Cabo de Gata is small village on Andalucian coastline. It gives a name to the beautiful nature park that spreads north from the village. You can enjoy 4km nature trail along marsh lands and salt fields and also spot some flamingos. The next highlight is lighthouse Faro de Cabo de Gata with rock formations called Mermaid reef. You can continue from here on foot or by bike all the way through the nature park along the coastline.
More information HERE
GETTING THERE
Barcelona – 790km (7h 45min)
Granada – 180km (1h 50min)
Murcia – 210km (2h 15min)
By car: Park at free large parking lots between cemetery and the coastline or anywhere along the coastline after.
By public transport: Take bus from Almeria.
Camper/ Van overnight stay: Camper Area Cabo de Gata, decent campsite, although about 4km away from Cabo de Gata, best to visit only if you have bike or other transport. It is also possible to take bus. Prices in 2025 13 EUR per night, 5 EUR electricity, 2,5EUR shower.
More about the campsite HERE
For free parking you can stay at the large parking lots between cemetery and coastline.
TRAIL NAVIGATION
You can follow camino de Santiago signs, although the trail is not marked perfectly.
But in general the navigation is easy as you mostly stay on the trails along the coastline.
TRAIL DETAILS
Salt fields to La Fabriquilla
Start anywhere in Cabo de Gata and make your way to the cemetery. Walk along the trail between parking lot and cemetery and continue straight ahead for 4km. The trail is flat solid ground with some sandy parts, especially at the beginning. Along the trail there are several bird observatories from where you can spot flamingos. Binoculars might be handy.
If you coming from the beach/promenade, you can also start at Torreón de San Miguel de Cabo de Gata and continue along the road paralel to the beach. Continue along the road or you can also walk along the beach.
After 4km you will reach tall church, cross the road on the pedestrian path and continue another 1km to village La Fabriquilla.
The return trip from Cabo de Gata to La Fabriquilla is 10km.
La Fabriquilla to Faro de Cabo de Gata
At the start of the La Fabriquilla is roundabound. You can either start walking on the road uphill towards the lighthouse, but I suggest continuing straight ahead and instead join by taking the road up after the last house at the village. This part is 2,5km over steep hill on a narrow windy road. At first it might be possible to walk on a trail behind the fence, but most of the trip will be right on the road, which does not have shoulder. This might be dangerous and you must take caution.
If you do not feel comfortable with this, it is best to drive directly to the lighthouse. There is no public transport. It might be possible to cycle there, but note that it is about 100m climb over steep hill, so best for strong cyclist or electric bikes.
The return trip from La Fabriquilla to Faro de Cabo de Gata is 5km.
Faro de Cabo de Gata to Torre de la Vela Blanca
At the lighthouse make quick stop to admire the Mermaid reefs. Then continue on the road heading towards San Jose, note that it is best to park somewhere in the lighthouse area, it is possible to go with car little further but the road has many potholes. You can also enjoy various points along the cliffs to get different views or make a stop at the beach. Otherwise continue on towards big hill zig zag climb. The terrain is easy on wide gravel road, main challenge is the steepness.
The return trip from lighthouse to the tower and back is about 6-7km.
Torre de la Vela Blanca and further
Enjoy the views at the top of the hill as you get great coastal views on both sides. The place is definitely picture perfect and worth the climb. You can continue for several km further as you can see the trail heading gradually down to the beaches. It leads all the way to San Jose and further, so you can walk any length you want to. You will pass several beaches, including popular playa Genovese.
OTHER DETAILS
Tree coverage: No tree coverage, no shade on hot days. Bring sun protection.
Geocaching: There are some geocaches and no Adventure labs along the trail.
Dogs: It is possible to the trail with a dog, recommended to keep the dog leashed.
Shoes recommendation: Can be completed in any sports shoes, but preferably in hiking shoes
Hiking poles: Not necessary for this trail, except for the climb to Torre de la Vela Blanca if you prefer.
Trail running: The trail has mixed range of terrain. However I would not recommend running the road section from La Fabriquilla to Faro de Cabo de Gata.
FACILITIES
There are almost no facilities along the way.
Restrooms: No public restrooms along the trail.
Restaurants: Around Cabo de Gata and La Fabriquilla
Shops: Small shop in Cabo de Gata and La Fabriquilla
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
I completed this hike in February 2025 on Monday. I had sunny and warm conditions. Expect crowds on the weekends. Take extra caution on the road part, even during the week the road has been busy in the earlier hours, in the afternoon there was minimum cars.
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