Mermaids' Reef
By the lighthouse.
T meltzer — CC BY-SA 4.0 · José Juan Sánchez — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Marc Capdevila — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Marc Capdevila — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Pedro José Ponce Asensio — CC BY-SA 4.0
The Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park is the largest protected coastal area in Andalusia, on Spain's southeast coast, about 32 km east of the city of Almería in a straight line. It lies in the only region of Europe with a hot desert climate. The Sierra del Cabo de Gata is a volcanic range of sharp peaks and crags that falls steeply to the Mediterranean in cliffs up to 100 metres high, cut by gullies that form small coves and sandy beaches. UNESCO named it a Biosphere Reserve in 1997, and small rocky islets lie offshore. The coast is marked by dark volcanic rock and odd formations, the best known being the Arrecife de las Sirenas, the «Mermaids' Reef», by the lighthouse: rocky spires rising from clear water. Behind the coast are salt flats where flamingos gather, dry hills of prickly pear and agave, and small white villages. Visitors drive between beaches and villages, walk coastal paths to the coves, and swim and snorkel in clear water. In summer cars are restricted at some beaches and shuttle buses run; spring and autumn are nicer for walking.
By the lighthouse.
Flamingos.
Swimming and snorkelling.
Cabo de Gata-Níjar, Almería province, Andalusia, Spain
It helps; in summer shuttles serve some beaches.
Spring or autumn for walking.