NATURAL PARK

CABO DE GATA-NÍJAR

 

Signposted trails
Reception and information
Todos los equipamientos
DESCRIPTION

Cabo de Gata-Níjar UNESCO World Geopark Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park was Andalusia's first marine-terrestrial protected area. This area is also internationally recognised as a biosphere reserve on account of the contrasts between marine, coastal and terrestrial environments, the numerous exclusive species to be found here and the unique characteristics of one of Europe's most arid ecosystems. It was also designated by UNESCO as Global Geopark .

The peculiarity of its ecology and landscape is mainly due to the absence of a winter climate and its geological diversity; predominantly volcanic substances where lava outcrops, domes and fossil beaches form a unique landscape of captivating ochre, black and red tones.

Cabo de Gata-Níjar boasts 50 kilometres of the best conserved coastal cliffs anywhere on the Mediterranean coast. Along this stunning coastline of rugged cliffs you will find urban beaches such as San José and Aguamarga; magnificent, unspoilt beaches such as Mónsul and Los Genoveses; secluded and almost inaccessible coves such as Carnaje and Enmedio; and spectacular volcanic and corral cliffs such as Punta de los Muertos and Mesa Roldán.

Furthermore, this area has a semi-arid climate with low rainfall and a low water table leading to poor, underdeveloped soils. They are, however, home to one of Europe's most unusual ensembles of flora, with more than 1,000 endemic species. There are areas of palmetto and Periploca laevigata that cling to steep volcanic slopes, dense esparto grass, rosemary and jujube that cover the plains, and, in early spring, thousands of daisies that turn the coastal cliffs yellow. They are all examples of plants adapted to the harsh local climatic conditions.

Special mention should be made of the marine ecosystem on account of its variety and size. Its marine beds have extensive meadows of posidonea. This plant is similar to green algae, and its proliferation gives rise to real underwater forests that are home to a wide variety of marine fauna: crabs, octopus and fish, including the pen shell, the biggest endangered bivalve in the Mediterranean, considered to be a natural gem. Buried in the plains of sand and mud there is a wealth of varied fauna - small but vital to the health of the ecosystem as a whole. The rocky sea beds are extraordinary mixes of shape and colour: algae, false corral and a wide variety of fish, including the grouper, also known as "rey del roquedo" (king of the rock fish). Eco-diving in these crystal clear waters is an unforgettable experience.

Another interesting place, very close to the fishing village of San Miguel, are the Cabo de Gata Salt Flats, home to much of the park's bird life. A multitude of waders such as avocets, black-winged stilts and plovers come to feed in these coastal waters. It is also common to see different species of gulls, ducks and colonies of flamingos. Over the course of the year you can see more than 80 species of birds, either here or at the nearby Rambla Morales delta lagoon, known locally as "Charco". Meanwhile, the Las Amoladeras steppe has esparto grass and thyme plants that provide shelter to a community of birds often hard to see, such as the stone curlew, common lark, short-toed lark and Dupont's lark. Up in the mountains there are birds of prey and small mammals that complete the regional fauna.

One of the most significant aspects of this nature park is the human influence seen here. Many abandoned farmhouses, wind and water systems such as water wheels, wells and mills, all with the Cultural Property designation, have become part of the landscape and bear witness to a now extinct culture that made traditional use of natural resources. Phoenicians and Romans left their mark on these lands. They took advantage of the excellent fishing to be found on the coast and left behind fish salting and purple dye factories in Torregarcía, as well as workshops for making volcanic bricks at cliffs like those of El Playazo and Punta Baja. The Moors, for their part, left their mark in irrigation systems, crafts and the watchtowers that can be found along the coast.

Improved infrastructure aiming for sustainable development, along with the variety of activities available, such as scuba diving, cycle-touring, boat trips and horse riding routes, allows you to enjoy the richness of this nature area. The fishing village at La Isleta del Moro, the Rodalquilar mining village, the stunning beauty of Los Muertos beach and the incredible cliffs at Los Escullos are all unique experiences awaiting you in these exceptional surroundings.


