Cabo De Gata
Coastal Walking Holiday - 4 Nights
€50.00
Out of stock
595 Euro
90 Euro Single Room Supplement
The Cabo De Gata marine national park based in the South-Eastern corner of Spain is Europe’s only true hot desert.
The mountain range of the Sierra del Cabo de Gata with its highest peak El Fraile is Spain’s largest volcanic rock formation. Falling steeply to the Mediterranean Sea creating 100-metre high cliffs. Some of the most beautiful beaches in Spain are found in this region as well as some stunning cliff top walking.
Offshore are numerous tiny rocky islands and, underwater coral reefs teeming with marine life. Its climate is arid to the extent of being the driest location in Europe and the continent´s only subtropical or “warm” desert, with rainfall below 200 mm a year and average yearly temperatures above 18 °C. In 1997 it was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The name ‘Cabo de Gata relates to the mineral agate which used to be mined in this area.
1,100 species of fauna have been recorded within the park, the majority of which are birds. The European Union has designated a Special Protection Area for bird-life. There are over 1,000 plants recorded in the reserve, some of which are endemic to the Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata and some of which have become symbols of the natural park.
Coastal hike from Agua Amarga to Rodalquilar, with the stunning Rodalquilar gold mines hike from the hotel.
Stunning scenery, beaches, wildlife and food.
Day 1
Arrive at Almeria(50mins) or Malaga(2hrs) (transfers available)
Check in to Hotel Naturaleza Rodalquilar
Dinner in hotel
Day 2
After breakfast, it's a short 30-minute transfer to our starting point. Today's hike is a beautiful walk along the GR 140. We take in three beaches and do some stunning cliff-top walking.
We ascend to the plateau, where we can look down at Agua Amarga, as well as Playa Enmedio and on to Cala del Plomo, both breathtaking beaches. From here, we climb up steadily to the highest part of the day (250m) before taking the scramble path down to Cala San Pedro for lunch and a swim. At this point, it is only 60 mins to Las Negras.
Hiking distance: 13km
Day 3
Las Negras to Faro de Punta Del La Polacra to Rodalquilar
It's only a 15-minute transfer to Las Negras, where we begin today's trek.
We follow the coastline from Las Negras, taking the path to Bateria de Ramon (18th-century fort) and onto the wind-swept sands of Playa El Playazo. We continue upwards along the GR 140, following the valley up below the lighthouse of Faro Polacra.
Here, we can climb for better views or opt for an easier descent to the hotel, where a delicious meal awaits.
Hiking distance: 12km
Day 4
Rodalquilar Gold Mine Circuit
Hiking from the hotel we make our way across the countryside to pick up the popular path that takes a circular route around the gold mines of Rodalquilar. We'll pass some famous sites, including Cortijo Frailes - a dilapidated farmhouse with an infamous history that inspired Federico Lorca's play Blood Wedding. This site was also used as a location in The Good The Bad and The Ugly.
We also pass a tunnel where Indiana Jones Temple of Doom was filmed. There's a lot to see on today's walk!
Our circuit brings us back to the hotel where we relax and take time to celebrate our adventure together.
Hiking distance: 12km
Day 5 Goodbye!
After breakfast, it's sadly time to leave.
We will drop you back at either Almeria Airport (or centre) or Malaga Airport. We'll use two vans and aim to be at the respective airports by 10:00 AM.
Hotel de Naturaleza Rodalquilar – Rodalquilar