Trekking in Cabo de Gata

Photo: Wikimedia Commons · Wikimedia Commons

3.5 hours – 6 hours

Why go

Cabo de Gata is Spain's driest, strangest coast, where volcanic rock meets turquoise water at roadless beaches like Cala San Pedro. Flamingo salt-pans and an abandoned gold town complete it.

When

In season: Oct–May · Peak: Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov

Who it’s for

Skill

Beginner–Intermediate

Effort

Easy

Suitable from

8+ · Kid+

Crowds

Quiet

Cost

Trekking specifics

Distance: 14 km
Total ascent: 500 m
Max altitude: 493 m
Accommodation: Coast villages
Technical: Exposed coast paths; no water

What to expect

Easy-to-moderate coast paths with no shade and little water, best out of high summer. The cove-to-cove walks reach beaches with no road in.

Routes

What the difficulty bands mean

easy: Accessible with basic fitness; no technical skills or exposure.
moderate: Sustained effort or some exposure; comfort on the terrain expected.

Mónsul and Genoveses
easy
The dune beaches under the volcanic cones, the easy day
10 km3.5 hours
Rodalquilar gold mines
easy
Abandoned workings in a dry caldera, unlike anywhere else in Spain
11 km4 hours
Las Negras to Agua Amarga
moderate
Volcanic coast path past Cala San Pedro, no road access
14 km6 hours
Cerro del Fraile
moderate
Up the crater rim for the whole cape and the salt flats
8 km4 hours