FACILITY: SIGNPOSTED TRAIL
CALDERA DE MAJADA REDONDA
NIJAR (ALMERÍA)
CABO DE GATA-NÍJAR - Ventana del Visitante
Asset Publisher
Signposted trails
Reception and information
DESCRIPTION
Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park was Andalusia's first marine-terrestrial protected area. This area is also internationally recognised as a biosphere reserve on account of the contrasts between marine, coastal and terrestrial environments, the numerous exclusive species to be found here and the unique characteristics of one of Europe's most arid ecosystems. It was also designated by UNESCO as Global
Geopark .
The peculiarity of its ecology and landscape is mainly due to the absence of a winter climate and its geological diversity; predominantly volcanic substances where lava outcrops, domes and fossil beaches form a unique landscape of captivating ochre, black and red tones.
Cabo de Gata-Níjar boasts 50 kilometres of the best conserved coastal cliffs anywhere on the Mediterranean coast. Along this stunning coastline of rugged cliffs you will find urban beaches such as San José and Aguamarga; magnificent, unspoilt beaches such as Mónsul and Los Genoveses; secluded and almost inaccessible coves such as Carnaje and Enmedio; and spectacular volcanic and corral cliffs such as Punta de los Muertos and Mesa Roldán.
Furthermore, this area has a semi-arid climate with low rainfall and a low water table leading to poor, underdeveloped soils. They are, however, home to one of Europe's most unusual ensembles of flora, with more than 1,000 endemic species. There are areas of palmetto and Periploca laevigata that cling to steep volcanic slopes, dense esparto grass, rosemary and jujube that cover the plains, and, in early spring, thousands of daisies that turn the coastal cliffs yellow. They are all examples of plants adapted to the harsh local climatic conditions.
Special mention should be made of the marine ecosystem on account of its variety and size. Its marine beds have extensive meadows of posidonea. This plant is similar to green algae, and its proliferation gives rise to real underwater forests that are home to a wide variety of marine fauna: crabs, octopus and fish, including the pen shell, the biggest endangered bivalve in the Mediterranean, considered to be a natural gem. Buried in the plains of sand and mud there is a wealth of varied fauna - small but vital to the health of the ecosystem as a whole. The rocky sea beds are extraordinary mixes of shape and colour: algae, false corral and a wide variety of fish, including the grouper, also known as "rey del roquedo" (king of the rock fish). Eco-diving in these crystal clear waters is an unforgettable experience.
Another interesting place, very close to the fishing village of San Miguel, are the Cabo de Gata Salt Flats, home to much of the park's bird life. A multitude of waders such as avocets, black-winged stilts and plovers come to feed in these coastal waters. It is also common to see different species of gulls, ducks and colonies of flamingos. Over the course of the year you can see more than 80 species of birds, either here or at the nearby Rambla Morales delta lagoon, known locally as "Charco". Meanwhile, the Las Amoladeras steppe has esparto grass and thyme plants that provide shelter to a community of birds often hard to see, such as the stone curlew, common lark, short-toed lark and Dupont's lark. Up in the mountains there are birds of prey and small mammals that complete the regional fauna.
One of the most significant aspects of this nature park is the human influence seen here. Many abandoned farmhouses, wind and water systems such as water wheels, wells and mills, all with the Cultural Property designation, have become part of the landscape and bear witness to a now extinct culture that made traditional use of natural resources. Phoenicians and Romans left their mark on these lands. They took advantage of the excellent fishing to be found on the coast and left behind fish salting and purple dye factories in Torregarcía, as well as workshops for making volcanic bricks at cliffs like those of El Playazo and Punta Baja. The Moors, for their part, left their mark in irrigation systems, crafts and the watchtowers that can be found along the coast.
Improved infrastructure aiming for sustainable development, along with the variety of activities available, such as scuba diving, cycle-touring, boat trips and horse riding routes, allows you to enjoy the richness of this nature area. The fishing village at La Isleta del Moro, the Rodalquilar mining village, the stunning beauty of Los Muertos beach and the incredible cliffs at Los Escullos are all unique experiences awaiting you in these exceptional surroundings.
OTHER PROTECTED AREAS
-
SPECIAL AREAS OF CONSERVATION (SAC) ES0000046 CABO DE GATA-NIJAR -
SPECIAL PROTECTION AREA FOR BIRDS (SPA) CABO DE GATA-NIJAR
-
SITE OF COMMUNITY INTEREST (SCI) CABO DE GATA-NIJAR
-
BIOSPHERE RESERVE CABO DE GATA-NIJAR -
GEOPARK CABO DE GATA-NIJAR -
RAMSAR SITE SALINAS DEL CABO DE GATA -
SPECIALLY PROTECTED AREA OF MEDITERRANEAN IMPORTANCE (SPAMI) CABO DE GATA-NIJAR
DATA SHEET
-
Provinces Almería
-
-
-
MAP
ACTIVITIES
Without a doubt, one of the activities that generates the most interest in this natural park is scuba diving. The underwater world of Cabo de Gata-Níjar is an amazing area of rich, natural beauty. Submerged in the transparent waters of La Isleta, you will find yourself surrounded by coral reef and brightly-coloured fish that flit in and out of the rocks and sprawling Posidonea meadows. By taking a boat trip you can access beautiful coves such as that are otherwise difficult to reach. You can also do other water activities such as canoeing.
