CARBONERAS
Cabo de Gata
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Top Attractions in Spain
Looking at Carboneras’ landscape today, it is difficult to imagine that at one time it was covered with trees – but it actually was! In fact, the name Carboneras comes from the 16th century when several furnaces where built in the area to make charcoal from local lumber. It was then loaded onto ships, many of which were destined for the coast of northern Africa.
The production of charcoal brought a lot of prosperity to the area which had been sparsely populated due to its isolated location. In the 19th and 20th centuries the main economic activity changed to the cultivation of esparto grass which was exported to England and used for the production of paper. Around this time the fishing industry started to develop as well.
Today, tourism is just one of the several industries within Carboneras. Although it is surrounded on all sides by the Cabo de Gata Nature Park, it is technically not part of it. Because of this, it does have a rather large industrial area that is home to a cement factory, a thermal power station, a fish farm and one of Europe’s largest desalinization plants.
If you want to make the most of your visit to Carboneras and Cabo de Gata, exploring the area from the water should be at the top of your list. It will give you the opportunity to discover a different perspective of the park, including secluded coastline areas that are pretty much inaccessible from the land.
There’s no better way to explore Cabo de Gata from the water than by hoping onboard a sailboat. We recommend these two different sailing excursions that depart from Carboneras:
If you want to explore the area from the water, you can also take part in this 2-hour boat tour to five coves in Cabo de Gata.
Starting from the Carboneras fishing port, this tour will take you to admire the park’s gorgeous coastline and its secluded beaches and coves, including among others the famous Playa de los Muertos.
After admiring the views of the small fishing town of Agua Amarga, the boat makes a stop at the remote Cala de Enmedio, where you will have the opportunity to swim and snorkel before heading back to Carboneras.
This kayaking & swimming excursion in Cabo de Gata can be the perfect plan for travelers looking for a more active and close to the water experience.
For 3 hours, you will be able to explore the coastline by kayak, accompanied by very attentive and professional guides, who will also teach you about the wildlife and geology of Cabo de Gata. You will also have a chance to snorkel in crystal clear water and observe the rich marine life first hand.
Note that the departing point of this tour varies depending on the wind. Participants are informed about the exact meeting location the day before the tour.
A different way to discover the natural park is participating in this 4x4 tour of Cabo de Gata. During the 2.5 hours of this activity, you will have the opportunity to visit some of the most beautiful corners of the area, such as the iconic Reef of the Mermaids, saltwater lakes, hidden pristine beaches and much more – all accompanied by an expert guide and driver. In addition, during the summer, the tour makes a stop for a swim at one of the beaches.
The starting point of this tour is the town of San Miguel de Cabo de Gata.
Stretching from Playa de los Muertos in the south to Playa del Algarrobico to the north, Carboneras has a lot of beaches – 17km of them to be exact. None of the beaches outside of the town have any amenities. However, the 4km of beaches next to the urban zone do have them. There you can expect to find parking, lifeguards, bathrooms & showers, shaded areas, trash cans, etc.
FULL GUIDE TO PLAYA DE LOS MUERTOS
The castle is located in the center of Carboneras, next to the water. This military fortress was built in the 16th century to defend the town from pirates and Moorish attacks. You can walk through a couple of rooms with exhibitions – it is nothing extraordinary but since it is free, you can’t really complain. The terrace on top of the castle probably has great views and that alone would merit a stop, but unfortunately it is permanently closed.
This original windmill is located in the center of town and is worth a visit. This type of windmill uses a cloth sail that was inherited from Mediterranean ships. It is different than the windmills found in La Mancha which used blades. The windmill houses a museum about mills and the local culture around them.
The Torre del Rayo (tower of lightning) is located just north of Carboneras town at the edge of a seaside cliff. You can climb to the top of it and enjoy some fantastic 360º views of the coastline including Carboneras, Playa del Algarrobico and the interior mountains.
The tower was built by the Moorish Nasrid dynasty to defend the Costa de Almeria against pirate attacks. It is the oldest structure in Carboneras.
The little island in front of town can be seen from pretty much anywhere on the beach. It is a great place for snorkeling and diving.
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