The best of San Jose, Cabo de Gata – Spain (2024)

MAP: SAN JOSE

Kayaking is without a doubt, one of the top things to do in Cabo de Gata. Some of the best views of the nature park are seen from the water and kayaking along the coast allows you to see areas that are totally inaccessible from the land – that includes some impressive rock formations and secret caves.

We suggest taking park in this kayaking tour of the Cabo de Gata coast. You will be accompanied by a professional and friendly instructor at all times, who above all, will have your safety in mind. Throughout the tour, there are several stops with geological explanations of the cape and other curiosities and mysteries.

In addition, this tour includes a stop in a calm area where you can anchor your kayak and do some snorkeling. Masks, snorkels and fins are all included in the price.

The route is easy, suitable for both adults and children. The starting point for this kayak excursion is the beach of San Jose.

If you just want to relax on a boat and take in Cabo de Gata’s jaw dropping coastline, then a boat trip from San Jose is the perfection option. The tours depart from San Jose’s port and take you to discover virgin beaches and hard to reach spots along the shoreline. Below are two great options:

• Boat tour with swimming: This trip takes place on a large 11 person zodiac boat with individual seating and an awning so you don’t get completely roasted in the strong sun. The trip lasts 1.5 hours and will stop for a swim in a special spot.

• Boat tour with snorkeling: This is a very similar trip as the one mentioned above, however, the focus is on snorkeling. It takes place on a comfortable fiberglass boat that has an awning. This trip lasts approximately 2 hours.

Snorkeling in Cabo de Gata is a great way to see the world below the surface in the nature park. You will discover an abundance of life amongst the sea grass known as the Posidonia prairie. Fish around here get up close and personal since they aren’t afraid of humans as in other parts due to the parks prohibition on underwater fishing.

If you don’t care to combine a boat trip with snorkeling and just want to have an all out snorkeling experience, then we recommend to take part in this snorkeling tour.

The starting point is at Cala Higuera which is situated right next to San Jose. From here you will be given equipment and swim out with a guide who will show you the best spots to see sea life as well as underwater rock formations and caves.

A different way to discover the natural park is participating in this 4x4 tour of Cabo de Gata.

During the 2.5 hours of this activity, you will have the opportunity to visit some of the most beautiful corners of the area, such as the iconic Reef of the Mermaids, saltwater lakes, hidden pristine beaches and much more – all accompanied by an expert guide and driver. In addition, during the summer, the tour makes a stop for a swim at one of the beaches.

The starting point of this tour is the town of San Miguel de Cabo de Gata.

• 250m long | fine sand
• Family friendly, gets fairly crowded in high season
• All basic facilities & amenities: lifeguard, showers, trash cans, lounge chairs & parasols for rent, kayak rent, children’s playground, etc.
• Easy access (accessible for wheelchairs)
• It’s next to the marina & surrounded by a promenade with a variety of bars/restaurants

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• South of Playa de San Jose
• 250 m narrow stretch of sandy beachfront with rocks in the water

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• 100m long | dark sand
• Further south
• Family friendly
• Best snorkeling in town (enter the water and turn to the right)

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• 1.2km long | dark golden sand
• One of the most popular beaches in Almeria
• However, it’s so long that it feels far from crowded
• 3 km away from downtown San Jose following the dirt path (about 10 min drive or 40 min walk)
• Calm shallow waters
• Fossilized dunes
• Virgin landscapes (no buildings, no facilities, etc.)
• From the southern end of the bay it’s possible to hike to some small coves

FULL GUIDE TO PLAYA DE LOS GENOVESES

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• Cala Príncipe, Cala Chica, Cala Grande
• 100 to 200 m long coves | golden or dark sand
• Tiny coves surrounded by volcanic walls
• Nudism is common

• 250m long | dark sand
• 10 min walk to the beach from the parking
• Calm waters
• In our opinion, one of the most beautiful beaches in the park
• Nudism is common

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• 300m long | dark sand
• Features an impressive sand dune at one end which is one of the most characteristic images of entire Nature Park. Without a doubt, it is one of the best things to see in Cabo de Gata
• 5 km away from downtown San Jose following the dirt path (about 15 min drive or 1 h walk)
• Undeveloped, no amenities
• 5 min walk to the beach from the parking
• Scene from Indiana Jones & the Last Crusade movie was shot here

FULL GUIDE TO PLAYA DE MONSUL

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• 150m long | dark sand
• Totally undeveloped
• Nudism is common
• Crystal clear water, great for snorkeling
• 5-10 min walk from the parking of Playa de Monsul

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• 100m long | mostly stones, almost no sand
• 5-10 min walk from the parking
• Red stones, rock cliffs, some gold sand
• Possible to hike from here into other little coves
• Area around is popular for fishing
• Dirt road closed from the parking of Cala Carbon onward

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• 220m long | stone beach
• Located at the foot of the Cerro de la Higuera (Fig Tree Mountain)
• Although next to the village of San Jose (5 min drive), it’s usually very tranquil
• Not the most comfortable beach – lots of stones
• Undeveloped, no amenities but just a cool chiringuito next to it

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• 300m long | some golden sand, but mostly stones
• Also known as Playa de Piedra Galera
• Located past Playa del Arco and Punta del Esparto (Esparto Point), about 12-min drive from San Jose
• “Embarcadero” means “wharf, pier.” Here ships were loaded with esparto grass and other goods in the past
• Great diving
• Not the most comfy beach because it’s mostly stones
• Undeveloped, no amenities
• Parking right next to the beach
• Next to the highest point of the park (Cerro del Fraile, 500m high)

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• 350m long | mix of fine golden sand and stones (changes throughout the year)
• Also called Playa de los Escullos
• 10 min drive north from San Jose
• At the south end of the beach is the largest fossilized dune in the natural park. Next to it is the neighborhood of Los Escullos including a restaurant, bar, campsite and even a nightclub
• Castle of San Felipe is located pass the houses. Built by Carlos III in the 18^th century as part of the defensive system of Almería’s coast. Offers great views of the park’s coastline
• Pass the castle there are a couple of small undeveloped coves

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• 250m long | fine golden sand
• Located in the village of Isleta del Moro (also called Playa de la Isleta)
• Receives its name from the big white rock (peñón blanco) that divides the beach in two
• Parking right next to the beach and it’s a short walk into the village
• Often visited by people in camper vans

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