On the mainland, we recommend hiking signposted routes such as Los Genoveses which leads you through coves and cliffs to the beautiful beach of the same name. The route that goes through Las Amoladeras, (also known as the bird route), enters protected area where rare steppe birds such as Dupont´s lark can be spotted.
Another option is to cycle. An interesting route passes through the old mining town of Rodalquilar and leads to Cerro del Cinto. From here you have an excellent panoramic view of the area.
Alternatively, you can choose an enjoyable route on horseback in the outskirts of San José. Or a more off-road route, treading the tracks between San José and Mónsul.
This natural area is also affiliated with the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism , whose associated companies can be contacted by cIicking here .
MAP
BRAND NATURAL PARK OF ANDALUCIA
BRAND NATURAL PARK OF ANDALUCIA
BIO SOL PORTO CARRERO, S.A.T.
Fruit and vegetables
Ctra. San José, km 3, s/n Barranquete
Níjar (Almería)
950387016
biosol@biosolportocarrero.com
CAMPING LOS ESCULLOS
Accommodation in a top-rated campsite
Paraje Los Escullos, s/n.
04118 - San José, Níjar (Almería)
950389811
gerencia@losescullossanjose.com
CLEAR KAJAK
Active tourism
Playa de San José s/n 04000 -
Níjar (Almería)
info@clearkajak
EDUARDO BUESO FORNIELES
Rutas en kayak: “Arrecife De Las Sirenas”, “Cala Del Cuervo”, “Embarcadero De Los Escullos”, “Aguamarga”. Rutas de senderismo “Caldera De Maja Redonda”, “Cerro Del Cinto”, "Cortijo Del Fraile-Montano-Hornillo”, "El Pocico - Las Marinas", “Escullos - Isleta Del Moro”, “Escullos - Pozo De Los Frailes”, “La Molata”, “Loma Pelada”, “Los Genoveses”, “Mesa Roldán”, “Requena”, “Río Alías”, “San Pedro-El Plomo - Aguamarga”, “Vela Blanca”, “Las Amoladeras”, “Vía verde de Lucainena a Aguamarga".
Calle Austria, nº35, portal 2,2ºA.
4009 -Almería ()
info@kayaksur.es
GESTIONES TURÍSTICAS E INMOBILIARIAS ALSUR, S,L.
Alojamiento en apartamento turístico, grupo conjunto, categoría 1 llave, modalidad playa, “Apartamentos Delamar”
C/ Corbeta, 2 Bis.
04140 - Carboneras (Almería)
619 050 608
gestionesturisticasalsur@gmail.com
HAPPY KAYAK
Canoeing routes
Urb. Cortijos del Sotillo, C/ Luna E-6-10.
04118 - Níjar (Almería)
info@happykayak.com
HOTEL CORTIJO EL SOTILLO
(1) Hotel Cortijo El Sotillo: accommodation and catering in a 4 * rural hotel (2) Baby goat
Ctra. San José, s/n 04118 San José-NÍJAR (Almería)
San José-NÍJAR (Almería)
hotel@cortijoelsotillo.com
HOTEL DE NATURALEZA RODALQUILAR
Accommodation and catering
Paraje de Los Albacetes s/n, C.P. 04115
NÍJAR (ALMERÍA)
950389838
info@hotelrodalquilar.com
HOTELES MC SAN JOSÉ
Accommodation in 4 * Hotel and Restaurant
C/ Faro, 2. San José, C.P. 04118
NÍJAR (ALMERÍA)
950611111
reservas@hotelesmcsanjose.com
INDALOSUB
Diving centre and school, 18 underwater routes
C/ Babor, 8. San José, C.P. 04118
NÍJAR (ALMERÍA)
950380004
info@isubsanjose.com
J-126, RUTAS DE NATURALEZA
31 hiking trails, 9 off-road routes, 10 bus routes
Avda. de San José, 27, C.P. 04118
Níjar (Almería)
950380299
info@cabodegata-nijar.com
JOSÉ MANUEL MARÍN FUENTES
RUTAS DE ECOSNORKEL: “Corralete (Mar de Alborán)”, “El embarcadero de Los Escullos (Mar Mediterráneo)”, “La Isleta del Moro”, “Cala Higuera”, RUTAS DE EDUCACIÓN AMBIENTAL: “Jardín Botánico El Albardinal”, “Salinas - Faro de Cabo de Gata”.
