Route&Camp

Andalusia, Spain

Almería and Cabo de Gata by motorhome, campervan or caravan: 3, 7 or 15-day route

Volcanic coves and wild beaches in Cabo de Gata, the only desert in Europe, white villages and the Moorish fortress of Almería.

The volcanic rock pinnacles of the Arrecife de las Sirenas rising from a calm sea at dusk, seen from an old rusty boat slipway on a pebble beach in Cabo de Gata

How many days do you have?

Almería and Cabo de Gata in 7 days

Distance≈ 190 km
Stages7
DifficultyEasy
Best timeMarch to June and September to November

From Almería through the Tabernas desert and the white villages to the coast of Cabo de Gata: Níjar, Sorbas and Mojácar, then south through Carboneras, Agua Amarga, Las Negras, Rodalquilar and San José to the lighthouse.

Where is it?

SPAINPORTUGALFRANCEAtlantic OceanMediterranean SeaAlmería and Cabo de GataMadridBarcelona

About this route

The south-east corner of Spain is the sunniest and driest place in Europe. Around Cabo de Gata, volcanic hills drop into a clear blue sea, forming unspoilt beaches and hidden coves that are protected as a natural park. Inland lies the Tabernas desert, where dozens of westerns were filmed, the gypsum caves of Sorbas and white villages like Níjar and Mojácar, famous for their pottery and hilltop views. The city of Almería has one of the largest Moorish fortresses in Spain. The 3-day version covers Almería, the Cabo de Gata lighthouse and the beaches around San José, the 7-day one adds the Tabernas desert, Níjar, Mojácar and the whole natural park coast, and the 15-day one includes the Copper Age site of Los Millares, the Sorbas caves and Punta Entinas at an easy pace.

Good roads and short distances. Some access roads to beaches and coves are dirt tracks, and the road to Mojácar old town is steep and narrow.

Updated

Weather and temperatures

Averages for Almería
  • SpringMar–May 13° / 22° Little rain
  • SummerJun–Aug 21° / 30° Little rain
  • AutumnSep–Nov 16° / 24° Little rain
  • WinterDec–Feb 9° / 17° Little rain

The driest and sunniest corner of Europe, with more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year and very little rain, which falls mostly in autumn and winter in short showers. Winters are very mild, ideal for a trip in the low season. Summers are hot, especially inland in the Tabernas desert, where it often goes above 35 °C, while the coast is cooled by the sea breeze. The sea is warm enough for swimming from June to October.

Typical lows and highs (average night and afternoon temperatures). They change from year to year, so check the forecast before you go.

Route map

Loading map…

Campsites, areas and parking come from OpenStreetMap. They can be incomplete or out of date: check before you go and always follow local signs.

Take this route with you

Almería and Cabo de Gata in 7 days

Google MapsPart 1: days 1–4Google MapsPart 2: days 4–7 WazeNavigate to the start: Almería WhatsAppShare this route with your travel companions

The TXT file needs an internet connection to collect the campsites and motorhome areas. Google Maps opens the stops in order (long routes are split into parts, because Google Maps allows 10 points per route). Waze only navigates to one place at a time, so each day also has its own Waze button. Routes are a guide, not a fixed plan: in most cases you can also drive them in a different direction and skip stops.

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Day by day

Routes are a guide, not a fixed plan: in most cases you can also drive them in a different direction and skip stops.

Almería and Cabo de Gata in 7 days

  1. Day1 AlmeríaArrival day
    Where to sleep tonight (3)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Almería
    Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.

    • Almería

      A sunny port city below one of the largest Moorish fortresses in Spain, the Alcazaba. It has a cathedral built like a castle against pirate raids, tapas bars where a free tapa comes with every drink, and a seafront promenade.

