Cabo de Gata Nijar

Natural Park Cabo de Gata-Nijar was the first marine-terrestrial protected area in Andalusia. Due to different between the marine, coastal and land, the exclusive home to numerous species and the characteristics of one of the most arid ecosystems of Europe, this area was also recognized internationally as a Biosphere Reserve.
Much of the landscape and ecological uniqueness of the Park has its origins in the lack of winter climate and its geological diversity, with predominance of volcanic substrates, where lava flows, domes and fossil beaches form a unique landscape whose colors ochres, black and red captivate you with particular beauty.
Cabo de Gata-Nijar has 50 kilometers of the best preserved coastal cliffs of the Mediterranean coast of Europe. In this stunning coastline with steep cliffs facade there are city beaches such as San Jose and Aguamarga, magnificent beaches and natural Mónsul, The Genoveses, remote and almost inaccessible coves like Carnaje and Enmedio and spectacular volcanic cliffs and the reef as Punta de los Muertos and Mesa Roldán.

In addition, this area is a semi-arid climate with low rainfall and dwindling water resources that determine poor soils and poorly developed, but which nevertheless contains one of the most unique flora of the European continent, with more than 1,000 species exclusive. You can observe stocks of cornical or palmito that climbing the steep volcanic slopes, dense formations of esparto, romero and azufaifos that jujubes plains or in the early spring, thousands of sea daisies yellow sea cliffs. These are all examples of adaptations of plants to the harsh weather conditions.

Among its highlights marine ecosystems for their variety and richness. Its funds are extensive grasslands Posidonea oceanica. The proliferation of this plant species, similar to a green alga, is authentic submerged forests where they live variety of underwater fauna: crab, octopus and fish, among them the Nacra, the largest protected bivalve considered a true Mediterranean jewel of nature. Buried in the plains of sand and mud beats a rich and varied fauna, although small, is essential for optimal development of the ecosystem. Rocky bottoms in the extraordinary life is manifested by changes in form and color: algae, false coral and a variety of fish which he emphasizes the mero, also known as the king of rock. The practice of ecobuceo in these clean and clear waters is an unforgettable experience.

Another place of interest located near the fishing village of San Miguel are the salinas of Cabo de Gata to concentrate much of the birdlife of the Park. Plenty of birds like avocetas, cigüeñuelas or chorlitejos find food in these coastal waters. It is also the frequent presence of different species of gaviotas, ánades and flamencos populations. Throughout the year we can observe over 80 species of birds, here or in the nearby lagoon delta Rambla Morales, known locally as “Charco”. Moreover, in the plains of the steppes Amoladeras, Espartales coat and thyme, lives a community of birds difficult to observe as alcaravanes, cogujadas and alondras de Dupont. Already in the mountains, raptors and small mammals complete the fauna.

One of the most significant characteristics of the Natural Park is its humanized. Many abandoned farmhouses, use systems such as wind and water wheels, windmills and tanks, all of them recognized as of cultural interest, are integrated into the landscape and are a testament to a culture, now defunct, linked to traditional use of resources natural. Phoenicians and Romans gave the traces of their passage through these lands, exploited the abundant fisheries of the coast and left a legacy of salted fish factories and purple Torregarcía volcanic cobbles and workshops in the cliffs of Punta Baja or Playazo. While the track was printed in Arabic irrigation, crafts and watchtowers along the coast.

The improvement of infrastructure geared towards sustainable development and the variety of existing activities such as buceo, cycling, hiking or sea routes equestrian show visitors the richness of this natural area. Approaching district of fishermen, located in La Isleta del Moro, the mining town of Rodalquilar, the incomparable beauty of the Playa de los Muertos, or look at the impressive cliffs of Los Escullos are unique experiences offered in this setting.

Techinal Data:

Extensión: 49.512 Ha

Declaration Date: 27 January 1988

Provinces: Almería

Municipalities: Almería, Carboneras and Níjar.