Cabo de Gata
Cabo de Gata is a protected area of Spain in the southern section of Almería in Andalucía. It plays host to over 1000 species of plants and more than 1300 creature types too. But that is not all you will find in this part of Spain
Beaches in Cabo de Gata
- Agua Amarga
- Cala Arena
- Cala de Enmedio
- Cala del Plomo
- Cala Raja
- Cala San Pedro
- El Barronal
- El Playazo
- Genoveses
- La Isleta
- Las Negras
- Las Salinas
- Los Escullos
- Los Muertos
- Monsul
- Playa Corralete
- San José
- San Miguel de Cabo de Gata
Villages of Cabo de Gata
The villages of Cabo de Gata are predominantly whitewashed and quaint. The area isn’t blighted by high-rise hotels and low quality tourist trappings.
San José is probably the best known of these, but the smaller villages are full of charm and definitely worth a visit. What better way to while away an hour or two with some beautifully cooked seafood and a glass or three of something suitably chilled and fruity.
- Agua Amarga
- Carboneras
- La Isleta del Moro
- Las Negras
- Nijar
- Rodalquilar
- San José
- San Miguel de Cabo de Gata
Faro del Cabo de Gata
“Faro” means lighthouse, and this example is a fine one. It was constructed on the ruins of the castle of San Francisco de Paula, which formed part of the existing sea defense battery on the Almeria coast. This was destroyed during the War of Independence.
Built on a cliff of 50 meters and with a tower height of 18 meters, the flashes of light can be seen up to 30 miles away, along with a siren sound during thick fog, alerting ships of their presence.
The lighthouse was built as a warning to seafarers of the presence of the dangerous Cape Laja reef. This reef is a nautical mile into the sea off the lighthouse and was the cause of numerous shipwrecks throughout history.
Keen divers should head to the Arna Czechoslovak ship, which sank in 1928 when it struck the Cape Laja. Down there is a wealth of marine wildlife to explore.
Sunset is the best time to visit, and when the best photographic opportunities are available.
A few meters from the lighthouse, is Playa Corralete beach is accessed by a path of about 100 meters and a slope. This beach is great for swimming and offers a fabulous view of the lighthouse on its rock.
The lighthouse is also reasonably close to the larger beach of Las Salinas, a popular spot if you fancy a dip as part of your travels – so don’t forget your swimming gear and towels!
Elle, along with Alan, is the owner of Spain Buddy and the busy web design business – Spain Web Design by Gandy-Draper.
Born a “Norverner”, she then spent most of her life “Dann Saff” before moving to Spain in 2006. Elle’s loves are Alan, the internet, dogs, good food, and dry white wine – although not necessarily in that order.
