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Cabo de Gata-Níjar NP

Cabo de Gata Nijar, Almería, Andalucía

Description

Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park in eastern Andalusia is the only region in mainland Europe with a true hot desert climate. The 460km2 area is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and contains volcanic rock formations creating 100m high cliffs riven by gullies dropping in the Mediterranean Sea and interspersed by coves and sandy beaches. There is a wide range of flora and fauna; migrating birds in particular are numerous around the salt flats. The most popular beaches are Playa de Monsul and Playa de los Genoveses, and other key attractions include the lighthouse (Faro de Cabo de Gata), the salt flats and the village of San Jose.

Access & Transport

The natural park is east of the city of Almeria: 40km for the visitor centre near the lighthouse. There are no public transport options within the park.

Instructions & Recommendations

Make sure to bring sun protective gear and plenty of water. One can spend 2-3h or a full day there.

Meta review

Popular stop along the coast for reviewers who list the uncrowded beaches with fine sands, amazing coastal views and the birdwatching in a beautiful environment (binoculars required) as the highlights. For the beach, note that many of them require a bit of a walk from the road and parking spots and that there are no facilities.

Environmental & Social

Green activity Helps preserve the biodiversity of the area and keep residential development at bay

Conclusion

Some impressive and very unusual landscapes, at least in continental Europe. Very much worth a stop or detour, in particular for nature and outdoor enthusiasts

Key positive

One of the most scenic parts of Andalusia

Some excellent beaches

Key negative

Many points of interest have limited accessibility

No shade and can be very hot

Suitability

Visitors with reduced mobility will be restricted to the villages and coastal views

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 30m

est. visit time:4h

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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