AGUA AMARGA

Cabo de Gata

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.

Visit Agua Amarga, Almeria

Agua Amarga's beachfront – Cabo de Gata, Spain
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.

Beach of Agua Amarga

Beach in Agua Amarga – Cabo de Gata, Almeria
Beach in Agua Amarga, Almeria
  • 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

1

CALA DEL PLOMO

Cala del Plomo – Cabo de Gata, Spain
Cala del Plomo in Cabo de Gata
  • 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
Link to full guide about Cala del Plomo  FULL GUIDE TO CALA DEL PLOMO

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2

CALA DE ENMEDIO

Cala de Enmedio – Cabo de Gata, Almeria
Cala de Enmedio – Almeria
  • 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

1

PLAYA DE LOS MUERTOS

Views of Playa de los Muertos from the lookout point – Cabo de Gata, Spain
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
Link to full guide about Playa de los Muertos  FULL GUIDE TO PLAYA DE LOS MUERTOS

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2

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

18th century tower at Mesa Roldán in Cabo de Gata, Almería
18th 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 18th century tower built by King Charles III. The original tower, which is no longer standing was built in the 9th 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.

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