The best of Agua Amarga, Cabo de Gata – Spain (2021)

Welcome to Agua Amarga

The quaint white-washed village of Agua Amarga is home to around 400 inhabitants and boasts a calm sandy beach with transparent turquoise water. The town has several picturesque corners and there are even a few clothing and craft shops. You can rent a kayak or hike to one of the many nearby intimate coves where you can relax or discover the diverse submarine life of the Cabo de Gata Natural Park. The famous Playa de los Muertos is a short car ride away. And you can arrive at Agua Amarga from Almeria Airport in just 40 minutes.

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Agua Amarga's beachfront

The name Agua Amarga means “bitter water” and comes from a time when trains would bring minerals from the mines of the Sierra Alhamilla Mountains to the town. The chemicals used in the mining process would taint the local water wells causing the water to be unfit for consumption.

On the eastern hill overlooking the town are the remains from the mineral extraction industry known as the “antiguo cargadero de mineral.” Here ships were loaded with iron ore arriving from Lucainena de las Torres. It is possible to explore the ruins and enjoy the awesome views of Agua Amarga and the coastline.

MAP: AGUA AMARGA

Beach of Agua Amarga

Beach in Agua Amarga

550m long | fine dark gold sand
Stretches along the village’s oceanfront, surrounded by rock cliffs on both sides
Family beach with easy access (incl. for people with reduced mobility)
Basic services: lifeguard, WC’s, showers, trash cans
Several bars and restaurants right next to it
Can get quite busy during the summer months
Variety of water activities: kayaks for rent, snorkel, dive, wakeboard, paddle surf
Also possible to rent a boat to explore the coast
Some small caves in the western end of the beach. Legend has it that they were inhabited in the past

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Beaches South of Agua Amarga

CALA DEL PLOMO

Cala del Plomo

250m long | fine dark sand and some small pebbles
Beautiful area but difficult access: follow the road from Agua Amarga direction Fernán Pérez, turn left at the sign “Cala del Plomo.” From there, follow the rough unpaved road for 8km. It’s a couple minutes walk from the parking area to the beach
Cristal clear water, shallow
Good for families with children
Perfect for swimming & snorkeling
Nudism is common
Although there are a couple of houses around, there are no services or amenities
Considering its remote location, it is quite popular

FULL GUIDE TO CALA DEL PLOMO

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CALA DE ENMEDIO

Cala de Enmedio

150 m long | fine golden sand
Cliffs on both sides
Crystalline water
Great for swimming (but be careful with waves and currents)
Very isolated – difficult access by foot
30 min walk from Agua Amarga or from the parking of Cala del Plomo
Another option: rent kayaks in Agua Amarga to get there
Nudism is common
Great views from the beach of the Agua Amarga village with Mesa Roldán & its castle in the backdrop
Undeveloped, no services

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Beaches North of Agua Amarga

PLAYA DE LOS MUERTOS

Playa de los Muertos

1.2 km long | small pebbles
Probably the most famous beach in Cabo de Gata
Located right after passing Mesa Roldán
It’s necessary to park and then walk downhill for 15 min to reach the beach
Features a huge free standing rock and beautiful water
Nudism is common

FULL GUIDE TO PLAYA DE LOS MUERTOS

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UNDEVELOPED COVES AROUND MESA ROLDÁN

Cala Arena, Cala Sorbas, Cala Castillo, Cala de la Media Naranja or Cala Almería
Difficult access by land: paths along rocky cliff-sides can get dangerous
Crystalline turquoise waters with lots of sea-life
Great snorkeling & diving
Easier to access by kayak/boat

Mesa Roldán

18^th century tower at Mesa Roldán

Mesa Roldán is a flat-top volcanic dome that is the remnant of an extinct volcano, whose crater is half eroded. It stands 200m above sea level and offers a great look out point with views to Agua Amarga, Carboneras, the coastline and the interior.

In addition to a lighthouse, there is also an 18^th century tower built by King Charles III. The original tower, which is no longer standing was built in the 9^th century by Abd-el-Rahman II, the Moorish Emir of Cordoba to protect against viking attacks. Game of Thrones fans might recognize this spot from season 6 when the city of Meereen was under attack.

Mesa Roldán is a 10 min drive east of Agua Amarga, almost halfway to Carboneras. To get there, take the paved road that goes towards the direction of the water from the Playa de los Muertos parking area. It is about a 5 min drive to get to the lighthouse and tower. You can’t enter either of them, but it is still a great place to go for a walk.

Top Accommodations in Agua Amarga

HOTELS

BOUTIQUE HOTEL EL TÍO KIKO

3-star boutique hotel in a quiet corner of Agua Amarga • 2-min walk from the beach • Elegant traditional décor with beautiful wooden furniture • All rooms feature a private balcony & hot tub • Outdoor swimming pool surrounded by gardens & sun terrace • Free private parking • Adults only hotel during high season (last week of June - first week of September) • 2 night minimum stay

HOTEL LAS CALAS

Just steps away from Agua Amarga’s beach • All rooms feature a private terrace overlooking the gardens or sea • Traditional white washed buildings • Guests can take bicycles for free to explore the area • Free public parking nearby • Minimum 4 night stay

CORTIJO LOS MALENOS

Charming cortijo (“country house”) in the Andalusian countryside • Guests need to have their own transportation • Village of Agua Amarga & its beach is 5 km away • Whitewashed buildings built in traditional style • Outdoor swimming pool • Stylish décor: simple, traditional, tasteful • 10 rooms spread around 3 courtyards with fountains, surrounded by 7 ha of gardens • Perfect place to disconnect & relax (rooms have no TV) • Fabulous breakfast • Free public parking

REAL AGUA AMARGA LA JOYA

Adults only hotel in nature in Cabo de Gata • Refined beach vibe • Village of Agua Amarga and its beach is 2 km away • Heated outdoor pool & panoramic views • Each suite has a private terrace with sun beds & sea views • Some suites feature a private hot tub • Free public parking on site

LA ALMENDRA Y EL GITANO

Peaceful rural retreat • Chic and stylish rooms • Some rooms have a jacuzzi • Swimming pool and outdoor chill-out area • 3-min walk to the beach of Agua Amarga • Free private parking on site • Minimum 3 night stay

MORE HOTELS IN CABO DE GATA

APARTMENTS

CORTIJO LA JOYA DE CABO DE GATA

1 & 2 bedroom apartments • Set on 1 hectare of beautiful gardens • Occupies a country house with warm rustic interior décor • Outdoor swimming pool, hot tub and small poolside bar • Terrace with barbecue facilities • Great for bikers: property offers bike rentals, storage room and personalized routes • Village of Agua Amarga and its beach is 3.5 km away • Free private parking on site • 5 night minimum stay

ARTO BLANCO

2-bedroom apartments • Features a garden and a small swimming pool • All units have a fully equipped kitchen (incl. washing machine) • Terrace • Basic décor, nothing fancy • 2-min walk to the beach of Agua Amarga • Private parking on site for 25€/day • 3 night minimum stay

CASA SERENE

1 & 2 bedroom apartments • 2-min walk to the beach • Swimming pool • Each unit has a balcony and a fully equipped kitchen (incl. washing machine) • Comfortable cozy décor

AGUA AMARGA