- Region: Andalucia.
- Province: Almeria.
- Declared a Natural Park: 1987.
- Park surface area: 49.000 (34,000 terrestrial and 15,000 marine).
- In 1997 it was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
- In 2015 it was declared a global geosite.
Points of interest
Cabo de Gata-Níjar, located on the Iberian Peninsula, is an arid landscape shaped by volcanic rock, creating a challenging environment for both plants and wildlife. Its beaches are dotted with domed rock formations, while steep cliffs carve out secluded coves. The poor, nutrient-deficient soil supports mainly low-growing, drought-resistant vegetation.
This harsh environment historically limited the number of residents, who primarily survived through salt harvesting or fishing. As a result, the region remained largely untouched by development until the tourism boom of the 1980s and 1990s. The 300 hectares of salt pans are used by numerous species of birds resting on their migrational route as well the breeding and resident species.
Clive Muir – Wildside Holidays – Walking, wildlife and culture holidays in Spain
I’ve been living in western Andalucía for more than 20 years and spend much of my time researching and running English-language travel websites about Spain. My work covers destinations including Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema and the Caminito del Rey, as well as Wildside Holidays, which focuses on walking, wildlife and nature travel in Spain.
Through Wildside Holidays, I share practical information about Spain’s natural parks, mountains, wildlife and walking destinations, drawing on many years of living and travelling in the country. The aim is to help visitors discover Spain’s natural landscapes responsibly and plan rewarding walking and wildlife experiences.
