Cabo de Gata Walking Tour

Cabo de Gata Walking Tour

Day 1 Arrive in Agua Amarga

Your walking adventure begins in the former fishing village of Agua Amarga, part of the Cabo de Gata Natural Reserve. Once here, you’ll receive a warm welcome from the golden sandy shores of the Mediterranean Sea.

Enjoy the terraced gardens and spectacular views of the bay at your beachfront hotel, and once settled in, perhaps set out on a walk to acquaint yourself with the pretty village of Agua Amarga.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Agua Amarga
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 Choice of Scenic Circuits from Agua Amarga

Today you'll begin your walking adventure in the Cabo de Gata Natural Park! There are two options for today's route.

Option 1: 10.5 km
This fascinating route takes you through an old iron ore plant, where you'll challenge yourself to a steep ascent of a 17th-century watchtower and lighthouse atop the Mesa Roldán Plateau. Unbelievable views of the sea contrast remarkably with the mining installations that dot the landscape, affording you a glimpse into the area's 19th-century industrial heritage.

Option 2: 13 km
This route will introduce you to Andalusia's oldest olive trees! The scenic walk begins with an ascent along the riverbed of Rambla Viruegas, continuing uphill amid dry and rocky terrain before returning along the coast. The lovely coves of Cala Plomo and Cala Enmedio grace the final part of this route, the perfect reward after a challenging walk!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Agua Amarga
Distance: Option 1: 3 hours, 10.5 km, 290m of ascent, 290m of descent
Option 2: 4 hours, 13 km, 230m of ascent, 230m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Day 3 Walk the Ramblas to Hidden Coves

Setting out this morning, you’ll head south along the inland paths that stretch the coast from Agua Amarga to Rodalquilar.

Navigating the trail, you’ll encounter several “Ramblas” (dry riverbeds). Following their paths, you’ll descend into hidden coves, where the stark desert landscape magically transforms before your eyes into a lush green oasis, a sight that’s bound to take your breath away!

Tropical coves, breathtaking views of the sea, and fascinating castle ruins characterize the rest of today’s route, leading you through Las Negras and El Playazo.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Rodalquilar
Distance: 7 hours, 21 km, 530m of ascent, 500m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Day 4 Walk the Cerro del Cinto Circuit

Today, you’ll watch landscape morph before your eyes. Following the Rambla de la Granadilla, you’ll wind through sparse hilly terrain, surrounded by towering palm and oleander trees, swaying reeds, and fig trees.

History makes its way into today’s route as you walk past long-extinct mining relics scattered across the rocky landscape.

Optional visits to the Casa de Los Volcanes (House of Volcanoes) and a beautiful botanical garden in the area can be added to today’s hike for those interested.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Rodalquilar
Distance: 5 hours, 15.8 km, 320m of ascent, 320m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Day 5 Visit El Jardín Volcánico (The Volcanic Garden)

Today’s exciting route unfolds along a landscape characterized by eroded lava rock, dwarf palm trees, and towering extinct volcanos in the area known as The Volcanic Garden.

The fascinating route will lead you alongside ancient Moorish waterways, spectacular volcanic formations, wild olive groves, and plunging gorges.

As the desert landscapes you’ve come to know so well fade into the distance, you’ll make your way toward the Mediterranean again, gazing out at the picturesque fishing villages that dot the coast.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Rodalquilar
Distance: 6 hours, 19 km, 410m of ascent, 410m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Day 6 Discover Volcanic Beaches and Pirate Hideaways

Rugged cliffs pave your way today as you follow a remarkable stretch of unspoiled coast alongside palm groves, fossil dunes, and beaming whitewashed villages.

Today you’ll have the chance to sink your feet into the black volcanic sand that blankets this stretch of coast as you take in the historic pirate hideaways carved into the shoreline.

Making your way to the charming, authentic fishing village of San José, you’ll encounter spectacular views of Cabo de Gata’s highest summit, Cerro de Los Frailes (493m, 1617 ft).
Overnight Location: Hotel in San José
Distance: 5 hours, 19 km, 310m of ascent, 330m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch

Day 7 Explore the Best Beaches and Secret Coves

Today is all about sand and sea! A mesmerizing circular walk will take you through the most popular beaches of the area, including Los Amarillos, Chica, Grande del Barranco, Lance de Perro, Monsul, and more! This gorgeous final route boasts sensational vistas in all directions and is the perfect way to end your walking tour in Cabo de Gata Natural Park.
Overnight Location: Hotel in San José
Distance: 5.5 hours, 17km, 280m of ascent, 280m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 Depart San José

Today your walking adventure in Cabo de Gata Natural Park comes to an end. Following breakfast, you’ll check out of your accommodations and head to the airport to depart.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast