Faro de la Polacra Lighthouse is built on top of tall hill overseeing the area. The easiest way is to hike it, is from the village of Rodalquilar since it is on nicely paved road, but I enjoyed hiking from Las Negras. The lighthouse at the top is the highest lighthouse in Spain.
Las Negras is a small town in Andalucia in Spain. It is located within Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park , offering beautiful and dramatic coastal walks along hills. The rare seagrass Posidonia meadows in this area increase water transparency, causing breathtaking turquoise seaviews. Las Negras is also a great starting location to visit some great hiking trails within the nature park.
More information HERE
GETTING THERE
Barcelona – 765km (7h 35min)
Granada – 200km (2h 10min)
Murcia – 200km (2h 10min)
By car: Park at free parking lots nearby to the sports field.
By public transport: Take bus from Retamar or Nijar, limited timetable.
Camper/ Van overnight stay:
Paid – Wecamp Cabo de Gata, is great campsite with various hiking options. Right along the coastline hike. Price in 2025, off-season with ACSI 23 EUR all inclusive. More about the campsite HERE
Free – At the local parking lot just before the campsite, likely just tolerated
TRAIL NAVIGATION
You can follow white/green stripes on poles and stones from Las Negras until 2nd pass after beach Playazo de Rodalquilar. From the beach follow white/blue flags on stones. At the top of the pass, you need to turn to your left and locate paved road after about 50m which will lead you to the top.
Similar route but as a loop on Wikiloc HERE
TRAIL DETAILS
Las Negras to Rodalquilar Beach
Start anywhere in Las Negras, head to the sports field and then take the dead end road to the camping site Cabo de Gata. Cross the beach and find the information board for trail for SL-A-102 aka “La Molata”. It starts with steep climb that can be scrambly in some sections. Once you get over the pass, enjoy tiny trail along a cliff that leads to a view point. The descent has some short technical sections again. At the viewpoint is information board and you get great views on ruin of Bateria de San Ramón.
From here it is possible to walk towards the battery, although take note that there are signs that this is private property, many people still visit. Otherwise continue on the trail which leads to the beach and the parking lot.
Playazo de Rodalquilar to pass for Cala del Bergantín
Once you reach the main road towards Rodalquilar, cross it and continue straight on. There is a gate to prevent vehicles to pass by, but just walk around it. From now on follow white and blue stripes which are mostly places on the ground on rocks. After you pass small bamboo area, locating the main trail might be confusing as you need to turn left and then right. But there is also small trail straight ahead.
You will see the main trail ahead of your sneaking up to the pass, so it is easy to find the main trail eventually. The climb starts easy at easy incline but gets gradually steeper and more technical. Its still fairly easy trail, just need to be careful for rolling scree and bigger rocks. From the top of the pass you get amazing views on the valley below as well you get first glimpse of the lighthouse Faro de la Polacra.
Pass for Cala del Bergantín to Faro de la Polacra Lighthouse
Start mild descent while keeping beach Cala del Bergantin on your left. It is possible to descend down to the beach, but can also be skipped, just continue on the main trail with white/blue flags. The trail is narrow and unclear but as you walk, it is easy to follow. This part can be bit harder with some loose rocks. It descends slightly and then starts ascending again.
At the top of the pass (highest point) make sure to take left to join the road. If you miss it, it’s not an issue as the main trail joins it eventually, you will just have to walk a bit more. Once you are on the paved road, take left and enjoy easy zig zag climb with fantastic views all the way to the lighthouse.
Return from Faro de la Polacra
It is possible to make a loop around the mountain, see the Wikiloc, but I personally just returned the same way back. Although I did make a side trip to visit the small oasis and well. If you want to do the same, you need to turn left straight after your descent back to playazo, before reaching the actual beach.
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. It might be straining for some dogs/breeds. Bring enough water for your dog.
Shoes recommendation: Best completed in hiking or trail running shoes with good profile
Hiking poles: Recommended to be used to help with some of the climbs and descents especially due to loose rocks.
Trail running: Best for experienced trail runners, majority of the trail is fairly technical.
FACILITIES
There are no facilities along the way, plan well ahead.
Restrooms: No public restrooms along the trail.
Restaurants: In Las Negras village.
Shops: In Las Negras, limited opening hours.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
I completed hike to Faro de la Polacra in February 2025 on Friday. I had sunny and warm conditions. Only the first trail La Molata and the area around the playazo beach was busy. Might be busier on a weekend in nice weather.
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