 | Carboneras, a town which lies at the feet of Sierra Cabrera facing the Mediterranean, is the eastern gateway to the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Nature Park.
The wonderful climate of the southernmost corner of Eastern Almería, its excellent beaches and its typical unspoilt fishing villages make it a unique place in which to relax.
In 1559 King Philip II granted these lands to the Marquis of Carpio, ordering him to raise a castle, Castillo de San Andrés to defend the coast against the Moriscorebellion. A town sprang up at the feet of the castle and its 19th Century buildings such as Casa de Los Tejas, el Patio Andaluz, as well as other noble houses add to the town’s beauty.
We cannot leave Carboneras without first having tried its delicious tapas, especially the succulent fresh fish, in bars along th Paseo Marítimo and in calle Sorbas. Food is yet another feature to add to this Mediterranean town’s attraction as well as its beaches, El Ancón and Los Barquicos, both of which boast Blue Flags and from which we can make out the island of Isla de San Andrés.
Picturesque inland hamlets, best visited following the Alías river, dot the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Nature Park. However the magnificent beaches of Carboneras are its greatest tourist asset. Stretching from Los Algarrobicos to Mesa Roldan, visitors will discover unspoilt beaches in natural surroundings, resort beaches offering a full range of facilities and yet others which are perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling. | |
One of the most emblematic beaches is that of Los Algarrobicos, a quiet, unspoilt beach that was used as a location for scenes from the legendary film Lawrence of Arabia. La Galera beach, accessible only on foot, is crowned by the Torre del Rayo tower. This fortified tower, dating from the Nasrid period, was rebuilt in the 16th Century giving a panoramic view of the coast.
Having passed the beaches of El Lancón and Los Barquicos, the latter a favourite with divers, we arrive at the large, well-kept Las Martinicas beach. Las Martinicas leads on to Los Muertos beach inside the Nature Park. The walk rewards us an unrivalled opportunity to contemplate its rock formation, sculpted by both the sea and the wind, an earthly paradise where naturism is allowed.
The Mesa Roldán lighthouse, whose 18th Century tower makes it an excellent mirador over the Mediterranean, marks the end of this route.
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