OTHER PROTECTED AREAS

DATA SHEET
  • Provinces Almería
  • Municipalities Almeria, Carboneras, Nijar, Superficie Marina
  • Total area 49.512,00 ha.
  • Declaration Date 27 - January - 1988
  • Planning tools

MAP
 

NEWS AND NOTICES
ACTIVITIES

Without a doubt, one of the activities that generates the most interest in this natural park is scuba diving. The underwater world of Cabo de Gata-Níjar is an amazing area of rich, natural beauty. Submerged in the transparent waters of La Isleta, you will find yourself surrounded by coral reef and brightly-coloured fish that flit in and out of the rocks and sprawling Posidonea meadows. By taking a boat trip you can access beautiful coves such as that are otherwise difficult to reach. You can also do other water activities such as canoeing.

On the mainland, we recommend hiking signposted routes such as Los Genoveses which leads you through coves and cliffs to the beautiful beach of the same name. The route that goes through Las Amoladeras, (also known as the bird route), enters protected area where rare steppe birds such as Dupont´s lark can be spotted.

Another option is to cycle. An interesting route passes through the old mining town of Rodalquilar and leads to Cerro del Cinto. From here you have an excellent panoramic view of the area.

Alternatively, you can choose an enjoyable route on horseback in the outskirts of San José. Or a more off-road route, treading the tracks between San José and Mónsul.

This natural area is also affiliated with the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism , whose associated companies can be contacted by cIicking here .


MAP
BRAND NATURAL PARK OF ANDALUCIA
APARTAMENTOS DELAMAR

Alojamiento en apartamento turístico, grupo conjunto, categoría 1 llave, modalidad playa, “Apartamentos Delamar”

C/ Corbeta, 2 Bis.

04140 Carboneras (Almería)

619 050 608

gestionesturisticasalsur@gmail.com

https://alsurgestion.com/

CAMPING LOS ESCULLOS

Accommodation in a top-rated campsite

Complejo Turístico Paraje Los Escullos

04118 Los Escullos. Níjar (Almería)

950389811

gerencia@losescullossanjose.com

http://www.losescullossanjose.com

CLEAR KAJAK

Active tourism

Playa de San José s/n

04000 Níjar (Almería)

info@clearkajak

http://clearkayak.es/

ECOÁGATA

Rutas de esnorkel y rutas de educación ambiental

C/ Islas Cíes, 19

04150 Almería (Almería)

600 39 07 35

info@ecoagata.com

https://ecoagata.es/

HAPPY KAYAK

Canoeing routes

Urb. Cortijos del Sotillo, C/ Luna 6-10.

04118 San José-Níjar (Almería)

680368086

info@happykayak.com

http://www.happykayak.com

HOTEL CORTIJO EL SOTILLO

(1) Hotel Cortijo El Sotillo: accommodation and catering in a 4 * rural hotel (2) Baby goat

Ctra. San José, s/n

04118 San José-Níjar (Almería)

hotel@cortijoelsotillo.com

http://www.cortijoelsotillo.es

HOTEL DE NATURALEZA RODALQUILAR

Accommodation and catering

Paraje de Los Albacetes s/n

04115 Rodalquilar (Almería)

950389838

info@hotelrodalquilar.com

http://www.hotelrodalquilar.com

HOTELES MC SAN JOSÉ

Accommodation in 4 * Hotel and Restaurant

C/ Faro, 2.

