Dreaming of untouched beaches, volcanic landscapes, and a truly authentic Andalusian vibe?
You’re in luck! Welcome to my little slice of paradise: the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, in Andalusia.
My name is Nico — I’m French by origin, but above all, I’ve been head over heels in love with this region for years. I live in Carboneras, right at the gateway to this unique park, and I welcome travelers who want to enjoy an unforgettable experience. Trust me, if you’re looking for peace and quiet, sunshine (and incredibly welcoming people!), you’ll be more than happy here.
I’ve put together a complete guide to help you discover this Andalusian treasure my way: practical, authentic, and straight to the point. Ready? Let’s go!
1. Why visit Cabo de Gata?
Cabo de Gata is Spain’s very first land-and-sea natural park. In just a few words, here’s what you’ll find:
- Unique volcanic landscapes you won’t see anywhere else in Europe
- Protected wildlife and flora, from pink flamingos to dwarf palm trees
- Stunning beaches — some completely untouched
- An authentic Andalusian atmosphere, far from mass tourism
The park is located in the province of Almería, in southeastern Andalusia. It enjoys a semi-arid climate with more than 300 days of sunshine per year — amazing, right? In summer, temperatures can climb to around 35°C (95°F). But as we say here: no worries, you’re in Cabo de Gata! Just pop on a hat, enjoy the sea breeze… and have fun!
2. Must-sees in Cabo de Gata Natural Park
2.1. Dream beaches
Plage de los Genoveses
One of the park’s postcard images: a wide crescent-shaped bay, with golden sand and natural dunes, completely free of buildings. You can reach it by dirt road (with regulated parking in summer) or on foot from San José. Go early in high season — it’s worth it!
Playa de Mónsul
A dramatic volcanic landscape with a huge lava rock right in the middle of the beach — so iconic it appeared in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade! Turquoise waters, epic backdrops… it’s pure magic. Access is regulated (limited parking, shuttles from San José) or you can hike along the coast (about 4 km).
Playa de los Muertos
Malgré son nom, c’est un petit paradis. Une longue bande de galets clairs, une eau cristalline et pas un seul bâtiment en vue. On n’y accède qu’à pied par un sentier (environ 15 minutes de marche). Elle est proche de Carboneras, donc, comme vous l’aurez compris, je l’aime beaucoup. Mais sérieusement, c’est l’une de mes préférées ! Vous trouverez la page consacrée à tous les détails de la Playa de los Muertos.
Cala de Enmedio
For that true castaway feeling: white cliffs, transparent waters, zero bars or services. You can only get here on foot (about 45 minutes from Agua Amarga) or by boat. Bring water and sunscreen! For me, this is Cabo de Gata at its purest.
And there are plenty more: Cala San Pedro (hippie vibes and ruins), El Playazo de Rodalquilar, Los Escullos… each with its own charm.
Between these two beaches lies the naturist beach of Barronal, and beyond Monsul you’ll find the coves of Cala Carbón and Cala Media Luna. If you park at the end of the track after Media Luna, you can follow the old path on foot — a 4 km climb leading to the Cabo de Gata lighthouse, with breathtaking views all along the way.
2.2. Viewpoints & hikes that will take your breath away
- Cabo de Gata Lighthouse & Arrecife de las Sirenas: volcanic rock formations emerging from turquoise seas — postcard-perfect at sunrise or sunset
- Las Salinas (salt flats): a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to flamingos. (https://www.cabogataalmeria.com/lugares-turisticos-cabo-gata/salinas)
- Mirador de la Amatista: a dramatic clifftop viewpoint between La Isleta del Moro and Rodalquilar.
- Cabo de Gata Church: Featured in one of the episodes of Money Heist (La Casa de Papel).
- Mesa Roldán: a volcanic plateau with a lighthouse and panoramic views over the park and Mediterranean.
- Rodalquilar’s old gold mines: surreal, moon-like landscapes tinted with red, ochre, and gold. Perfect at sunset!
2.3. Outdoor & water adventures
- Sea kayaking: Paddle along dramatic cliffs, explore hidden caves, and reach secret coves… the perfect way to escape the crowds. Guided tours are available from San José or Las Negras.
- Diving & snorkeling: The seabed is alive with seagrass meadows, colorful fish, and — if you’re lucky — dolphins. Whether you go scuba diving or simply put on a mask and snorkel, you’ll have a great time.
- Boat trips: Departures from San José, Agua Amarga, or Carboneras (on fishing boats or RIBs) take you along the unspoiled coastline, with stops to swim in crystal-clear waters. And for a truly unforgettable moment: a sailing trip at sunset — pure romance.
- Village hopping: San José, Las Negras, Agua Amarga, and my beloved Carboneras — each has its own unique charm. San José is lively, Las Negras has a bohemian flair, Agua Amarga is peaceful… and Carboneras offers the most traditional atmosphere, with a local market and a fishing rhythm that lasts all year round.
3. Practical tips for the perfect stay
3.1. Best time to visit
- Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are ideal for hiking and enjoying the beaches without crowds, with pleasant temperatures.
- Summer: blazing sunshine, warm sea, but also more visitors. Book your accommodation in advance and be prepared for parking restrictions at some beaches.
- Winter: total calm (15–18 °C / 59–64 °F). Very few people, perfect for hiking or disconnecting. The water is usually cool, but you’ll feel as if you have the park almost to yourself.
