Hola! Thanks for stopping by my Cabo de Gata blog. I’m Marina – a 23 year old born in the south of Spain, specifically the city of Murcia. This is where I grew up and lived the best years of my childhood. Ever since I was young, I have had the good fortune of being able to travel the world.
My passion for travelling began at a young age thanks to the many trips I made year after year with my family. I’m extremely grateful to have a family who instilled in me the ability to look beyond and discover the world.
Later on, as a result of always choosing international themes for my studies, I was lucky to continue travelling both on an academic and personal level. Travel has now become an indispensable part of my life. I just love it!
At the age of 12, I bought my very first camera and started taking photos. Photography has been a passion of mine ever since. Over the years, I improved the quality and photographic editing of my photos until I decided to capture all the places I visited and share them on Instagram.
Visiting Cabo de Gata in Summer
One place that I visit regularly which is a photographer’s dream is Cabo de Gata in Spain. I found out about this destination from my mother who used to describe it to me with enthusiasm when I was young. It was there where she spent every summer of her youth together with my grandparents.
Today, our family has a house in Mojacar – a beautiful village in Spain and a place that borders the beginning of Cabo de Gata Natural Park. It’s a village that I recommend with a doubt if you want to visit Cabo de Gata.
My relationship with Cabo de Gata is a close one and every summer I visit each one of its coves and incredible places. It gives me so much peace. Whenever I can during the year, I take the opportunity to go and enjoy it.
Above all, it’s during winter and spring when you can go to enjoy the epic coves and beaches of Cabo de Gata. You will find entire beaches that are empty and uninhabited. It really is one of the most unique places in Spain.
Spending 7 Days in Cabo de Gata
In my opinion, visiting Cabo de Gata is one of the trips that every world traveller should take at least once in their lifetime. The beautiful places and coves that the natural park has to offer are so unique. In order to fully enjoy its highlights, I would recommend exploring this area for at least 7 days.
Some of the essential places I recommend are: Agua Amarga with its famous Cala de Enmedio and Cala del Plomo, Carboneras where you can find a beach with the most crystal-clear water in the world (Playa de los Muertos), La Isleta del Moro, Las Negras, Los Escullos and Rodalquilar.
One of the most beautiful places is San Jose with its two beaches: Playa de los Genoveses and Playa de Monsul (home to amazing dunes). I definitely recommend hiring a car and driving from one place to the next.
The nature you find will make you think you are part of a movie set. You can finally reach the beach of Playa de las Salinas – home to Playa de La Fabriquilla with its crystal-clear waters and endless kilometres of beach.
Just wait until you see the sunset at this place! It’s without a doubt one of the most magical experiences you can have in Cabo de Gata. Once here, don’t hesitate to visit Arrecife de las Sirenas – a uniquely beautiful spot.
And of course, take a moment to appreciate the landscapes at Las Salinas de Cabo de Gata. Then, I recommend visiting the Tabernas Desert and seeing the famous mini Hollywood sign of Almeria where many films have been shot. Set with Western scenes, this place is absolutely worth a visit.
Finally, I recommend Mojacar. It’s one of the most beautiful villages in Spain – full of white houses on top of a mountain. Last but not least, discover the historic centre of Nijar famous for its pottery and esparto grass.
There are many places in Cabo de Gata that take your breath away. 7 days is necessary to really enjoy this wonderful place on the coast of Almeria.
Favourite Places in Cabo de Gata
I have many special memories of Cabo de Gata but one that I cherished was watching the sunset from Playa de La Fabriquilla. It was a unique moment because it was autumn and there was hardly anyone around.
Another favourite place is Arrecife de las Sirenas with its coves and rock formations. One of my best memories there was last summer. I went in the morning to take pictures by the sea and I was delighted with the crystal-clear turquoise waters that could be seen from the top of the hill.
Lastly, my third favourite place in Cabo de Gata is Playa de los Genoveses – especially in the season of spring. I remember seeing this immense beach completely empty and I was running along its green banks by the sea with my dog. Another one of those special moments that I will cherish forever.
3 Best Things To Do in Cabo de Gata
All of the experiences in Cabo de Gata are special because they offer the possibility of enjoying the sea, the desert and the mountains. If I had to recommend the best possible activities to do they would be:
1. Hiking or Horse Riding through the Natural Park
Hiking through the many routes that the natural park has to offer allows you to enjoy incredible views along the coast. On the other hand, this area is characterised by the presence of many farmhouses where it’s possible to do routes on horseback. A most authentic experience.
2. Snorkelling or Diving in the Coves and Beaches
Snorkelling in the coves and beaches of Cabo de Gata is spectacular due to the marine life that hides under the water. For diving, I recommend Cala de Enmedio, Arrecife de las Sirenas and Playa de los Muertos.
3. Kayaking out to Secret Coves and Hidden Gems
Finally, apart from spending the day at beaches and coves, I recommend renting kayaks and accessing many of the coves that are not accessible on foot. This is where the secret places of Cabo de Gata are located!
Authentic Culture of Cabo de Gata
If there is one thing that best describes the people of Cabo de Gata, it’s authenticity. I know many locals and they are all authentic people with an enormous interest in showing visitors the history of the natural park.
Life here is peaceful and the locals have a lifestyle very much related to the sea and nature. They are people close to you who will win you over from the very first moment. The culture here is characterised by full peace and joy.
Spectacular Food of Cabo de Gata
The food in Cabo de Gata is spectacular. It’s possible to enjoy a variety of fish from the first hour of the morning. You have to take into account that Cabo de Gata is a fishing village so enjoying its specialty is a luxury.
As for the best restaurants in the area, I would highlight 3 awesome places. The first one is Restaurante Mediterraneo. Here you will discover amazing fish and an excellent range of quality seafood, including delicious paella.
Secondly, just around the corner from Restaurante Mediterraneo, I recommend Chiringuito Restaurante Chiri-Bus. You have to try the espetos here! You will appreciate how they make the food from a boat in the middle of the beach. The octopus and sardines are a real treat as well.
Last but not least, in Carboneras I recommend Restaurante Chiringuito J. Mariano. This place is one of the best fish restaurants I have ever been to and the value for money is superb. Go there and ask for the special of the day or for paella. And of course, in Cabo de Gata you will find great wine.
Best Accommodation in the Area
In my opinion, to visit the Cabo de Gata Natural Park in comfort, it’s best to stay inside. I would recommend Hostal Santuario San Jose in San Jose, Hotel Cortijo El Paraiso in La Isleta del Moro, La Almendra Y El Gitano in Agua Amarga and Cala Chica Hotel in Las Negras. All great places to stay.
Need to Know Before you Go
If there is one thing that visitors should know, it’s the importance of getting up early to visit the coves and famous beaches of Cabo de Gata. The truth is that this place has gained a lot of popularity and more people are visiting.
Consequently, in order to preserve this wonderful natural park, local authorities have limited the number of cars that can access the beaches and coves. This means that you should wake up early to secure your spot!
Last but not least, comfortable shoes are a must to access the coves and beaches. It should not be forgotten that these destinations are located in an environment with rugged vegetation where rocky slopes and stony beaches are prevalent. Therefore, good shoes and booties are essential.
Thanks for reading my blog everyone! I hope you enjoy your visit to this wonderful slice of southern Spain. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or would like more information. Saludos!
