Cabo de Gata: salt flats, beaches and the volcanic Sierra

Nature

The Salinas de Cabo de Gata are a wetland within the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, designated a Ramsar wetland of international importance in 1990. More than 80 bird species occur in the Salinas de Cabo de Gata. They are a strategic stopover for migratory birds between Europe and Africa. Several publicly accessible birdwatching hides are available in the Salinas de Cabo de Gata.

The coast of the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park is characterised by cliffs, coves and beaches. The Sierra de Cabo de Gata, of volcanic origin, features, among other formations, volcanic vents, dykes, calderas, ledges and domes. Nearby, the Arrecife de las Sirenas is the remains of an ancient volcanic vent.

Beaches

Playa de San Miguel, also known as Playa de Cabo de Gata, is a 2,500-metre-long sandy beach on the Paseo Marítimo. Playa de Las Salinas is more than five kilometres long and forms a straight beach. It has fine natural sand and clear water.

Playa de San Miguel offers the facilities of an urban beach, including step-free access, showers and a children's play area. Playa de Las Salinas has neither showers nor step-free access.

Trails

The circular route at the Salinas de Cabo de Gata runs along the edge of the salt flats and includes both the reserve area and the industrial complex. It begins at a viewing area on the road from Almería to Cabo de Gata, approximately 300 metres before Cabo de Gata. The route at the Salinas de Cabo de Gata runs parallel to the beach and alongside the salt flats' fence.

The Playa Amoladeras–La Fabriquilla hiking trail runs along the Paseo Marítimo de Cabo de Gata and ends at the Torre de San Miguel. This was formerly a watchtower and later a Guardia Civil station. The hiking trail connects with the salt flats route and passes several birdwatching hides.

Culture

Nearby, the Faro de Cabo de Gata was built in 1863 on the grounds of Castillo San Francisco de Paula. The information point and viewpoint at the Faro de Cabo de Gata can be reached from San Miguel de Cabo de Gata via the AL-3115 road, after passing La Almadraba and La Fabriquilla. Nearby, the Aula del Mar El Corralete provides information about the area's protected marine ecosystems.

The Iglesia de las Salinas was inaugurated in 1907. It is one of the area's best-known landmarks.

Other destinations include El Alquián, Retamar.

To the higher-level travel overview: Almería.

More about the destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Province of Almería: Cabo de Gata, towns and travel tips; Almería: Alcazaba, old town, port and excursions to Cabo de Gata; Cabo de Gata: beaches, nature and excursions | Andalusia.