8-day Cabo de Gata Walking Holiday

Travel to Almería and arrive in the former fishing village of Agua Amarga. Though the place name may literally mean ‘Bitter Water’, the sand, sea and fabulous Mediterranean light are anything but. Amble out to the water’s edge and see for yourself.

Start off with a choice of walks! One involves a steep ascent up to Mesa Roldán with its intriguing old iron ore plant, 17th-century watchtower and lighthouse. Your reward? Insight into the area’s industrial heritage and vast coastal views from La Mesa, a flat white cap on a former underwater volcano.

The other walk reveals a local secret, Andalucía’s oldest olive tree and one of the most ancient in all the Mediterranean. Hike up the sandy Rambla Viruegas to peaceful inland areas, then circle back via perfect coves such as Cala Plomo and Cala Enmedio.

Challenge: Mesa Roldán: 10 km / 6 mi, 3 hrs, 300 m ascent and descent

                       Olive tree: 13 km / 8 mi, 4 hrs, 250 m ascent and descent

Head south on inland paths then crawl along the coast to Rodalquilar, taking dusty dry ‘rambla’ riverbeds to hidden oases of lush greenery. Swoon at tropical blue bays and wander past ruins of castles and watchtowers reminiscent of Romans, Moors and pirates. The lovely bay and quirky hippie colony at Las Negras will invite you to linger, as will the stunning sands of El Playazo.

Challenge: 19 km / 12 mi, 7 hrs, 530 m ascent, 500 m descent.

Take the Rambla de la Granadilla, a fertile path through barren hills where new vegetation surprises: palms and oleanders, reeds, fig trees and poplar groves all set against the far-off Sierra. Pause at the infamous Cortijo del Fraile, site of the tragic events which inspired poet Federico García Lorca’s masterpiece, 'Bodas de Sangre'. Remains of old gold-mining structures survive here surrounded by rocky landscapes in rich earth tones. Stop off for an optional visit to Casa de los Volcanes (House of the Volcanoes) or the intriguing El Albardinal botanical garden.

Challenge: 15 km / 9,5 mi, 4.5 - 5 hrs, 320 m ascent and descent

Trek across eroded lava rock landscapes studded with dwarf palms. Contemplate imposing extinct volcanoes, ancient Moorish irrigation systems, wild olive groves and deep gorges, then emerge from the desert to meet the Mediterranean face to face. Press onward past fishing villages as the route circles back to your hotel in Rodalquilar.

Challenge: 18 km / 11 mi, 6 hrs, 575 m ascent and descent

Venture into an unspoilt area, hiking clifftops above colourful vistas. Palm groves sprout up from the fossil dunes and bright white villages provide contrast to complete the picture. A bit of romance tinges the day, with dark sandy beaches and historic pirate hideaways on your way to the charmingly authentic fishing village of San José. Just inland, el Cerro de los Frailes, at 493 m Cabo de Gata’s highest summit.

Challenge: 18 km / 11 mi, 5 hrs, 310 m ascent, 330 m descent.

The Cabo’s most popular beaches will entice you, as will secret coves which can only be reached on foot - Los Amarillos, Chica, Grande del Barranco, Lance de Perro, Playa del Barronal, Media Luna, Los Genoveses and Monsul. A mind-boggling series of sunny stops and ever-changing views. Revel in coastal quiet on this adventurous and varied route, a fitting way to end your week in Cabo de Gata Natural Park.

Challenge: 12.5 - 16 km / 8 - 10 mi, 4.5 / 5.5 hrs, 280 m ascent and descent

Your self-guided walking holiday comes to an end this morning after breakfast. Departure from Cabo de Gata.