04118 San José-Níjar (Almería)

950611111

reservas@hotelesmcsanjose.com

http://www.hotelesmcsanjose.com

INDALOSUB

Diving centre and school, 18 underwater routes

C/ Babor, 8

04118 San José-Níjar (Almería)

950380004

info@isubsanjose.com

http://www.isubsanjose.com

J-126, RUTAS DE NATURALEZA

31 hiking trails, 9 off-road routes, 10 bus routes

Avda. de San José, 27

04118 San José-Níjar (Almería)

950380299

info@cabodegata-nijar.com

https://visitacabodegata.com/

KAYAKSUR CABO DE GATA

Rutas en kayak, snorkel, rutas de senderismo

Calle Austria, nº35, portal 2,2ºA.

4009 Almería (Almería)

info@kayaksur.es

https://www.kayaksur.es/

MEDIALUNAVENTURA OCIO Y AVENTURA S.L

Active tourism

C/ del Puerto, 7.

04118 San José-Níjar (Almería)

950380462

medialunaventura@gmail.com

https://medialunaventura.com/

NATURES.S.COOP.AND

Geo-Hiking and astrotourism routes

Centro de visitantes El Robledo, Ctra. Constantina- El Pedroso, Km 1. Punto de información Las Sirenas. Faro de Cabo de Gata-Níjar, Almería. Aula de Naturaleza Cortijo Paredes, Ctra. AL-3404 Abla-Ohanes, Km.20.

41450 Constantina, Sevilla. 04100 Níjar, Almería. 04520, Abrucena, Almería (Sevilla-Almería)

954711456

natures@natures.es

http://www.natures.es

PITA AVENTURA TURISMO ACTIVO

Active tourism

Plaza del Mar, Local n.º 7

04131 El Toyo. Retamar (Almería)

95752050

info@pita-aventura.com

https://www.pita-aventura.com/

PRODUCTOS ECOLÓGICOS DEL SUR

Fruit and vegetables

C/ Sevilla, 84

04410 Benahadux (Almería)

950952997

informacion@ecosur.com

http://www.ecosur.com

SUBPARKE

Multi-adventure climbing, 10 hiking routes, 3 by vehicle, 2 by boat, 22 submarines and 2 in canoes.

Alambique nº.6. Planta 1ª Puerta B.

04115 Rodalquilar Níjar. Almería (Almería)

670341564

subparkecomercial@gmail.es

http://www.subparke.es

TOYO AVENTURA

Rutas en kayak

Ctra. Cuevas de los Úbeda, parcela 160

04130 El Alquian (Almería)

699431602

toyoaventura@gmail.com

https://www.toyoaventura.es/

ZONAKTIVA

Active tourism

Camping Náutico La Caleta

04116 Las Negras Níjar (Almería)

info@zonaktiva.com, reservas@zonaktiva.com

http://www.zonaktiva.com

AGENDA

Go to our visitor centres, information points and ecomuseums to get the most out of your visit.

Follow the recommendations and comply with the regulations at all times

Respect the facilities put at your disposal. We all pay for its maintenance.

Help prevent fires. Do not throw cigarettes or any other object that produces combustion.

Trash doesn't come back alone. Take it with you to the nearest container. Reduce, reuse, recycle.

Noise is another form of pollution. In silence you will enjoy your experience more.

Live respectfully with the locals and other users. Respect private property.

Facilitate use for people with special needs.

By consuming local products and counting on local companies, you will contribute to rural development.

Practice responsible tourism and committed to the environment. Be a true ecotourist!

Never leave your pet in the wild. It would endanger the flora and fauna of the place.

Get around in a sustainable way: public transport, bicycle, on foot, electric or shared vehicle ... Park in the designated places

Do not leave a trace of your passage through nature. The best memory you can take with you is your own photograph.

Your safety is our concern, but it is your responsibility.

The conservation of natural spaces is also in your hands. Thank you for your collaboration!

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ALMERIA (ALMERÍA)

Feria y fiestas en honor a la Virgen del Mar Finales de agosto
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Fiestas de Moros y Cristianos 10 al 13 de junio
NIJAR (ALMERÍA)

Fiestas Patronales en honor a San Sebastián 20 de enero

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