C/ Islas Cíes, 19
04150 - Almería (Almería)
600 39 07 35
info@ecoagata.com
MARÍA TERESA MIRANTES MARTÍN
Alojamientos en viviendas turísticas de alojamiento rural: “ESTRELLA FUGAZ", "ESTRELLA DE MAR", "ESTRELLA DE CINE".
Plaza del Granero, 5.
4100 – Níjar (Almería)
689 781 237
mmirantes@gmail.com
MEDIALUNAVENTURA OCIO Y AVENTURA S.L
Active tourism
C/ del Puerto, 7.
04118 - San José - Níjar (Almería)
medialunaventura@gmail.com
NATURES.S.COOP.AND
Geo-Hiking and astrotourism routes
Avda. De Salteras N. 365. Edif Via de la Plata, Planta Baja, ofic 14 – 41909 Salteras (Sevilla)
SALTERAS (SEVILLA)
954711456
natures@natures.es
ORO DE NÍJAR SOL DE PORTOCARRERO
Oil
Ctra. de Níjar, km 8,4. - 04130 (El Alquián)
Almería (Almería)
950 600 298
atencioncliente@orodenijar.com
PITA AVENTURA TURISMO ACTIVO
Active tourism
Plaza del Mar, Local n.º 7
04131 - El Toyo - Retamar (Almería)
626 460 869
info@pita-aventura.com
PRODUCTOS ECOLÓGICOS DEL SUR
Fruit and vegetables
C/ Sevilla, 84, - 04410
Benahadux (Almería)
950952997
informacion@ecosur.com
SALINAS DE PARQUES NATURALES
Salt
Salinas de Cabo de Gata, 04150 -
Níjar (ALMERÍA)
914363100
ltorregrosacanales@salins.com
SUBPARKE
Multi-adventure climbing, 10 hiking routes, 3 by vehicle, 2 by boat, 22 submarines and 2 in canoes.
Alambique nº.6. Planta 1ª Puerta B
04115 Rodalquilar – Níjar (Almería)
670341564
info@subparke.es
TOYO AVENTURA, S.L.
Rutas en kayak: “Embarcadero de Los Escullos-Punta de la Loma Pelada”, “Fabriquilla - Arrecife de las Sirenas”, “Agua Amarga - Punta de la Media Naranja”, “Cala del Cuervo - Cala del Bergantín”. Ruta a caballo “Playa de Torregarcía”.
Ctra. Cuevas de los Úbeda, parcela 160, 04130 -
El Alquian (Almería)
950209392
toyoaventura@gmail.com
VULCANIC TOURS
Active tourism
Paseo Maritimo, s/n.
04118 - San José – Níjar (Almería)
infovolcanictours@gmail.com
ZONAKTIVA
Active tourism
Camping Náutico La Caleta, 04116 -
Las Negras - Níjar (Almería)
605947178
info@zonaktiva.com
AGENDA
Go to our visitor centres, information points and ecomuseums to get the most out of your visit.
Follow the recommendations and comply with the regulations at all times
Respect the facilities put at your disposal. We all pay for its maintenance.
Help prevent fires. Do not throw cigarettes or any other object that produces combustion.
Trash doesn't come back alone. Take it with you to the nearest container. Reduce, reuse, recycle.
Noise is another form of pollution. In silence you will enjoy your experience more.
Live respectfully with the locals and other users. Respect private property.
Facilitate use for people with special needs.
By consuming local products and counting on local companies, you will contribute to rural development.
Practice responsible tourism and committed to the environment. Be a true ecotourist!
Never leave your pet in the wild. It would endanger the flora and fauna of the place.
Get around in a sustainable way: public transport, bicycle, on foot, electric or shared vehicle ... Park in the designated places
Do not leave a trace of your passage through nature. The best memory you can take with you is your own photograph.
Your safety is our concern, but it is your responsibility.
The conservation of natural spaces is also in your hands. Thank you for your collaboration!
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
GOOD PRACTICES
PUBLICATIONS
Feria y fiestas en honor a la Virgen del Mar
Finales de agosto
Fiestas de Moros y Cristianos
10 al 13 de junio
Fiestas Patronales en honor a San Sebastián
20 de enero
Aemet
-
Wednesday, 17 July 2024
32°C- WIND SPEED 0km/h
- PERCENT OF HUMIDITY 75%
- CHANCE OF RAIN 0%
-
Thursday
35° max.22° min.
- WIND SPEED 20km/h
- PERCENT OF HUMIDITY 75%
- CHANCE OF RAIN 0%
-
Friday
35° max.24° min.
- WIND SPEED 10km/h
- PERCENT OF HUMIDITY 70%
- CHANCE OF RAIN 0%
-
Saturday
38° max.26° min.- WIND SPEED 15km/h
- PERCENT OF HUMIDITY 35%
- CHANCE OF RAIN 0%
DO NOT LEAVE WITHOUT ...
