San Juan de los Terreros: Beaches, Island Nature and Castillo

Nature and Coast

Located directly opposite the town of San Juan de los Terreros is the Isla de Terreros e Isla Negra Natural Monument. The Isla de Terreros e Isla Negra Natural Monument consists of small volcanic islets near the coast of Almería. The islands of the natural monument are covered with salt-tolerant vegetation typical of Mediterranean cliffs. Various seabird species find a habitat on the islands for settlement and reproduction. The seabeds around the natural monument contain one of the best formations of Posidonia oceanica in the province of Almería.

The natural features are distributed across the islands themselves and their surrounding marine area: Above the water's surface, volcanic rock formations, salt-tolerant plants and the habitats of various seabird species shape the landscape. Below the water's surface, the Posidonia oceanica formation lies in the seabeds around the natural monument. This makes it possible to name the individual components of the coastal landscape separately, without combining them into a single landscape feature.

Along the coast near the Isla de Terreros e Isla Negra Natural Monument, old esparto-grass cooking sites can be seen. Dwellings bearing the name “Terreros” have been carved into the cliff walls. The occupation associated with these historic cooking sites is no longer common today.

Beaches and Coves

Mar Rabiosa is a 250-metre-long urbanised beach. The water at Mar Rabiosa is shallow and calm. Mar Rabiosa also offers step-free access at beach level. Cala Cerrada – Playa Cocedores is 150 metres long. Cala Cerrada – Playa Cocedores forms a natural swimming pool. Cala El Invencible – Los Lagartos features sandstone cliffs with a distinctive ochre tone.

Due to its calm, crystal-clear and shallow waters, Cala El Invencible – Los Lagartos has a distinctly family-friendly character. The promenade at Playa Mar Serena occasionally hosts various summer activities organised by the municipality.

This means that different types of beaches are found alongside one another on the coast: Mar Rabiosa combines an urbanised beach area with shallow, calm water and step-free access. Cala Cerrada – Playa Cocedores is characterised by its length of 150 metres and its natural swimming pool. At Cala El Invencible – Los Lagartos, on the other hand, sandstone cliffs and the distinctive ochre tone determine the appearance.

History and Coastal Culture

Castillo San Juan de los Terreros was built in the second half of the 18th century as part of the coastal defence system promoted by Charles III. The Castillo was completed in 1764. The interpretive exhibition at Castillo San Juan de los Terreros explores the history of the region as well as the geology, flora and fauna of the coastal area.

The year 1764 marks the completion of the construction within the second half of the 18th century. In addition to the building's history, the exhibition also covers the geology, flora and fauna of the coastal area.

Cala Cerrada, known as Playa de los Cocedores, received this name because a natural esparto-grass cooker was operated there at the beginning of the 20th century. The current name thus refers to a historical use connected with the older esparto-grass cooking sites along the coast.

Access and Facilities

Playa Calypso offers good access to the sandy beach. A lifeguard service is available at Playa Calypso. Public toilets are available at Playa Calypso.

For the main travel overview: Pulpí.