Holiday information, facts, photos and video about Cabo de Gata
Cabo de Gata is located in Andalusia. Watch a video about Andalusia produced by Spain-holiday.com.
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Inhabitants
1400
Level above sea
0 meters
Nearest airport
Almeria, Granada, Malaga
Distance to airport
35 km
Distance to beach
0 meters
Max. temperature
40 C
Min. temperature
12 C
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Cabo de GataCabo de Gata – Nijar Natural Park is a coastal area of outstanding natural beauty and ecological value, located in the province of Almeria in Andalusia.
The region covers a large expanse of coastline, the greatest space of ecological and maritime value in
the whole of the Western European Mediterranean, and the largest coastal protected area in Andalusia. It was named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1997.
Cabo de Gata is dictated by volcanic hills, dotted with white villages, hidden coves and miles of pristine sandy beaches.
HistoryThe history of the area is sparse, and not many records exist, due to its relatively low habitation and isolated location. Although records do go back to the Phoenicians who occupied the Almeria province, the area has always been rich in mineral deposits, so it is likely that all the occupiers throughout the ages have used the natural resources of Cabo de Gata.
It has been said that at one point the Cabo de Gata shores were home to so many Monk seals that sailors became confused when they approached the coastline, thinking that their cries were the cries of sirens. From this legend comes the name Siren Reef (Arrecife de las Sirenas).
Natural surroundings
Cabo de Gata is region popular with rural and eco tourists, divers and holidaymakers looking to strip
back to nature on their holiday.
The volcanic complex and mountains were formed between 15 and 16 million years ago and makes up Spain’s largest volcanic rock formation. The blackened hills contrast with the blue of
the Mediterranean, forming 100 metre cliffs, which plunge into the deep blue sea.
Beautiful hidden coves, tiny rock islands and coral reefs abundant with marine life, make Cabo de Gata one of the most popular areas for diving in Spain.
Moving back from the coast, Cabo de Gata becomes an arid semi-desert area, with dwarf fan palms, Aloe Vera plants and little else vegetation, although what does exist includes some very rare and endangered plant and fauna. The inland expanse incorporates salt marshes, saltpans, dry riverbeds and arid steppes.
BeachesLong white sandy stretches, beautiful hidden coves, natural coastal dunes and nudist areas. With its pristine waters, the peninsula is very popular with divers and other water sports enthusiasts, you can also partake in snorkelling, sailing, kayaking, fishing and windsurfing. It is also ideal for underwater photography shots.
Towns & VillagesSan Jose de Nijar, which was once a fishing village, is now the central resort in Cabo de Gata, popular with sustainable tourist and eco tourists.
Sitting just outside the Natural Reserve, is the village of Carboneras. The town thrives on both fishing and tourism and boasts some excellent seafood restaurants.
The Moorish town of
Nijar sits high up away from the coast in the Sierra Alhamilla and is famous for its craft industry of pottery, ceramics and textiles.
San Miguel de Cabo de Gato is a typical fishing town, with excellent seafood restaurants and good amenities.
Literally translated
Agua Amarga means ‘Bitter Water’; however the water is far from bitter, and this little fishing town has become an popular tourist centre with a rural charm.
Almadraba de Monteleva is little fishing village developed around the beach of the same name. The town is located close to the Salinas de Cabo de Gato (the salt marshes).
If you are looking for a retreat completely away from all tourism, then
Boca de los Frailes is your
destination. Located just outside of the park, this is a perfectly natural area with very little, except fresh air, peace and quiet and beautiful scenery.
The area of
Las Negras is a place of outstanding natural beauty and environmental importance. Located within the area of
Pozo de los Frailes, with its charming old quarter, Moorish aspect and restored Ferris wheel.
Rodalquilar is an old mining town located just outside the typical area of tourism, slightly away from the coast, enveloped in mountains and hills. The area is particularly beautiful and popular with rural tourists.
If you want to enjoy spectacular views to the coastline then visit
Hortichuelas. Located just 2
kilometres from the coast, this town still has a traditional Andalusian charm.
CuisineObviously seafood is the staple diet in most towns and villages of Cabo de Gato, with the region’s
thriving fish industry.
There are some excellent seafood restaurants in the region, and traditional rustic Almerian cuisine.
ClimateCabo de Gato, as all of the Costa Almeria, enjoys an ideal sub-tropical climate throughout the year. The breeze from the sea cools down the hot summer months.