the village of Rodalquilar, set in a valley of the same name. You’ll pass the characteristic dry riverbeds called “ramblas” and follow them down to hidden coves, where lush greenery creates surprising oases in the desert. Your route takes in the lovely bay (and quirky hippy colony) at Las Negras and the unspoilt beach at El Playazo.

Rodalquilar is a former gold mining town and the eerie and fascinating abandoned gold mines are still there, set in Martian-like red rock terrain. Nowadays the town has the feel of a desert oasis; its large botanic garden contrasting with the barren surroundings. You will stay in a very comfortable Spa hotel with Arabic and Andalucían influences.

Overnight: Rodalquilar

Distance: 16 km | Ascent: 320 m | Descent: 320 m | 5 hrs approx.

The Rambla de la Granadilla winds through the barren hills like a lush, green, life-giving artery. Here you will find palms and oleanders, reeds, fig trees and poplar groves. The surrounding mountain ranges appear like waves rolling off into the distance. Walking among rough volcanic rock formations, you traverse a painter’s palette of earth tones studded with mine shafts, boreholes, terraces and reservoirs, remains of a gold rush which continued up to the 1960’s. You will pass the infamous abandoned farmstead Cortijo del Fraile, site of the tragic events which inspired Federico García Lorca’s great tale of love and revenge; “Bodas de Sangre” (Blood Wedding). Film buffs may recognise the farmstead, as it featured in the Spaghetti Westerns For a Few Dollars More and The Good the Bad and the Ugly, both starring Clint Eastwood. A short tunnel through the rock takes you to a viewing point over the abandoned mining town of San Diego.

At the end of your route, you pass the the museum at Casa de los Volcanes (house of the volcanoes) with its beautifully landscaped botanical garden and excellent café located at the foot of the old gold mines.

Overnight: Rodalquilar

Distance: 19 km | Ascent: 410 m | Descent: 410 m | 6 hrs approx.

After making your way along dry riverbeds among dwarf palms and eroded lava formations, you reach an open steppe-like area. The path surrounded by agave plants leads you to the tops of extinct volcanoes. On the way you will see remains of Moorish inventions designed to conserve water. Then you traverse the narrow Canal de Requena to enter an area of unique beauty with intriguing volcanic phenomena, such as tafone, formed by erratic erosion. Small palms cling to the steep slopes while mastic and wild olive trees cluster in the ravines, as you admire the desert landscape spread out behind you.

From the top you will have breath-taking views of the coast, the fishing villages of La Isleta del Moro and Los Escullos and the twin peaks of El Fraile and Cerro de los Frailes (remains of a once-powerful volcano). A unique forest of Aleppo pines (Pinus halepensis) is somehow able to survive here, thanks to the north-facing slopes. The last section circles back to the Rodalquilar Valley.

Overnight: Rodalquilar

Distance: 19 km | Ascent: 310 m | Descent: 330 m | 5 hrs approx.

This walk follows the cliffs through an unspoilt area, where oases and palm groves emerge from among the dunes and bright white villages provide contrast to complete the picture. At Cala de los Toros, you will find a beautifully lush oasis with a striking black sand beach. La Isleta del Moro, a former anchoring spot for pirates, offers the welcoming atmosphere of a picturesque fishing village and makes an ideal lunch stop. Just inland is el Cerro de los Frailes, the highest summit in Cabo de Gata at 493m. Finally, you reach the beach town of San José, the largest town in Cabo de Gata with lots of bars, cafés and restaurants.

Overnight: San José

Distance: 17 km | Ascent: 280 m | Descent: 280 m | 5½ hrs approx.

Today you will discover pristine beaches backed by wild vegetation and dramatic volcanic rock formations, as well as secret coves which are only accessible via hiking trails. There are some adventurous sections as you go up and down along the cliffs, so a head for heights and good hiking shoes are essential. Walking poles are also recommended.

Playa del Mónsul is widely regarded as one of the best beaches in all of Spain, with crystal-clear water lapping the soft golden sand, which is surrounded by crumbling volcanic rock formations. The beach featured in the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

Other beaches along the route include Los Amarillos, Chica, Grande del Barranco, Lance de Perro, Playa del Barronal, Media Luna and Los Genoveses. This is a beautiful and varied route with ever-changing views and is a marvellous way to end your week of hiking in the Cabo de Gata Natural Park.

Overnight: San José

Your Cabo de Gata hiking trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Taxi transfers can be arranged to Almería, please enquire for prices.