3.2. How to get to Cabo de Gata and get around
- By car: essential if you want to explore freely. In high season, access to certain beaches (Genoveses, Mónsul) is regulated, with limited parking and shuttle buses.
- By bus: there are a few lines, but they are infrequent. If you don’t have a car, it’s best to stay in San José, Carboneras, or Las Negras and walk from there.
- By bike: possible, but beware of the heat and steep climbs. Experienced cyclists will find spectacular routes.
3.3. Essential gear
- High-SPF sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses: the Andalusian sun is unforgiving.
- Water: never set out without plenty, especially for hikes or beaches without beach bars.
- Closed shoes: the ground can be scorching and rocky (and watch out for the occasional cactus!).
- A bag for your trash: leave no waste behind — let’s be responsible.
3.4. Please respect nature!
Cabo de Gata Natural Park is a protected area. Stay on the marked trails and don’t pick plants, no matter how beautiful they are. Avoid loud noises that might disturb the animals.
Camping on the beaches and lighting fires are strictly forbidden. And if you spot a flamingo or a fox, admire them from afar and take a photo — but let them be. It’s really that simple.
4. Where to eat and stay in Cabo de Gata
4.1. Local flavors
- Fresh fish & seafood: sardines, calamari, Almería prawns… grilled or in paella, simply delicious!
- Tapas: in this region, every drink usually comes with a free tapa — a real treat!
- Restaurants préférés :
- À Carboneras, Favorite restaurants:
- In Carboneras, try the seaside bars (Bar Bella-Mar, Chiringuito Mariano…) for exquisite fried fish.
- In San José, you’ll find plenty of terraces along the promenade, perfect for enjoying paellas and fresh local fish.
- In Las Negras, Las Barcas serves some of the freshest seafood tapas around.
4.2. Hébergement de charme (et sans complications)
- San José : l’option la plus « centrale » du parc, avec des petits hôtels, des appartements et des auberges.
- Las Negras ou Agua Amarga : plus tranquilles et avec une touche bohème. Il y a des pensions de famille et des maisons avec vue sur la mer.
- Carboneras : ma ville préférée, à la limite nord du parc. Moins touristique, plus authentique et avec des options d’hôtels ou d’appartements souvent plus économiques. À côté de la célèbre Playa de los Muertos.
- Camping Los Escullos : pour les amoureux de la nature, avec des emplacements et des bungalows.
Conseil : réservez à l’avance si vous prévoyez de voyager en été. Il n’y a pas de grands complexes hôteliers ici, donc les hébergements se remplissent rapidement.
5. Pourquoi je recommande Cabo de Gata… et Carboneras ?
Je ne vais pas mentir : je suis tombé amoureux de Cabo de Gata. Son environnement sauvage, ses criques secrètes, son soleil unique et l’hospitalité andalouse… Sérieusement, ici, la vie se résume à l’essentiel : le soleil, la mer, le poisson frais… et profiter !
En tant que Français installé à Carboneras, j’ai la chance de profiter de ce paysage toute l’année. Et ce que j’aime le plus, c’est partager mes bons plans et mes recommandations avec vous. Visiter Cabo de Gata, ce n’est pas seulement cocher des endroits sur une liste, mais s’immerger dans un style de vie détendu : écouter les vagues, discuter avec les pêcheurs, se perdre sur des pistes de terre qui mènent à des plages inconnues.
Si vous cherchez à fuir le tourisme de masse, les bars de plage bondés et la musique assourdissante, c’est l’endroit idéal. Ici, la sieste, le café au lait sur une terrasse et la baignade dans une eau turquoise ou émeraude sont rois.
6. Conclusion : Cabo de Gata, la promesse d’un séjour revitalisant
Et voilà, vous savez tout ce qu’il faut savoir sur Cabo de Gata. Des plages de rêve, des sentiers volcaniques, des villages typiques et des tapas délicieuses… Ce parc naturel est un trésor pour ceux qui apprécient la nature, le calme et l’authenticité.
Moi, Nicolas, je serai ravi de vous accueillir et de vous faire découvrir tous ces paysages inoubliables, en vous aidant à profiter d’un séjour sur mesure. Apportez simplement de la crème solaire, une bonne attitude et l’envie de vous déconnecter : Cabo de Gata fera le reste. Prêt à larguer les amarres et à mettre le cap sur l’Andalousie ?
À bientôt à Carboneras, les amis !
| Otras playas que recomendamos (haga clic en el nombre de la playa) | Las ventajas de esta playa |
|---|---|
| Playa del Algarrobico | Una playa espectacular, inmensa, tranquila y poco concurrida. |
| Playa de las Marinicas | La playa a los pies de los dos apartamentos, la preferida de las familias locales y de los niños. |
| Playa Cala del Enmedio | Un paraíso perdido, reservado a quienes lo buscan de verdad… ¡pequeña caminata obligatoria! |
| Playa del sombrerico | Una playa al final del camino… pero cerca de todo. |
| Playa de La Galera | Un remanso de paz cerca de Carboneras. |
| Cala San Pedro | Piérdase en sus aguas turquesas únicas en el parque natural de Cabo de Gata. |
| Cala del Plomo | Un tesoro escondido en el parque de Cabo de Gata. |
| Playa Sopalmo | Nuestro lugar de referencia favorito cerca de Mojácar. |
| Cala de los Toros | Un oasis… ¡y luego el mar! |
