SPA-CDG1

Travel to your first nights' accommodation in the village of Agua Amarga. You stay in a beachfront hotel, typical of the blanched white stone buildings of the area. Outside you have terraced gardens, with far-reaching views over the surrounding bay.

1. AccommodationAgua Amarga

The week starts with a selection of routes. Your first option follows an old railway line at the top of Mesa de Roldán, the remains of an extinct volcanic cone. It's a steep climb to the top, but from here you have spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, you can take a detour inland to visit one of the regions ancient olive trees. The route leads down towards the coast soon after, in a desert like terrain known as "los espartales". Here, a diverse range of plantlife has thrived in an arid environment.

1. Circular walk from Agua Amarga
2. AccommodationAgua Amarga

The days hike begins with a route heading south out of Agua Amarga, joining inland tracks before meeting the coast to arrive at Rodalquilar. Your path is characterised by the dried up old riverbeds, known as "ramblas". Following this route, you'll reach the areas hidden coves, where the vivid colours of plantlife and flowers are like an oasis in the middle of the desert. From here, you'll cross paths with the picturesque bay (and eccentric hippy community) at Las Negras, as well as the pristine beach at El Playazo.

1. Agua Amarga to Rodalquilar
2. AccommodationRodalquilar

Your next day at Rodalquilar starts with a circular walk following the Rambla de la Granadilla, as it wends its way through hill and valley, agaisnt the backdrop of the Sierra mountains. The route runs into the Cortijo del Fraile, an old farmhouse with a chequered past, and the inspiration behind Federico García Lorca's, "Bodas de Sangre". You'll find the remains of old gold mines out in the hills, with the sandy tones of the old towers and structures blended into the valley rock. You also have the option of visiting the Casa de los Volanoes (House of the Volcanoes) and botanical gardens.

1. Circular walk to Cerro del Cinto
2. AccommodationRodalquilar

Eroded lava rock, dotted with dwarf palm trees make up today's route up the side of the areas imposing extinct volcanoes. Your route meets ancient Moorish water systems, wild olive groves and deep gorges as leave the desert behind and gaze out toward the Mediterranean beyond. Today's hike ends back at the hotel in Rodalquilar as the route loops back in on itself.

1. The volcanic garden
2. AccommodationRodalquilar

Today's walk to your final accommodation at San José follows a clifftop route down to one of the areas most stunning stretches of coast, where palm groves come into view as you walk among the dunes, to the dazzling white stone villages along the coast up ahead. Follow the shore along the volcanic dark sand beaches, where old smuggler hideaways are tucked into the inlets and bays as you walk the coastal path to San José. Just off the path inland from the village you have el Cerro de los Frailes, which at 493m is the highest point of the Cabo de Gata.

1. Rodalquilar to San José
2. AccommodationSan José

The area around San José is blessed with some of the regions most spectacular beaches. and today you can visit some of the celebrated of the area. Some of the beaches of Los Amarillos, Chica, grande del Barronal, Lance de Perro, Media Luna, Los Genoveses and Monsul, can only be reached on foot. Today's route takes in some of the visually striking aspects of the Cabo de Gata's coast, on a memorable route with ever-changing views and a fitting way to end your Spanish walking holiday in the Cabo de Gata Natural Park

1. Circular walk from San José
2. AccommodationSan José