      What to see (5)
      • Alcazaba The huge Moorish fortress on the hill, with gardens, walls and views over the city and the sea.
      • Cathedral A fortress cathedral with towers and battlements, built to defend the city from pirates.
      • Civil War shelters More than 4 km of tunnels dug under the city to protect people from bombing.
      • Tapas In many bars a free tapa comes with every drink, especially in the old town.
      • Cable Inglés An old iron pier for loading ore onto ships, a landmark of the port.

      With a motorhome or caravan: The city centre is busy. Use the motorhome area or car parks near the port and walk up to the Alcazaba.

    Waze
  2. Day2 Tabernas desert and Níjar≈ 60 km · ≈ 1 h 20 min driving
    Where to sleep tonight (2)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Níjar
    Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.

    • Tabernas desert

      The only true desert in Europe: bare hills, dry riverbeds and badlands where Sergio Leone filmed his spaghetti westerns. Old film sets have been turned into western theme towns.

      What to see (4)
      • Western towns Old film sets such as Fort Bravo and Oasys, with saloons, banks and shows.
      • Badlands viewpoints Scenic spots over the eroded hills and dry riverbeds.
      • Tabernas village The village with the ruins of its Moorish castle on a hill.
      • Plataforma Solar One of Europe's largest solar research centres, on the edge of the desert.

      With a motorhome or caravan: Summer afternoons are very hot. Visit early in the morning and carry plenty of water.

    • Níjar

      A white village on the slopes of the Sierra Alhamilla, known for its glazed pottery and its colourful handwoven rugs called jarapas. From the top there is a view over the plain to the sea.

      What to see (4)
      • Pottery workshops Workshops and shops selling traditional glazed pottery.
      • Jarapas Colourful rugs woven from strips of cloth, a local craft.
      • Plaza del Mercado A square with an old fountain and a huge tree.
      • Atalaya A watchtower above the village with a view over the plain.

      With a motorhome or caravan: The upper streets are steep and narrow. Park at the entrance of the village and walk up.

    Google Maps Waze
  3. Day3 Sorbas and Mojácar≈ 55 km · ≈ 1 h 15 min driving
    Where to sleep tonight (5)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Mojácar
    Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.

    • Sorbas

      A village with houses hanging over a river gorge, and next to it the Karst en Yesos natural area, with more than 1,000 caves dug in gypsum, which you can visit on guided tours with a helmet and torch.

      What to see (4)
      • Gypsum caves Guided tours through caves with gypsum crystals and underground lakes.
      • Hanging houses Houses perched on the edge of the gorge above the river.
      • Pottery Sorbas is also a traditional pottery village.
      • Karst en Yesos Walking trails through the gypsum landscape.

    • Mojácar

      A white hilltop village with narrow streets, flowers and viewpoints over the sea, and below it 17 km of beaches. Home of the indalo, the prehistoric figure that has become the symbol of Almería.

      What to see (4)
      • Old village Whitewashed streets, arches and flowerpots on the hilltop.
      • Mirador del Castillo A viewpoint over the coast and the plain.
      • Fuente Mora A fountain with twelve spouts, linked to the village's Moorish past.
      • Mojácar Playa A long line of beaches and beach bars below the village.

      With a motorhome or caravan: The road up to the old village is steep and winding. Park at the bottom or in Mojácar Playa and take the bus or walk up.

    Google Maps Waze
  4. Day4 Carboneras and Agua Amarga≈ 30 km · ≈ 40 min driving
    Where to sleep tonight (4)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Agua Amarga
    Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.

    • Carboneras and Playa de los Muertos

      A fishing town with a castle, and to the south one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain, Playa de los Muertos, with turquoise water and pebbles, reached by a path from the car park.

      What to see (4)
      • Playa de los Muertos A wild beach of pebbles and very clear water, with a viewpoint above.
      • San Andrés castle A 16th-century castle in the centre of town.
      • Mesa de Roldán A flat-topped volcanic hill with a lighthouse and a watchtower.
      • Fish restaurants Fresh fish and red prawns from the local fleet.

