The Cabo de Gata has become one of the most popular natural tourist destinations in Spain. With a coastal strip measuring 38,000 hectares and a strip of sea that is one mile wide, this is one of the most beautiful and ecologically diverse coastal strips in the western Mediterranean.
It has 63 kilometers of coast with cliffs, beautiful virgin beaches and a seabed with a high environmental quality.
Cabo de Gata-Nijar is of volcanic origin and is the first Marine-Terrestrial Natural Park of Andalusia. It is also the most important maritime-terrestrial protected area of ecological importance in the Western Mediterranean Sea.
This natural park is the first reserve that shows the characteristics of Andalusia. Its creation demonstrates the need to care for, protect and promote the conservation of these natural ecosystems and landscape values.
The fauna and flora of the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park is composed of species that are endemic or geographically limited to nearby areas, threatened or endangered species, species that represent an important economic contribution, and species that are considered indispensable for the normal development of ecosystems.
The vegetation of this area is made up of more than a thousand terrestrial species and about 250 marine species, among which there are some like the Posidonia Oceanica that has a great ecological importance. The fauna, on the other hand, is composed of a great variety of invertebrates, both marine and terrestrial.
In Cabo de Gata several activities are carried out that seek to take advantage of the natural resources without harming the natural environment of the park. Some of these activities contribute actively to the ecological balance, conservation and maintenance of this protected area. These activities also constitute an important part of the economic and social development of the population; however, because it is a protected area, these activities are regulated and controlled in a way that does not affect the ecosystem.
San Jose
The central tourist resort in Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park is San Jose. This is an attractively unusual fishing village. It still has those ancient type houses and small streets.
Also it is hosts splendid beaches very shallow and sandy, making them perfect for snorkeling, sailing, and diving. The are also many shops, bars, restaurants and various types of living quarters.
If you visit, check out the information area to make arrangements to go on guided walks, 4x4 tours or cycling.
Los Escullos
Another marvelous site is Los Escullos. This is home to the biggest fossilized dune in the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park. It is located between the fishing villages of San Jose and Isleta del Moro. The magnificent fossilized dunes show the results of years of erosion. This has created some spectacular rock features. These are visible at the water’s edge.
You can also experience a walk on these rocks, but you must be careful. There is a great tourist complex attached to the dune. It also houses a nightclub.
Cabo de Gata Lighthouse
This is one of the natural areas of Spain with great ecological, anthropological, geological, historical and landscape richness.
For this reason it is protected by both natural and cultural protection figures. It is a landscape of volcanic origin and one of the most arid on the European continent.
Along with the Reef of the Sirens, the Cabo de Gata lighthouse is one of the most iconic and well known places in the province of Almeria.
Perfect Climate
Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park has a perfect weather all year. It is a wonderful place for you to experience great outdoor life. There is very little rain here. In fact, reports are that this natural park experiences more than three thousand hours of sunlight yearly. It has a usual temperature of around twenty degrees with an increase usually in the months of July to August. This park makes a marvelous spot to chill and take in the some of the best beaches of Spain.
Cabo de Gata beaches
In Cabo de Gata you will find several of the best beaches on the Iberian peninsula.
Attractive marine environment
There is a luscious underwater life at Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park. The plants found here are some of the best protected in Europe. Many of the plants provide food for the monk seal which is an endangered species. Persons cannot fish in reserve. There is a one nautical mile restriction. Some of the creatures that reside here are the eagle rays and barracudas to name a few.
The beautiful submarine life provides a spectacular variety of species, making it perfect for divers. A trip to this natural park will mean the viewing of those exotic and endangered species. You should visit and experience the sunshine and the beaches.
Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park is an extraordinary tourist attraction. The terrain makes it ideal for horse riding, mountain biking or those great sightseeing walks.
Finally, to understand how well recommended it is to visit the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park, in recent years prestigious media such as the New York Times and the Lonely Planet Guide have highlighted this park over other areas of the Mediterranean, raising this natural park to the category of paradise.
