If you’re searching for an eco-friendly escape in southern Spain, Posada San Marcos in Alájar offers the perfect blend of sustainability, comfort, and local charm. Located in the heart of the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Park, this adults-only rural inn provides a tranquil retreat surrounded by nature, rich history, and vibrant culture.
Cabo de Gata-Níjar
- 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.
Least weasel – Mustela nivalis – Comadreja
The least weasel (Mustela nivalis), known as the “comadreja” in Spain, is the world’s smallest carnivore—measuring just 16–20 cm in length and weighing 25–45 g. These slender, nocturnal hunters sport seasonal coats—brown in summer, white in winter in colder regions—and feed on small rodents, insects, birds, and reptiles. In Spain, they thrive across diverse habitats, from Pyrenean woodlands to Andalusian fields. Females can produce multiple litters of 3–7 young per year, though wild weasels typically live only two to three years. Despite habitat loss and pesticide threats, conservation efforts help sustain their vital role as natural rodent controllers.
Sierra de Maria-Los Velez
- Region: Andalucia
- Province: Almeria
- Declared a Natural Park: 1987
- Park surface area: 22,670 hectares
- Z.E.P.A
Points of interest
A part of the Cordillera Bética mountain range which holds forests in an otherwise arid part of Almeria. The Sierra de Maria-Los Velez creates a haven for wildlife and a special biosphere for plants. The Sierras hold close to half of the plant species listed within Almeria. The main high point, the Sierra Maria, has northern facing slopes which are cooler and more humid, so the vegetation is dense. In contrast, the drier south facing high points are home to only a few plants that can withstand the poor soil and extremes of temperatures. Aptly named the hedgehog zone, these are generally low growing thorny, flowering cushions.
Traditional lifestyles continue in the area such as keeping sheep and goats, cutting timber, logs and collecting resin and almonds along with a new introduction, distilling essential oils from aromatic plants.