      With a motorhome or caravan: The path down to Playa de los Muertos is steep and takes about 15 minutes. The car park fills up early in summer.

    • Agua Amarga

      A small, quiet white village around a sandy beach, with nearby coves such as Cala de Enmedio and the old mining port. A good base for the north of the natural park.

      What to see (4)
      • Village beach A sandy beach in front of the white houses.
      • Cala de Enmedio A beautiful cove reached by a walking path.
      • Mining pier Remains of the old mining railway and loading pier.
      • Cala del Plomo A remote cove reached by a dirt track or on foot.

      With a motorhome or caravan: The village is small and parking is limited in summer. Park at the entrance.

    Google Maps Waze
  5. Day5 Las Negras and Rodalquilar≈ 20 km · ≈ 25 min driving
    Where to sleep tonight (3)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Rodalquilar
    Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.

    • Las Negras

      A relaxed fishing village beside a dark volcanic headland. From here a coastal path or a boat leads to Cala de San Pedro, a remote cove with the ruins of a castle and no road access.

      What to see (4)
      • Cala de San Pedro A remote cove with a castle ruin, reached on foot (about 1 h) or by boat.
      • Cerro Negro The dark volcanic headland that gives the village its name.
      • Snorkelling Rocky seabed with posidonia meadows and many fish.
      • Village beach A pebble beach with fishing boats and beach bars.

    • Rodalquilar

      An old gold-mining village in a volcanic crater, with the ruins of the mines and processing plant on the hillside. Nearby are El Playazo beach and the San Ramón castle by the sea.

      What to see (4)
      • Gold mines Ruins of the processing plant and mine buildings on the hill.
      • El Playazo A wide sandy beach next to the San Ramón castle.
      • Casa de los Volcanes An exhibition about the volcanic past and mining of the area.
      • Los Albaricoques A nearby hamlet where scenes of westerns were filmed.
    Google Maps Waze
  6. Day6 La Isleta del Moro and San José≈ 15 km · ≈ 20 min driving
    Where to sleep tonight (4)Campsites and areas within 10 km of San José
    Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.

    • Los Escullos and La Isleta del Moro

      Los Escullos has a beach of fossil dunes and an 18th-century castle. La Isleta del Moro is a tiny fishing village on a rocky point, with fish restaurants and one of the best viewpoints of the park nearby.

      What to see (4)
      • Mirador de la Amatista A viewpoint high above the sea on the road to Rodalquilar.
      • San Felipe castle An 18th-century fort beside the Los Escullos beach.
      • Fossil dunes Rocks formed from ancient dunes, sculpted by the wind.
      • La Isleta harbour A tiny harbour with fishing boats and fish restaurants.

    • San José

      The main village of the natural park, with a small marina, a sandy beach, restaurants and shops. It is the starting point for the famous beaches of Genoveses and Mónsul and for boat and kayak trips.

      What to see (4)
      • Marina and beach The village beach and marina with bars and restaurants.
      • Boat and kayak trips Tours along the cliffs and coves of the natural park.
      • Los Genoveses walk A coastal path from San José to Genoveses beach.
      • Diving and snorkelling Some of the clearest water on the Mediterranean coast of Spain.

      With a motorhome or caravan: In summer San José is busy and parking is limited. Use the campsite or the car parks at the entrance.

    Google Maps Waze
  7. Day7 Mónsul and Cabo de Gata≈ 10 km · ≈ 15 min driving

    • Genoveses and Mónsul beaches

      Two of the most famous beaches in Spain: Genoveses, a wide bay with dunes, and Mónsul, with fine sand and a huge wave-shaped lava rock that appears in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

      What to see (4)
      • Mónsul The beach with the great lava rock and a big dune.
      • Los Genoveses A wide sandy bay with dunes and small pine trees.
      • Cala de la Media Luna A small cove between the two beaches.
      • El Barronal Wilder coves a short walk from Mónsul.

