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Covering 45,663ha in the southeastern corner of Spain, Cabo
de Gata-Níjar is Andalucia's largest coastal protected area, a wild and isolated landscape with some of Europe's most original
geological features. The mountain range is Spain's largest volcanic rock formation with sharp peaks and crags in ochre-hues.
It falls steeply to the sea creating jagged 100m-high cliffs, which are riven by gullies leading to hidden coves with white
sandy beaches, some of the most beautiful in Andalucia. Offshore are numerous tiny rocky islands and, underwater, extensive
coral reefs teeming with marine life.
High temperatures (an annual average of 18°C) and the lowest rainfall in the Iberian
peninsula (200mm annually on average) has created a large semi-desert area, with characteristic shrubby vegetation and dwarf
fan palms. But the park also encompasses an outstanding variety of habitats, from coastal dunes, beaches, steep cliffs, saltpans,
a substantial marine zone of 12,200ha, saltmarshes, inland arid steppe and dry river beds. Designated a Unesco Biosphere reserve
in 1997, the park shelters an extraordinary wealth of wildlife, including many rare and endemic plants and endangered fauna.
One of Spain's most important wetland areas for breeding and overwintering birds is called the Salinas de Cabo de Gata,
Located between San Miguel and the Cabo de Gata headland, this lagoon is of outstanding ecological interest, particularly
for its birdlife. The salinas (saltpans) are the only ones still in operation in eastern Andalucia.
The pristine waters
off the peninsula are ideal for underwater photography, diving, snorkelling, sailing, sea-kayaking, windsurfing and all types
of fishing. Mountain biking and 4X4 excursions are popular in the mountains.
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