      With a motorhome or caravan: The dirt road from San José is closed to motorhomes. In summer car access is limited and a bus runs from San José. You can also walk from San José (about 1 h to Genoveses).

    • Cabo de Gata lighthouse and salt flats

      The lighthouse at the tip of the cape looks over the Arrecife de las Sirenas, volcanic rocks rising from the sea. On the way, the Cabo de Gata salt flats are full of flamingos for much of the year.

      What to see (4)
      • Arrecife de las Sirenas The volcanic pinnacles in the sea below the lighthouse viewpoint.
      • Salinas de Cabo de Gata Salt flats with hides for watching flamingos.
      • Church of Las Salinas A lonely church beside the salt flats, a classic photo.
      • Playa de Torre García A long sandy beach with a watchtower.

      With a motorhome or caravan: The road to the lighthouse is narrow and winding at the end, with a small car park. Beyond the lighthouse the road is closed to traffic.

    Google Maps Waze

Distances and driving times are approximate, measured between stops. Use the Directions links for the exact road route.

Tips for motorhomes, campervans and caravans

Overnight stays · Sun, heat and water · Beaches with restricted access · Water and services · Snorkelling5

  • Overnight stays

    Inside the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park overnight stays outside campsites and authorised areas are not allowed, and wild camping is fined. Book campsites ahead in summer and at Easter, and always follow local signs.

  • Sun, heat and water

    There is very little shade on the beaches and in the desert. Carry plenty of water, a hat and sunscreen, and avoid walking in the middle of the day in summer.

  • Beaches with restricted access

    In summer access by car to Genoveses, Mónsul and some other beaches is limited and car parks fill early. Use the bus from San José or arrive first thing in the morning.

  • Water and services

    Some villages in the park are small and have few services. Fill up with water and empty tanks when you can, at campsites or motorhome areas.

  • Snorkelling

    The water of Cabo de Gata is among the clearest on the Mediterranean. Bring a mask and snorkel, and respect the protected areas of the marine reserve.

Frequently asked questions

5

How many days do you need for Almería and Cabo de Gata by motorhome, campervan or caravan?

Three days are enough for the Alcazaba of Almería, the Cabo de Gata lighthouse and the beaches around San José. With seven days you can add the Tabernas desert, Níjar, Mojácar and the whole coast of the natural park, from Agua Amarga to Rodalquilar. Fifteen days let you include Los Millares, the Sorbas caves and Punta Entinas, with time for swimming and walking.

Where can you sleep with a motorhome, campervan or caravan in Cabo de Gata?

In campsites, which you will find in Cabo de Gata village, San José, Los Escullos, Las Negras and around Mojácar, and with a motorhome or campervan also in motorhome areas. Caravans are usually only accepted in campsites. Inside the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park overnight stays outside campsites and authorised areas are not allowed, and the rules are enforced. The route map shows the campsites, motorhome areas and parking places near every stop.

When is the best time to visit Almería and Cabo de Gata?

Spring (March to June) and autumn (September to November): warm, sunny days, a sea that is still pleasant in autumn and fewer people. July and August are hot and very busy, the beach car parks fill up early and access to some beaches is restricted. Winter is mild and sunny, a good season for walking, and many campsites stay open all year.

Can you drive the Almería and Cabo de Gata route in reverse or skip stops?

Yes. The route is a guide, not a fixed plan: you can start in Mojácar and drive south to Almería, begin at whichever stop is closest to you, or skip the stops that interest you less. Distances between stops stay the same in both directions.

Are the roads suitable for large motorhomes and caravans?

Yes, the main roads are good and distances are short. The exceptions are the dirt tracks to some beaches: the road from San José to Genoveses and Mónsul is unpaved and closed to motorhomes, with a bus from San José in summer, and the track to Cala de San Pedro can only be done on foot or by boat. The old town of Mojácar is steep and narrow: park at the bottom.

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